Can lavender repel mosquitoes in Wisconsin?

Yes, lavender can repel mosquitoes in Wisconsin, but its effectiveness and the best methods of use will align with the mosquito season and climate conditions in the state.

Here's how lavender can be used to repel mosquitoes in Wisconsin:

1. Mosquito Season in Wisconsin:

   • Mosquitoes are typically most active in Wisconsin from May to September, and can remain active until temperatures become consistently too cold for them to survive. This means you have a significant window during the warmer months when mosquito repellent is needed.

   • Wisconsin has a variety of mosquito species, and their activity can vary depending on rainfall and standing water.

2. Using Live Lavender Plants in Wisconsin:

   • Cold-Hardy Varieties: Wisconsin falls largely into USDA Hardiness Zones 4 and 5, which means you need to select cold-hardy lavender varieties. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) cultivars like 'Munstead', 'Hidcote', and 'Phenomenal' are excellent choices as they are known for their cold tolerance and strong fragrance. Lavandins like 'Grosso' also perform well in many areas.

   • Strategic Planting: During Wisconsin's warmer months, plant these cold-hardy lavender varieties in your garden beds, around patios, near windows, or in containers. The scent they release will help deter mosquitoes in the immediate vicinity.

   • Container Mobility: Using containers is particularly advantageous in Wisconsin. You can place the potted lavender outdoors during the spring, summer, and early fall for mosquito deterrence, and then bring them indoors (to a sunny location) for winter protection, allowing them to survive and be ready for the next mosquito season.

3. Using Lavender Essential Oil in Wisconsin:

   • Topical Application: Diluted lavender essential oil can be applied directly to exposed skin when you're outdoors during Wisconsin's mosquito season. Mix 5-10 drops of pure lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil (like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil) or an unscented lotion.

   • DIY Sprays: You can make a homemade repellent spray by mixing lavender essential oil with water (and an emulsifier like witch hazel or rubbing alcohol) in a spray bottle. This can be used on skin, clothing, or sprayed around outdoor seating areas.

   • Diffusers: While less common for outdoor mosquito control, an outdoor diffuser with lavender essential oil could help create a mosquito-deterring zone on a patio or deck, especially on a still evening. Indoors, if any mosquitoes get in during milder weather, diffusing lavender can help make your home less appealing to them.

Important Considerations for Wisconsin:

• Plant Care: Even cold-hardy lavender needs full sun and excellent drainage to thrive in Wisconsin. Amend heavy clay soils with sand or gravel, and consider raised beds or mounds to ensure roots don't stay wet, especially during winter thaws and spring rains.

• Localized Effect: Remember that live lavender plants provide a localized repellent effect. For larger areas or heavy mosquito populations, you may need multiple plants or to combine them with other deterrent methods (like eliminating standing water).

• Reapplication: If using topical lavender essential oil, reapplication will be necessary, especially if sweating or after a few hours, as its effectiveness isn't as long-lasting as some synthetic repellents.

• Pollinators: Lavender flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Keep this in mind when placing plants near high-traffic human areas.

• CDC Recommendations: While studies show lavender's repellent properties, the CDC does not list it as a primary recommended repellent for preventing mosquito-borne diseases. For situations requiring strong protection (e.g., in areas with West Nile virus activity), EPA-registered repellents (which include some plant-derived options like lemon eucalyptus oil) are often recommended.