If you’ve ever dealt with mosquitoes before, then you know how annoying they can be. While many bug repellents out there help keep the pesky bugs away, some people prefer to use more natural methods. One of these methods is lavender. But does it work? Let’s find out!
What Is Lavender?
Lavender is a plant from the mint family with a sweet, fragrant scent. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, and its essential oil is often used in aromatherapy. In addition to being used as an insect repellent, lavender is also known for its calming effects and usefulness in treating skin irritations like minor cuts and burns.
Does Lavender Work as an Insect Repellent?
The short answer is yes! Studies have shown that lavender does indeed help repel mosquitoes by masking the carbon dioxide that humans exhale – something that attracts mosquitoes in the first place. Additionally, researchers believe that the compounds present in lavender could also act as an irritant to certain mosquito species.
Even though research has proven that lavender helps repel mosquitoes, it’s important to remember that it isn’t 100 percent effective at keeping them away. To get the best results, you should combine other insect repellents – such as citronella candles – with the use of lavender. This will give you the best chance of keeping those pesky bugs away!
One study conducted in 2004 found that the essential oil derived from lavender was effective at repelling female mosquitoes when applied directly to the skin.
Another study published in 2006 found that certain extracts from lavender were effective at repelling cockroaches, which suggests that lavender may also be effective against other pests.
How Does Lavender Work?
Lavender contains compounds such as linalool and camphor, which are thought to be responsible for their insect-repelling properties. These compounds give off a strong aroma that can mask human scents and make it harder for insects like mosquitoes to locate their prey.
Additionally, some researchers believe that these compounds may interfere with an insect’s ability to detect carbon dioxide, which is how they typically find their victims.
How do you use lavender to keep mosquitoes away?
There are a few different ways to use lavender to keep mosquitoes away. One is to rub the oil on your skin – be sure to dilute it first, as undiluted lavender oil can irritate. You can also make a spray by combining lavender oil and water in a spray bottle and spritzing it around your home.
The scent of lavender will repel mosquitoes, and the oil will also help to kill any that land on surfaces like countertops or furniture. Finally, you can grow lavender plants in your garden or yard – they will look pretty and help keep mosquitoes at bay. So if you’re looking for a natural way to keep these pesky insects away, give lavender a try!
What Else Can You Do To Keep Mosquitoes Away?
In addition to using lavender as a bug repellent, there are other things you can do to make sure mosquitoes don’t invade your home or yard.
First, make sure any standing water around your house is eliminated or drained adequately, so they don’t have standing water sources on which to breed.
Second, keep your lawn trimmed and free of debris like leaves or grass clippings, so they don’t have anywhere to hide during the day.
Third, use citronella candles outside when entertaining guests or just sitting out on the porch to help keep the bugs away.
Finally, wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves when going outdoors at night—mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors, so wearing light colors will help you remain unnoticed by them.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a natural way to repel mosquitoes this season, look no further than lavender! The sweet-smelling herb has been proven to be effective at masking human scents and acting as an irritant to certain species of mosquitoes – making it one of nature’s most potent bug repellents! But, of course, using lavender alone may not be enough; if you really want to keep those buggers away this summer, remember to combine it with other insect repellents for maximum effectiveness. Happy mosquito-free days ahead!