Several commercial bug spray products are available that use plant-based oils as a wasp repellent. Taking cues from these ingredients, you will find that eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and lemon oil are found in natural insect repellents.
One word of caution is to be careful about the types of essential oil you put on your skin because some can cause reactions in those who are sensitive, and make sure that you only use oils marked as food grade and approved for use in and on the body. Some plants are considered to be helpful as wasp repellents, and that can be used on your skin include:
You can mix these essential oils with a little water in a spray bottle, spray your skin directly, or spray your clothing. Make sure to shake the mixture before spraying, and you will have to reapply it every few hours. These oils might help convince the wasps to move on to more attractive targets, but there is no guarantee, especially when wasps become more aggressive in the late summer and fall.
Knowing what smells deter wasps can help, too. Citronella will also keep them away, but you can’t use this on your skin. Using a citronella candle or oil torch can help keep many types of flying insects away from your gathering. Cucumbers have a chemical in them that is a natural wasp repellent, too.