Heidi Norton
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, and with the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, it's important to protect ourselves from bites. Many people are turning to natural alternatives to chemical repellents, such as lavender, but do they work? Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is a herb with a distinctive scent that is pleasing to humans. The plant contains a compound called linalool, which produces a strong odour that is repellent to mosquitoes. Scientific studies have shown that lavender oil can be an effective mosquito repellent, with a 2009 study finding a 93% repellant rate against mosquitoes indoors. However, the effectiveness of lavender oil drops outdoors, with only a 53% repellant rate. Other natural oils, such as citronella, cinnamon, and thyme, are also known to repel mosquitoes. While these natural alternatives may be safer, it's important to understand their limitations and use them correctly to ensure protection from mosquito bites.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of lavender perfume as a mosquito repellent | A 2009 study found that lavender oil had a 93% repellant rate against mosquitoes indoors and a 53% repellant rate outdoors. Other sources claim that lavender oil can repel mosquitoes for up to eight hours. |
| Active compound in lavender responsible for repelling mosquitoes | Linalool, which produces a strong odor that is pleasant to humans and detestable to mosquitoes. |
| Effectiveness of other natural mosquito repellents | Citronella oil, catnip, rosemary, lemon eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, and cinnamon oil are some other natural ingredients that can repel mosquitoes. |
| Limitations of natural mosquito repellents | Natural mosquito repellents may need to be reapplied frequently as their effects can last from a few minutes to an hour. |
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What You'll Learn
The effectiveness of lavender perfume as a mosquito repellent
Lavender is a fragrant herb with a variety of uses. It is a popular option for gardens and landscapes due to its aesthetic appeal and pleasant scent. Lavender is also known for its ability to repel certain insects and animals, such as deer and rabbits, making it a favoured choice for gardeners.
The chemical compound responsible for lavender's sweet floral scent is called linalool. This compound produces a strong odour that is pleasant to humans but highly unpleasant to mosquitoes. Linalool disrupts a mosquito's sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate food sources or hosts.
Lavender's effectiveness as a mosquito repellent has been demonstrated in scientific studies. A 2009 study found that lavender oil had a 93% repellency rate against mosquitoes indoors and a 53% repellency rate outdoors. Another study in 2019 tested the efficiency of plant-based essential oils, including lavender oil, and found that these oils could repel different species of mosquitoes for up to eight hours.
Lavender can be used as a mosquito repellent in various forms. You can grow lavender plants in your garden, use lavender essential oils, or create homemade lavender sprays. To use lavender oil as a repellent, you can apply it directly to the skin or dilute it with a carrier oil, such as sunflower oil or witch hazel.
While lavender is effective as a mosquito repellent, it is important to note that its effects may not be as long-lasting as chemical repellents. Natural repellents like lavender oil may need to be reapplied frequently, and their effectiveness can depend on factors such as formulation and concentration. Additionally, combining lavender with other natural repellents, such as cinnamon oil or citronella oil, can enhance its mosquito-repelling properties.
In conclusion, lavender perfume can be an effective and natural way to repel mosquitoes. Its pleasant scent, appealing aesthetics, and insect-repelling properties make it a popular choice for those seeking a gentler and safer alternative to chemical repellents. However, it is important to understand the limitations of natural repellents and follow recommended guidelines for effective protection against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.
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The chemical composition of lavender
The primary compound responsible for lavender's mosquito-repelling properties is linalool. This compound produces a strong odour that overloads the sensitive olfactory organs of mosquitoes, similar to the effect of DEET, a common chemical insect repellent. Linalool is present in high concentrations in lavender essential oil, sometimes making up as much as 25% of its composition.
In addition to linalool, lavender essential oil contains other important constituents that contribute to its unique chemical composition. These include linalyl acetate, E-β-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, caryophyllene, carvacrol, lavandulyl, geraniol, and eucalyptol. The relative quantities of these compounds can vary depending on factors such as the plant species, geographic origin, climatic conditions, growth methods, harvesting techniques, and oil preparation processes.
For example, a study comparing lavender essential oil samples from Bulgaria and the Crimean Peninsula found significant differences in their chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities. The Bulgarian sample contained higher levels of linalyl acetate (27.5%) and linalool (24.1%), while the Crimean sample had higher levels of other compounds with varying effects on facial skin microbiota.
Lavender's chemical composition, particularly the presence of linalool, is what makes it an effective natural mosquito repellent. When used in combination with other natural repellents like cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, or citronella oil, lavender can provide an even stronger defence against mosquitoes.
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Other natural mosquito repellents
While lavender perfume may help repel mosquitoes, there are several other natural mosquito repellents that can be used as well.
Citronella
Citronella grass, or lemongrass, is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellents. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes away. The living plant is the most effective at repelling mosquitoes. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in warm, sunny, and dry climates.
Catnip
Catnip, or catmint, is another effective mosquito repellent. It is from the mint family and grows abundantly as a commercial plant and a weed. A study at Iowa State University found that catnip was ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical commonly used in most insect repellents.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a well-known natural repellent that has been used since the 1940s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective mosquito repellent. A 2014 study showed that a mixture of 32% lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95% protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours.
Cinnamon Oil
According to a study in Taiwan, cinnamon oil can kill mosquito eggs and repel adult mosquitoes, especially the Asian tiger mosquito. To make a diluted 1% solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil for every 4 ounces of water. You can then spray the fluid onto your skin, clothing, or surroundings.
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How to make lavender oil
While there is scientific evidence that lavender oil can repel mosquitoes, it is not yet clear whether the presence of lavender plants alone produces enough ambient linalool to keep mosquitoes away. However, if you're looking to make your own lavender oil, here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions:
Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. These include a glass jar or another container with a lid, a fine mesh strainer or sieve, organic cheesecloth, and a carrier oil such as extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, or argan oil. You will also need lavender flowers or buds, preferably young and fresh flowers with higher essential oil content. If you are using dried flowers, air-dried or dehydrated flowers on very low heat are best to preserve the maximum beneficial compounds.
Once you have your materials, fill your chosen jar or container with the dried lavender flowers or buds until it is about two-thirds or almost fully full. Then, pour your chosen carrier oil over the lavender, ensuring that the lavender is fully submerged in the oil. Tightly seal the jar with a lid and shake it gently to combine the lavender and oil.
Next, place the jar in a warm, sunny spot, such as a windowsill, for about two to four weeks. Remember to shake the jar every few days to help the infusion process. After this period, decant the oil by straining it through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into another clean glass jar or bottle. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible. Transfer the strained oil to a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, which can degrade it over time.
Your homemade lavender oil is now ready to use! Store it in a cool, dark place, and it should last for about six months to a year, depending on the freshness of the lavender and carrier oil used.
Lavender oil has a wide range of benefits, from its calming and mood-enhancing effects to its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. It also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties, making it useful for treating various skin conditions and preventing infection in minor cuts, burns, and insect bites.
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The benefits of lavender beyond mosquito repellent
While lavender is well-known for its mosquito-repelling abilities, it offers a variety of other benefits.
Lavender has analgesic, antiseptic, and antifungal qualities, which can help calm and soothe the skin. Its aroma is therapeutic, reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Inhaling lavender can also stimulate the immune system.
Lavender is also used in foods and medicines. It is added to various dishes to impart its unique flavour and fragrance. Moreover, lavender is often used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. For example, lavender oil can be applied to the skin to relieve pain and inflammation.
Lavender is an excellent natural repellent for other insects and pests as well. It is known to repel fleas, flies, and other bugs. This is because lavender contains a compound called linalool, which produces a strong fragrance that is pleasant to humans but repulsive to insects, disrupting their odor-sensing activity.
In addition to its pest-repelling properties, lavender is aesthetically pleasing and is a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its fragrant, slender-stemmed flowers in shades of lilac and purple. Lavender is also a favourite of pollinators like bees and butterflies, which rely on it as a food source during its long blooming period in the summer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lavender oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents. The chemical responsible for lavender’s sweet floral scent is called linalool, which overloads mosquitoes' sensitive olfactory organs.
A 2009 study found that lavender oil had a 93% repellant rate against mosquitos indoors and a 53% repellant rate outdoors. In comparison, EPA-approved repellents like DEET are more effective, but they may cause health and environmental problems.
Other natural mosquito repellents include citronella, rosemary, cinnamon, thyme, and eucalyptus oil.
