This is a great and important question, as the impact of insect repellents on beneficial insects like bees is a critical concern for ecosystem health.
The answer for lavender is generally no, lavender is not harmful to beneficial insects like bees. In fact, it's quite the opposite:
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Lavender is a well-known pollinator magnet. Bees (honeybees, bumblebees, and various native bees) are highly attracted to lavender flowers for their abundant nectar and pollen. If you plant lavender in your garden, you will very likely observe bees frequently visiting the blooms. Studies have shown that lavender is one of the most popular garden plants for bees.
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The compounds that repel pests don't typically deter bees. The compounds in lavender that deter pests like mosquitoes, flies, ants, and moths (primarily linalool and linalyl acetate) do not seem to have the same deterrent effect on bees. Bees are drawn to the floral cues and the reward of nectar and pollen, and these compounds do not appear to disrupt their foraging behavior.
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Safe for bees when used naturally: When lavender is grown as a plant in the garden, or when pure lavender essential oil is used as a natural repellent (especially when diluted), it's considered safe for bees. The primary concern with bees and repellents comes from synthetic pesticides, which can be highly toxic to pollinators.
Important Distinction:
It's crucial to distinguish between:
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Lavender plants in the garden: These are highly beneficial for bees and other pollinators.
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Lavender essential oil as a repellent: While it might deter some undesirable insects, its use in diluted forms for personal or home use is generally considered safe for the environment and beneficial insects, particularly compared to broad-spectrum chemical insecticides.
So, if you're looking to support pollinators, planting lavender is an excellent choice. You'll be providing a valuable food source for bees while also benefiting from its pest-deterring properties against other unwanted insects.