Lavender is native to northern Africa and the Mediterranean mountains. Lavender has been used as a natural medicinal solution to treat anxiety, inflammation, fungal infections, hair loss, wounds, and even to improve the quality of sleep.

There’s even recent evidence of lavender oil being an effective treatment for helping neurological disorders as a mood stabilizer.

Lavender can also be used as an insect repellent to deter a number of pests.

How Does It Work?

Lavender contains a compound called linalool. This Compound can be found in a number of retail pest control products. It works as both a repellent and anti-inflammatory agent. You can use lavender oil to protect against:

It’s also a great holistic remedy for bug bites. There’s even been reports of relieved discomfort from bed bugs and bee stings. You can either use lavender oil to make a DIY repellent, and reliever, or plant it in your garden to protect against pests. 

Using lavender in your garden is incredibly beneficial as it keeps out larger wildlife like deer and raccoons at bay, while also attracting pollinators like bees! 

Is It Safe For Humans?

Yes! With any new product, you should also use caution upon first use. Always read and follow the label of any product you’re using. Keep all products away from eyes and mouth, and be sure to not overexpose yourself to any products by ingesting or breathing in products unless advised by label. Try not to use lavender oil on young children (6 months or younger) unless advised by a healthcare professional.           

Some individuals may have adverse allergic reactions to lavender oil. If you find that you are having an allergic reaction after using lavender oil, be sure to wash the affected area thoroughly, and contact a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen.

Most people with adverse reactions to lavender will feel a mild irritation in their skin, eyes, or throat. Always wash your hands before and after using lavender products.

Is It Safe For Animals and Other Wildlife?

Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that won’t harm dogs or cats! It’s incredibly calming for your pet and can be used to help burns, insomnia, anxiety, and motion sickness.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association did report that some dogs were less active around lavender. With any new product, be sure to use caution upon first use, and watch out for any abnormalities or adverse reactions with your pet.

Contact your vet immediately if your pet reacts negatively to lavender products.

Lavender is used to repel larger wildlife like deer and raccoons, but should not be harmful to them. It also encourages helpful and essential insects like bees and butterflies in your garden. 

Products With Lavender 

Lavender can be bought in a number of forms from dried and fresh flowers to retail products in-store. You can find lavender in a hundred different forms, it’s commonly found in retail stores in the form of:

  • Essential oils 
  • Capsules
  • Lotions
  • Soaps

To make your own DIY bug bite relief remedy, mix together:

  • 2 Tbsp of fractionated coconut oil
  • 10 drops of lavender oil
  • 10 drops of another essential oil of your choosing

Funnel mixture into an empty ½ oz roller ball, or eye dropper container. Apply to the affected area(s). You can also use it as a perfume or for aromatherapy purposes. We recommend using eucalyptus, or citronella oils for this remedy.

To make your own DIY lavender repellent at home, mix together:

  • 1/2 cup witch hazel
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp of lavender oil

Funnel the mixture into a clean spray bottle and spray all over your body. Be sure to avoid your eyes and mouth, and look for any adverse reactions.

Lavender Oil vs Other Products 

There are lots of products out there to help you ward off pests. Let’s look at some other natural products that compare to lavender oil.

Lavender vs. Citronella

Citronella can be used with cats, but cannot be used around dogs. It has similar repelling and medicinal effects to lavender. If you’re unsure about whether or not you can use citronella and lavender around your cat, contact your vet.  

Lavender vs. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has very similar effects to lavender in a medicinal and repellent sense. It has a very strong, medicinal “minty” smell if the scent of lavender is not right for you. However, eucalyptus oil is harmful to cats and dogs. 

Lavender vs. DEET

If you find that you’re having adverse allergic reactions to essential oils, DEET is a chemical alternative. DEET products can be found in most retail stores, and has been used for years as an insect repellent. It is not recommended to use DEET products on your pets, and does not have the same medicinal benefits as lavender.

If you’re unsure if lavender products are the right solution to repel pests, call a local exterminator at (833) 431-0401 to see what other solutions they recommend.