Is lavender effective as a natural mosquito repellent?

Lavender, particularly in the form of its essential oil, can be effective as a natural mosquito repellent, though its efficacy and duration of protection can vary compared to synthetic repellents like DEET or picaridin.

Here's a breakdown of how lavender works and what to consider:

How Lavender Repels Mosquitoes:

• Linalool: Lavender contains a compound called linalool, which is believed to be the primary active ingredient responsible for its repellent effect. Linalool can overwhelm a mosquito's sense of smell, making it harder for them to locate hosts.

• Strong Scent: Mosquitoes generally dislike strong scents, and lavender's distinct aroma acts as a deterrent.

Effectiveness and Studies:

• Varying Results: Research on lavender as a mosquito repellent has yielded varying results.

  • Some studies suggest high effectiveness: A 2019 study, for instance, indicated an 80% repellent rate against mosquitoes for up to eight hours with lavender essential oil. Another 2009 study found a 93% repellent rate indoors and around 53% outdoors.

  • Other sources, like the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, caution that while some essential oils may offer limited repellency, their effects typically last only a few minutes to an hour and require frequent reapplication, making them far less effective than EPA-approved repellents.

• Concentration Matters: The effectiveness depends on the concentration of the active compounds. Lavender essential oil is generally more concentrated and therefore more effective than the living plant.

• Form of Lavender:

  • Lavender Plants: Growing lavender plants can help deter mosquitoes in the immediate vicinity due to the scent released by their leaves. However, their effectiveness for a large area is limited. Also, be aware that while they repel mosquitoes, lavender flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, so consider placement if you don't want these buzzing insects near seating areas during bloom time.

  • Lavender Essential Oil: This is generally the most effective form for repellency due to its concentration.

How to Use Lavender as a Mosquito Repellent:

1. Topical Application (Diluted Essential Oil):

   • Dilute pure lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. A common recommendation is 1-2 drops of lavender oil per ounce of carrier oil for a gentle repellent, or a 10-20% dilution for stronger repellency (e.g., 20-40 drops per ounce of carrier oil).

   • Apply to exposed skin. Always do a patch test first to check for skin irritation.

2. Spray:

   • Create a DIY spray by mixing lavender essential oil with water in a spray bottle. A common dilution is 30-40 drops of essential oil per 45 ml (about 1.5 oz) of water, or a 20% oil to 80% water dilution. You can add a small amount of witch hazel or high-proof alcohol as an emulsifier to help the oil disperse.

   • Spray directly on skin or clothes. Again, test on a small area of fabric first to ensure no staining.

3. Diffuser:

   • Diffusing lavender essential oil in an area (indoors or in a sheltered outdoor space) can help create a mosquito-deterring zone.

4. Sachets/Cotton Balls:

   • Sachets filled with dried lavender buds or cotton balls with a few drops of lavender essential oil can be placed in outdoor areas like patios, near windows, or under outdoor furniture.

5. Crushed Flowers:

   • If you have fresh lavender plants, you can crush the flowers and rub the oil directly onto bite-sensitive areas of your body.

Important Considerations:

• Purity: Ensure you are using 100% pure lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia). Synthetic "fragrance oils" do not have the same repellent properties.

• Reapplication: Like most natural repellents, lavender essential oil may need to be reapplied more frequently than synthetic repellents like DEET, especially outdoors, in humid conditions, or if you are sweating.

• CDC/EPA Stance: It's important to note that while research shows promise, the CDC currently does not recommend lavender oil as a primary mosquito repellent for preventing mosquito-borne diseases. It is also not EPA-registered for this purpose. For situations requiring strong, long-lasting protection against mosquito-borne illnesses (like Zika, West Nile, or Dengue fever), EPA-registered repellents (which include some plant-derived options like oil of lemon eucalyptus) are generally recommended.

• Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience skin irritation from essential oils, especially if applied undiluted or in high concentrations. Always dilute and patch test.

In summary, lavender can be a useful natural alternative or a complementary tool for mosquito management, particularly for lighter mosquito activity or when you prefer a pleasant-smelling repellent. For heavy mosquito populations or areas with disease risk, consider consulting CDC recommendations for EPA-registered repellents.