How Lavender Repels Mosquitoes

Culinary Use

• Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years as a culinary seasoning and healing herb. In addition to its culinary properties, lavender essential oil is used to scent perfumes, lotions, soaps, shampoos and bath gels. Lavender is one the most widely used scents in aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil is a major component of many organic, plant-based insect repellents.

Lavender Repels Insects

• Lavender does an excellent job repelling mosquitoes, ticks, moths, mites and fleas. During the flowering stage, lavender nourishes many nectar-feeding birds, bees and other beneficial insects while warding off insects that infest tender young garden plants. Plant aromatic lavender under and around fruit trees to deter codling moths and white fly infestations.

Apply Often

• Essential oil-based insect repellents have a short term of effectiveness as the vapors dissipate. If mosquitoes persist in annoying you, reapply frequently. Sprinkle a few drops on hands and rub through hair and on exposed skin surfaces. Place 8 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball and tuck inside pockets or boots. The scent will remain longer on the cotton than if applied directly to the skin.

Lavender For Linens

• The majority of stinging, biting and otherwise irritating insects are repelled by the scent of lavender. Sprinkle flower buds between blankets and in stored woolens to repel moths. Add 20 to 30 drops of lavender essential oil to the final rinse water when laundering bed linens. The soothing scent of lavender leaves fabrics smelling clean and fresh while deterring bothersome flies, mosquitoes and dust mites.