Lavender is an effective insect repellent.
Lavender is an effective repellent of flying and crawling bugs and can be used on both pets and people. In pets, its application is to deter the infestation and bites of fleas and ticks, while in people it prevents insect bites--most biting insects won't land on heavily lavender-scented surfaces.
Benefits
Lavender deters flying insects naturally.
Lavender is a cost-effective, simple alternative to aggressive and unpleasant chemical solutions. It is easily grown in a home garden, can be purchased as an essential oil or obtained in health and beauty stores. Using lavender, there's no negative effect on the environment and it has the added benefit of giving off a beautiful fragrance.
Formats
Lavender for use in insect repellent is usually obtained in as an essential oil from a drug store or health food shop. One tiny bottle--usually containing 15 ml--is sufficient to last at least a year, because essential oils are always diluted and don't deteriorate if purchased in dark glass bottles. Never buy oils in plastic packs, which cause product degradation. Pre-made preparations in spray or therapy oil format are also available from natural skincare outlets and beauty stores. Dried or fresh flowers can be obtained from health and beauty retailers.
Preparation and Storage
A strong solution to dab on human skin is made by adding 10 to 25 drops of lavender essential oil to two to three tbsp olive oil. Keep in a small ceramic or glass jar or bottle and shake before each application. To mix a body spray repellent for humans, add up to 10 drops of essential oil to at least 200 parts distilled water and decant into a plant spray. When making your own spray from fresh or dry lavender flowers--also a pet-friendly option--use boiling water and steep a good handful of flowers in one pint of water for at least an hour. Sieve, and allow to cool. Solutions made from flowers must be kept in the fridge.
Human Application
Lavender repellent can be used on cats and dogs.
Don't use lavender essential oil undiluted on your skin, because it is too potent. Even if you need a strong solution, always dilute it first with olive oil or water. A spray product can be used as a hair rinse or be sprayed on bare skin and allowed to dry. It should be topped off every two hours, especially in the sun or in tropical climates. To make a human application more effective as a repellent, a drop of tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil or citronella can be added.
Pet Application
To deter flea and tick infestations in pets, use only the diluted spray version of lavender repellent and make it from fresh or dried flowers, unless you're buying a ready-to-use product from a pet store and know it's safe for animals. Spray the repellent all over your pet and allow it to dry naturally without toweling or artificial heat applied. Keep your pet warm while its fur dries, and prevent it from licking itself. Repeat the solution on the coat every week. If it's not potent enough, try adding a drop of tea tree oil to the solution. A repellent won't kill insects, it will only help prevent infestation.
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