Lavender is one of the most beautifulversatile herbsAny gardener can grow; Whether as a medicinal, culinary or beauty plant, it has been one of the most commonly cultivated herbs for thousands of years. But did you know that lavender is also one of the most powerful insect repellents?
Lavender is an excellent natural insect repellent for the following reasons:non-toxicthe so-called relationshipLinalol.Used in various insect repellents, linalool keeps insects such as mosquitoes, spiders, fleas, ants, ticks, fleas, fruit flies and bed bugs out of your home and living area.
- Lavender is one of the most versatile herbs as it can be used as a medicinal, culinary and beauty plant and is easy to grow.
- Lavender is great as a natural insect repellent because the oil contains a compound called linalool.
- This herb can keep various bugs and insects away from your home like mosquitoes, ants, ticks and fruit flies.
- Lavender oil can be applied to insect bites to relieve itching and discomfort.
- Lavender is a great, non-toxic alternative to many of the harsh chemicals found in DEET and Picaridin-based aerosols.
Lavender as a natural insect repellent
There are various times throughout the year when bugs and insects can invade our homes in droves and leave us disgusteduncomfortable feelingas well as numerous insect bites that make us scratch all day long.
It is necessary to protect yourself from theminvasive insects and bugs,be it mosquitoes, ants, ticks or fruit flies.
First, it saves you from the constant itching and reduces the risk of developing various diseases like eczemaLyme and Zika.Lavender is one of themthe safest and most efficientWays to control a large part of these pests.
The reason for lavender's powerful antibacterial properties is a compound found in the plant called linalool, which contains various compoundsinsect repellent properties.
It is also available in different finishesother herbssuch as basil, mint, thyme and oregano. Despite this, lavender is widely recognizedthe strongestand effective in repelling insects.
The scent of plants containing linalool is known to repel all manner of pests and insects and can help rid your living space of these unwanted invaders.
Lavender and other herbs containing linalool are often considered the most non-toxic and safe alternatives to pharmaceutical insect repellents.
What insects does lavender repel?
Lavender is one of the most effective insect repellents due to its high content of linalool, a compound used in many insect repellents.
If your home tends tosmall invasionsBe it mosquitoes, spiders, ants or fruit flies, lavender can be a great alternative to chemical repellents.
Lavender can be burned or used as an oil to help repel numerous insects and vermin and keep your home and garden cleanfree from pests.
Below we list the main insects and vermin that lavender can repel from your home, living spaces and garden.
mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of themmostlyPests that, thanks to their philanthropy, can be a nuisance in and around the house.
You feel attractedcarbon dioxidethat are released from our skin, and a group of them can often cause distress when they start biting you on different parts of the body.
When burning asOil,Lavender really cancover the smellWe excrete a secretion that attracts these flying pests and even helps scare them away from your home.
Alternatively you cancrush flowers,This releases mosquito repellent oil and fragrance from your home.
ants
Ants are another common insect capable of thisdisturb your peacein the garden and at home. Once they begin to establish themselves around the home, this is often requiredprofessionalTo get rid of them, it is best to make an effort to prevent these pests.
Like many other insects, ants dislike the smell of lavender any more than humans do. So if you're trying to drive them out of your yard, a fewplants at a distance from each otherAround the porch it is enough to leave a scent and deter them.
Alternatively, you can do that toohold the potnear areas where ants congregate, the composter or garbage can, and at the front door.
You can even roughly chop some leavesPulverand sprinkle around areas you've noticed bunching up.
fleas and ticks
Flea or tick infestations are often transmitted from animal to animal; However, they can be brought home and prove to be a difficult pest to eradicate.
Although lavender doesn't kill ticks or fleas, it can helpkeep them awayYour pets and therefore from your garden and house.
If you have a pet, lavender can help protect them from fleas and ticks by applying a small amount of lavender oil to them.Collar.Lavender is considered a safe and non-toxic repellent for cats and dogs.
be crazy
have spidersa love-hate relationshipwith people; Some people don't mind their presence at all and enjoy the fact that they eat a large proportion of the insects that infest your home.
in contrast to otherspetrifiedtheir company and would have been glad if they hadn't come home.
Luckily for those who are afraid of spiders, lavender can scare them away from home, forcing them to seek shelter elsewhere.
Spiders have a great sense of smell. However, they don't like strong smells like the one my lavender gives off.
If you want to make sure your home is a little spider-free, mix about 15 drops of your favorite lavender essential oil in a spray bottle filled with waterSpray it all overhe house. You can also burn oil on an oil burner and it works similarly.
fruit flies
Fruit flies are a special type of insect or pest that appear when fruits and produce are missing and startingTime schedulecourt hearing.
you will begather somewhereOld fruits decompose, e.g. B. Fruit bowls, kitchens, trash cans and even pantries.
This special type of pest is well knownmultiply very quicklyAnd if left untreated, it can begin nesting and breeding anywhere there is rotting food, such as: B. in waste water, in waste containers and in kitchen cupboards. So aim bestpreventionin this case in contrast to the treatment.
Like most of the other pests on this list, fruit flies dislike the strong smell of lavender and its oil.
A good way to make sure they stay away from the fruit bowl issoak the clothin a mixture of lavender oil and water before draining excess liquid and leaving on a damp cloth. This repels fruit flies without heating them.
mites
Bed bugs are the bane of any hard working person as there is nothing worse than working all day and coming home with an infestation of ugly, biting bugs at your resting place.
But you shouldn't panic when they come to your bed, because they always arenatural wayto enable you to have a restful sleep.
Although controlling these pests can be challenging due to the many ways they can invade your home, lavender is an excellent deterrent and can even drive them out of your home.
Lavender oil can work effectively and efficientlydestroyany bed bugs that show up in your bed and their eggs.
Bed bugs abhor the smell, taste, and aroma that emanates from both crushed lavender leaves and lavender oil. It is best to first mix the oil with water and in a spray bottlesprayit's all over your bed, both top and bottom; Then when this has calmed down, clean everything in the washing machine and also add some oil.
bee
Bees are one of the insects most often welcomed as guests in the garden. However, once they start entering the house, it can usually change people's minds about their presence.
When you feel like you have more bees in your home than you would like and prefer to keep them close byzapylanieFor your flowers in the garden, there are several ways to use lavender to achieve this.
Because bees don't like itOdorThe best way to prevent plants like lavender from entering your room is to burn themlavender oil.
You can also use the so-calledspray bottleThis allows you to keep them away from certain areas such as doors, window frames and around the bed.
cockroaches
Lavender can even work against giant insects like roaches as they are another insect that despises the strong smell of lavender and its oil.
Cockroaches can bedifficult to controlOnce they start nesting, it's best to take preventive measures to keep them out of your home.
Lavender oil helpschase awayCockroaches that have already begun to take refuge in your home, while preventing new ones from appearing.
Alternatively, you can use the spray bottle methodspritzPlaces you've noticed coming in and out of your home.
Lavender as a natural insect repellent
Lavender can be used as a natural insect repellentmany possibilities;Whether you buy it in oil form or use fresh and dry leaves at home, many options can help you control unwanted pests.
Although lavender is commonly used as an insect repellent oil, it also has excellent propertiesAntiphlogistikumProperties that may help relieve itching and discomfort from numerous insect bites.
If you are preparing a lavender lotion for itching or insects, you can apply the oil directly to the bites on the skin, but it is possibletoo strongsome people's skin.
Therefore, you can use a carrier oil like sesame, almond, jojoba, or apricot oil that will make skin care easier.
This lavender oil blend is also great for everyoneinsect bitesfor example from a spider, ant or fire ant. You can also use it if you have been stung by a bee or wasp. It soothes the sting and reduces inflammation.
Application
So now you know that lavender is one of the most beautifulstrong and non-toxicPlan the cultivation of insect repellent yourself and protect your home and garden from unwanted pests.
You will havesweet smellingA fragrance that will refresh your home and the best part is that it is chemical free insect repellent.
Okay, that's all for this article. Here are some handpicked articles you might also be interested in:
What chemicals are in plants that repel insects?
Natural Insect Repellent for Windows (7 Examples)
What Pests Can Peppermint Repel?
Steve'a Fostera
I'm crazy about bugs and I want to publish as many articles as possible to educate people about these amazing, beautiful creatures! For more information see my page at https://schoolofbugs.com/about-steve-foster/
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FAQs
What insects do lavender repel? ›
1. Lavender. Not only is lavender beautiful and fragrant, but it is known to repel mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths.
How well does lavender repel bugs? ›Lavender
A soothing favorite for centuries, lavender repels fleas, moths, mosquitoes, and many other insects. While oil extracted from the flowers makes an effective mosquito repellent, the plant itself can also ward off unwelcome insects.
Lavender. Include beautiful lavender in your garden plans to help keep biting mosquitoes at bay. Varieties with higher camphor properties are the most effective insect repellents. This includes 'Provence' and 'Grosso' lavender.
Does lavender repel biting insects? ›Lavender oil is thought to be effective in repelling adult mosquitos (as found in an NIH animal study), but it's not the only one. Other essential oils traditionally recommended for bug-repellent properties are citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, geranium, spearmint, thyme, and clove.
Does lavender repel ants? ›Lavender may smell pleasant to humans but it's not so popular with ants, flies, moths, fleas and mosquitoes. A pot near your door can keep ants away; lavender in boiled water is thought to repel ants; and the oil can help to keep skin bite-free.
Does lavender repel spiders? ›Spiders really don't like strong scents such as citrus, peppermint, tea-tree, lavender, rose or cinnamon. Add 15 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil or a couple of capfuls of Zoflora fragrance to a spray bottle filled with water, and spritz around the house.
Does lavender repel cockroaches? ›Lavender. Cockroaches hate the smell of lavender, and that is good news for you. If you love to grow lavender in your yard and garden, you are more than halfway to a roach-free home.
Does lavender repel snakes? ›No scientific evidence supports it, but Lavender is widely considered to repel snakes. Its essential oils are somewhat similar to those of clove and cinnamon, although it might not be the most effective choice.
Why does lavender repel insects? ›This is because lavender contains a non-toxic compound called linalool, which is used in many pest control products. Apart from mosquitoes and ticks, lavender also often deters spiders, ants and fleas.
Does lavender repel wasps? ›Lavender: Lavender has a sweet scent that can attract bees but repel yellow jackets and wasps. Plant lavender in your garden or use it in pots around your home. Wormwood: Wormwood has a strong scent that can repel many insects.
Does lavender repel flies? ›
Lavender is a good natural choice for keeping bugs at bay. Not only does the herb smell amazing but it also repels flies, beetles and even fleas. This is due to the lavender oil.
Does lavender repel scorpions? ›Use Dried Lavender in Window Sills as Scorpion Repellent
That's why a thin scattering Lavender flowers on your window sills, along the baseboards, under the sinks, and any other dark place around the house is a best practice for repelling scorpions outside your home.
Lavender.
About the only insects you see around lavender are bees. They love the flowers, but other bugs stay away.
Even better, lavender plants repel animals from your yard and garden. Lavender keeps mice, mosquitos, and other common pests at bay. The intense fragrance deters the critter from the area, making it wise to grow in your yard or garden.
Does lavender repel stink bugs? ›When it comes to plants that repel stink bugs, oddly enough, the smellier the better. Plants like lavender, garlic, and catnip are among some of the best options for keeping stink bugs away from your home. Plant these nearby and most insects will avoid paying you a visit.
Do flying ants hate lavender? ›Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and thyme work well to repel ants.
Is lavender safe for dogs? ›Can dogs eat lavender? No, never feed your dog lavender buds or essential oil. They both contain linalool, a compound that is toxic to dogs in large amounts.
What will ants not cross? ›Try pouring a line of cream of tartar, red chili powder, paprika, or dried peppermint at the place where you think ants might be entering the house; they won't cross it.
What is attracted to lavender? ›Adding lavender to your garden will attract butterflies, bees, and other helpful insects. Lavender plants are deer resistant, making them a welcome addition for many homeowners looking for plants they don't have to share with the local wildlife.
Is lavender safe for Cats? ›While it is not deadly, lavender is toxic for cats. Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats cannot process in their livers. This means that consuming too much lavender can lead to liver damage.
Do spiders hate peppermint or lavender more? ›
Peppermint is the most effective oil to repel spiders. Besides peppermint and spearmint, essential oils for spiders include citrus elements like orange, lemon and lime. Citronella, cedar wood, tea tree oil and lavender also can be effective. However, consider whether you want to get rid of spiders at all.
Does lavender repel water bugs? ›One study found that a combination of citronella, lemon, rose, lavender and basil oils was an effective insect repellent when mixed with water.
What scent kills roaches? ›Research has found that some essential oils—especially rosemary oil—are effective at repelling roaches. Rosemary oil was found to offer a 100% roach mortality rate at the concentration range of 2.5% to 30%. So mix it with water and spray away at your problem areas!
What smells scare cockroaches? ›Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep cockroaches at bay. Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid.
What smell do snakes hate? ›Ammonia: Snakes dislike the odor of ammonia so one option is to spray it around any affected areas. Another option is to soak a rug in ammonia and place it in an unsealed bag near any areas inhabited by snakes to deter them away.
Do snakes hate rosemary? ›There is a myth floating around out there that rosemary repels snakes, when in fact, the opposite is true.
Do butterflies like lavender? ›Lavender – The lovely purple flowers attract butterflies and add a lovely pop of color to your garden.
Does lavender repel ticks? ›Lavender is a perennial that has a nice smell and beautiful flowers. Beautiful flowers are just one of the great things about this plant. It also is said to repel ticks, moths, mice, the pesky black fly, mosquitoes and fleas!
Does lavender repel gnats? ›Plants that Repel Gnats.
There is a handful that can keep gnats at bay, including geraniums, lemon thyme, lavender, and Mexican marigold. The wonderful thing about using plants is that not only do they look nice in your garden, but they will also help keep more than just gnats away.
But, simply put, bees love lavender in bloom, as they love anything in bloom where they can get nectar or pollen.
Does lavender get rid of bees? ›
Bees also have a distaste for lavender oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. These are all topical defenses you can add to your skin to keep bees away. Unlike other flying insects, bees are not attracted to the scent of humans; they are just curious by nature.
Do Hornets like the smell of lavender? ›Finally, as your garden is likely to be where a wasp nest emerges, there are some general tips and tricks to stop them from getting into your home. Wasps are attracted to sweet-smelling plants like lavender and rosemary, so refrain from planting these too close to your property.
Why do flies hate lavender? ›Yes, Lavender can indeed repel flies. Extracted from the leaves, this aromatic perennial plant possesses a chemical substance called linalool that the flies hate and is typically incorporated in many fly-repellent lotions.
Do black flies hate lavender? ›Vanilla extract, pine, or lavender oil repels biting black flies and mosquitoes too.
Is there a plant that repels spiders? ›Many odorous plants will do a great job of keeping spiders away. Citrus, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint, you name it — if it has a strong smell, it likely comes from one of the many plants that spiders hate.
What scent kills scorpions? ›I figured out the two things scorpions hate most of all, lavender and cedarwood oil! Makes sense that something that is so gross would hate two things that smell so sweet! Cedarwood oil is the most important part, they HATE it, as it will kill them on the spot.
What kills scorpions naturally? ›Boric Acid/Borax. Boric acid and, to a lesser extent, Borax, are natural substances that can be sprayed or placed on scorpions to eventually kill them.
What scares scorpions? ›Lavender, cinnamon, peppermint and cedar are all essential oils said to deter scorpions. These can be diluted with the carrier oil of your choice and sprayed along scorpion problem areas and entry points—such as baseboards, windowsills, doorways, and around the perimeter of your home.
Does lavender repel moths? ›“Lavender has been used for centuries for its bug-repelling properties,” she says. “It has terpene compounds that are said to help keep moths away,” she says.
Does lavender smell attract mosquitoes? ›Known for its soothing and relaxing properties, lavender's fragrance is what keeps mosquitoes away.
Does lavender repel rats? ›
Lavender has very a strong aromatic scent and is quite effective at repelling rats, mosquitoes, and moths. Alternatively, to growing this herb, you could sprinkle a few stalks around the base of plants in your garden creating a barrier and keeping rats at bay.
What is lavender good for repelling? ›Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is such a versatile oil with so many benefits, including repelling insects and bugs. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help to heal bug bites and stop the itching. Most Effective for Mosquitos, Ticks, Fleas, Spiders, Ants, Fruit Flies, Lice, Gnats and Bed Bugs.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most famous mosquito repellents, but it's easy to see its appeal. Melanie explains that, while the pest dislikes its distinctive scent, the same smell has a calming effect on humans – which is why it's often used as an essential oil for aromatherapy and meditation.
Lavender - there are many different types of lavender which will attract ladybugs and butterflies. Their spikes of lavender or blue flowers are also prized for their fragrance.
Why do mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender? ›This essential oil (and the plant from which it derives) contains a compound known as linalool, which produces a strong odor that is pleasant to humans and detestable to mosquitos. This is primarily because it overloads their sensitive olfactory organs, much in the same manner as DEET (1).
What plants repel mosquitoes and stink bugs? ›Try repelling these odiferous arthropods by planting – get this – smelly plants. Garlic, catnip, lavender, and thyme are examples. Radishes, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are also known to repel these pests.
Does lavender keep roaches away? ›Cockroaches hate the smell of lavender, and that is good news for you. If you love to grow lavender in your yard and garden, you are more than halfway to a roach-free home.
Why do so many insects hate lavender? ›This is because lavender contains a non-toxic compound called linalool, which is used in many pest control products. Apart from mosquitoes and ticks, lavender also often deters spiders, ants and fleas.
What smell do bugs hate the most? ›Those most closely associated with repellency are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and catnip oil, but others include clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium.
Does lavender keep mice away? ›Lavender. Mice truly detest the lavender scent, so if you apply it properly, this might be a good way to scare them away and avoid infestations. What's more - lavender generally helps lower anxiety and improve sleep, so there are some positive side effects for you.
What smell do spiders hate? ›
It's easy to keep spiders away using natural products. These eight-legged creatures hate the smell of citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. They also don't like peppermint oils, tea tree oils, eucalyptus, and vinegar. Using any of these around your home will keep spiders away.
What bugs smell when killed? ›Stink bugs range in size from half an inch to an inch in size, but their most notable characteristic is the one that gives them their name. When stink bugs are frightened, disturbed, or killed by crushing, they emit a pungent odor that some describe as skunk-like.
Do bugs smell fear? ›When humans or other animals are scared, we release the fear pheromone. Consequently, bees can smell these chemicals our bodies release. Individual bees that detect the fear pheromone communicate quickly to nearby bees about the threat.