Do Mosquitoes Really Hate Lavender?
WouterAlmost everyone has heard that lavender is a good mosquito repellent. The plant itself has many different subtypes, but the one that has the best mosquito repelling qualities is Lavandula angustifolia. This plant contains an essential oil called linalool. Linalool is a terpenoid alcohol that affects mosquito receptors the same way DEET does.
Lavender can be grown in a container or in your garden. It will need to be cultivated in an area with well-draining soil and in full sun.
Lavender’s pleasant scent and its ability to soothe insect bites make it a great mosquito repellent. It is especially effective when combined with another oil, such as citronella oil. This combination can be applied to the skin directly or mixed with a carrier oil.
Lavender is also an effective mosquito repellent for children. It’s a good idea to check with a reputable lavender product before using it on your children.
One study conducted at Colorado State University found that lavender was an effective mosquito repellent. The researchers found that lavender exhibited a 93% repellent rate against mosquitoes indoors, and a 53% repellent rate outdoors.
Lavender can be used to repel a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, ants, flies, and ticks. It can also be used as a post-bite ointment. Lavender also has antifungal and analgesic properties.
Lavender has a pleasant, floral scent. If you don’t like the smell of lavender, you can also purchase essential oils to use as a mosquito repellent.
