Are you looking for a safe, natural, and nice-smelling way to get rid of the bugs driving you crazy this summer? Perhaps it’s time you try lavender spray for bugs!
Using bug sprays that utilize the benefits of essential oils like lavender is nothing new, but with so many types of lavender spray for bugs, how do you know which is best?
Furthermore, does lavender spray for bugs really work as well as other forms of pest control? That’s what we’re here to find out! Today, we’re not only talking about the best lavender spray for bugs, but other natural sprays and essential oils you can use to protect yourself, your pets, and your home from annoying pests.
Let’s get started!
Contents
What Is Lavender?
Lavender is a plant that contains properties known to repel certain pests.
Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family that has a very strong scent.
Lavender comes from the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash.” It is thought that this name came about because the Romans used lavender to scent their baths. Ancient Egyptians also used it in their burial rituals and as an insect repellent (more on that further down).
There are over 600 different species of lavender, but the most common is Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender. This variety has been cultivated since at least the early 1800s and is thought to be native to southern France and Spain. Lavender is now grown all over the world, including in many parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and North America.
Lavender plants grow up to three feet tall and have small purple flowers on long stems that bloom throughout the summer months into fall. The leaves are often grayish-green with a grayish-white underside, and the flowering plants are famous for their strong fragrance when crushed or rubbed between your fingers.
This incredible flower is arguably one of the most versatile plants on the planet. Lavender has been used for centuries to help heal different ailments. It can be crushed, boiled, or dried and used as perfumes, teas, oils, and more.
While many people have found that lavender helps ease headaches, reduce hair loss, and even help calm anxious nerves, one of the most underrated benefits of lavender is its ability to help repel bugs safely and naturally.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Lavender Spray For Bugs And Does It Really Work?
Most lavender sprays contain essential oil combinations to ensure they work most effectively.
While many people have found that lavender helps ease headaches, reduce hair loss and even help calm anxious nerves, one of the most underrated benefits of lavender is its ability to help repel bugs safely and naturally.
Insect repellent has become a hot topic over the last few years. This is especially true with so many natural solutions becoming more popular among consumers looking for safer alternatives to chemical-based products.
These days you’ll find everything from sprays and lotions to candles and soaps that contain essential oils like lemongrass, citronella, and eucalyptus in them – all-natural ingredients said to help keep pests away without using synthetic chemicals that can be harmful to our health or the environment.
So does lavender spray for bugs really work? The short answer is yes! Lavender essential oil has been shown to be an effective repellent for mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. This is because lavender contains high levels of linalool.
Linalool is a terpene alcohol, which helps to keep insects away from humans by acting as a repellent. The more linalool in a plant, the more effective it will be at keeping bugs away.
With that being said, lavender oil is shown to not work quite as well when compared to other types of plants that contain more linalool.
In fact, there are plenty of studies showing how effective not only lavender spray for bugs is but also other types of products containing plant-based ingredients and essential oils.
The first study was conducted by researchers at Rutgers University who tested several different combinations of essential oils on mosquitoes. They found that citronella, rosemary, geranium, peppermint, and lemongrass were most effective at repelling mosquitoes. When they combined these oils with eucalyptus or cedarwood oil, they found that they provided even greater protection against mosquito bites than when used alone.
The second study was conducted by researchers at Penn State University who tested several different combinations of essential oils on mosquitoes’. They found that citronella, rosemary, geranium, peppermint, and lemongrass were most effective at repelling mosquitoes while lavender was not as effective as some other essential oils in this regard.
But that doesn’t mean we should count lavender spray for bugs!
Remember, the above studies often showed that a combination of oils and plant-based ingredients was generally most effective when it came to repelling bugs.
This means that if you love the smell of lavender, you can certainly search for lavender based ingredients that combine other plant-based ingredients like citronella, rosemary, peppermint, or lemongrass to help keep bugs under control.
With all that being said, remember that there are pros and cons to using the lavender spray for bugs, even when that lavender spray is mixed with other types of oils or ingredients.
The Pros And Cons Of Using Lavender Spray For Bugs
One of the pros of using a lavender spray is that, for the most part, it is a natural method of pest removal.
While we do love the idea of using the lavender spray for bugs, we should note that lavender is not always the top-performing essential oil or ingredient when it comes to bug repellent.
As we mentioned above, the most effective essential oils that help repel bugs include oils like peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil. Furthermore, not all products that contain essential oil sprays to repel bugs are going to be fully organic.
Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of using a lavender spray for bugs.
Pros Of Using Lavender Spray For Bugs
- It’s easy to make your own lavender spray at home
- Lavender is a natural bug repellent that is safe for people, pets, and the environment
- Lavender has a pleasant odor that people love and pests hate
- Lavender is easy to come by. In fact, you can even grow lavender yourself!
- Many lavender sprays are available for pest control and also include other pest-fighting ingredients
- Lavender sprays and lavender oils are inexpensive and easy to come across
- Lavender spray for bugs has the added benefit of helping calm your nerves and reduce anxiety when you spray it!
- Lavender spray for bugs will not harm beneficial insects
Cons Of Using Lavender Spray For Bugs
- Lavender is shown not to be as effective as other types of plants like eucalyptus or peppermint
- Lavender sprays (as well as many other essential oil sprays) may not work as quickly or effectively for severe pest issues
- Lavender spray for bugs may work more effectively on some bugs than others
It’s also important to note that not all forms of lavender spray for bugs are going to be created equally. This is why it’s important to do your research and consider what you are hoping to get out of your lavender spray for bugs before you decide which products might be right for you.
What To Look For In The Best Lavender Spray For Bugs?
Keep in mind that just because a product has lavender in it does not mean it is natural.
There are a lot of different ways to use lavender spray for bugs. Some people find that lavender spray and other essential oils can be an effective repellent, while others have found that just growing lavender and other plants like mint can help to make your yard or garden less attractive to insects.
Regardless of what you are hoping to get out of your lavender spray for bugs, remember that even the best form of pest control and pest repellents often work most effectively when used in conjunction with other products.
When choosing the right lavender spray for bugs, keep in mind that there are many different types of repellents available on the market today. Some products will contain only one ingredient (like lavender oil) while others will have multiple ingredients in them, and not all of them may be natural.
For example, some lavender spray for bugs may contain only pure essential oils whereas other sprays may contain essential oils as well as chemicals or other additives. You will want to make sure that you choose a product that is right for you, your yard, and your family.
When purchasing a lavender spray for bugs, it is important to look at the ingredients in order to determine if it is safe for use around children and pets.
Here are some things that you should keep in mind:
- What ingredients are used?
- Are there any harmful chemicals?
- Are there any allergens like nut oils or soybean oil?
- Can this spray be used safely around children and animals?
- Are there any known side effects of using this product?
- How concentrated is this product compared to others on the market?
- Does this product have any reviews from users who have tried it before?
Choosing the best lavender spray for bugs for you and your family can be tricky, and if you’re not sure where to start we have you covered with some of our favorite products listed below.
Victoria’s Lavender “Don’t Bug Me” Insect Repellent
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First on our list of best lavender spray for bugs is a product called Victoria’s Lavender “Don’t Bug Me” Insect Repellent. This product works to repel bugs by using only natural ingredients. The spray is made from 100% pure lavender essential oil and witch hazel, which helps to keep the skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
The smell of this insect repellent is pleasant and relaxing, making it perfect for use at home or on the go. It can be used by adults and children alike and it does not contain any harmful chemicals or preservatives.
This product has received many positive reviews from customers who have used it, with many saying that it is effective in keeping bugs away from them while they are outside enjoying the weather.
Healing Solutions Lavender Spray
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Healing Solutions Lavender Spray above is as simple as it gets when it comes to those looking for a lavender spray for bugs. That’s because this spray contains only lavender essential oils mixed with water for a light, lovely smelling spray that can be used for a variety of your needs, including helping to repel bugs.
The Healing Solutions Lavender Bug Repellent Spray features the healing properties of lavender essential oil, which is known for its calming and soothing effects on both the mind and body.
It also can be combined with citronella oil, which has been shown to provide some measure of protection from insects. However, the best part about this product is that it doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals or other potentially harmful ingredients like DEET – instead making use of all-natural ingredients such as water and essential oils that are safe for use around children and pets.
Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray – Lavender Scented
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If you like the smell of lavender but you’re not as concerned with products that use 100% natural ingredients when it comes to a lavender spray for bugs, then you might consider looking into using Raid Ant & Roach Killer Spray. This spray is lavender scented but contains stronger ingredients to help get rid of larger insects and more serious infestations.
This spray kills ants, roaches, silverfish, and a number of other common household pests. It also helps keep them away for up to 12 weeks after application.
You can use this product on indoor areas such as baseboards, cabinets, countertops, and floors, as well as in outdoor areas such as garbage cans, lawn furniture, and decks. The product works best when used in combination with other methods of pest control such as vacuuming up debris and sealing off entrances for roaches or ants by closing off cracks around windows or doors with caulk or weather stripping.
Isabella’s Clearly Bugs Essential Oil Spray
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Isabella’s Clearly Bugs Essential Oil Spray is an all-natural alternative to chemical pest repellents that uses a blend of essential oils to repel bugs including lavender, lemongrass, citronella, and cedarwood. The formula is safe for kids and pets (and can be used on them too!), and it contains no synthetic chemicals. We also like that it is not tested on animals.
The spray is made with premium quality, 100 percent pure essential oils. It’s also paraben-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
We like that this lavender spray for bugs is 100 percent natural. It has a pleasant aroma so it doesn’t smell like bug spray. The spray also includes vitamin E, aloe vera, and shea butter to help soothe skin and moisturize it, which can come in handy if you end up getting bitten by mosquitoes or other insects.
Other Natural Sprays You Can Use To Get Rid Of Bugs
Other products like citronella candles can work alongside lavender sprays to help keep bugs at bay naturally.
If you’re on the hunt for a good lavender spray for bugs, chances are you will appreciate other natural methods of pest removal. Luckily, there are plenty of organic options available that can help control bugs in your yard and around your home that do not require the use of chemical ingredients.
These methods include the use of ultrasonic sound machines, citronella candles, essential oil sprays or repellents, and even powders or dust like Diatomaceous Earth.
Take a look below at some of our favorite products you can use in conjunction with the best lavender spray for bugs.
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repellent
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In addition to using a lavender spray for bugs, there are plenty of other natural methods you can use to repel pests, including using ultrasonic pest repellents like the Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repellent plug-in.
Ultrasonic pest repellents work by emitting high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but disturbing enough for pests to move away from the sound source. The Neatmaster uses a combination of different frequencies at different levels depending on the types of pests you are dealing with.
We also like that the Neatmaster plugs into any standard outlet and does not require batteries or cords. It works for up to 6 months before needing a new set of batteries (which is included).
The Neatmaster can help keep your home free from unwanted insects such as cockroaches, spiders, moths, and fleas. It will also keep mice out of your home!
Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray
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If bugs are really plaguing you this summer, you might need a form of pest control that is a bit more full-coverage than a hand-held lavender spray for bugs. You can still have a full coverage pest control spray for your yard and garden without having to use chemicals. This is why we like Wondercide.
Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray works using essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, and cinnamon. The combination of these ingredients makes it an ideal choice for people who want something that will work without the use of harsh chemicals or pesticides.
The product has been tested by the USDA and approved as organic. It has no synthetic fragrances or colors added to it, so it’s safe for kids and pets.
You can use this product on your lawns and gardens as well as on your patio furniture or inside your house if needed.
Abarli Citronella Candles
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We’re all familiar with citronella candles, and if you’re looking for an effective way to keep pests at bay, then these candles might be worth a shot.
The above Abarli Citronella Candles come in lovely packaging and are ideal for keeping you and your loved ones protected from annoying pests like mosquitoes, flies, gnats, midges, and more.
They come in two different scents including lemongrass and eucalyptus, so you can pick which one works best for your needs. Each candle burns for around 30 hours, which is long enough to last until all of the bugs have gone away.
How To Make Your Own Lavender Spray For Bugs At Home
It is easy to make your own essential oil spray at home to help repel pests.
Another effective method of keeping bugs away from your home is to make your own natural lavender spray. This recipe takes just minutes to make and provides up to 24 hours of protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.
The best part is that it’s made with all-natural ingredients that can be found in your kitchen or garden.
What You Need:
- 1 cup of water (filtered if possible)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil (or more if needed)
- 3 drops lavender essential oil (or more if desired)
- 2 to 4 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional)
How to Make It:
Pour the water into a spray bottle and add the coconut oil or olive oil. Shake well to mix together. Add the lavender essential oil and shake again to mix together. (You may add peppermint oil for extra strength if desired). Then spray this mixture on yourself and your clothes as needed for protection from bugs every few hours when outdoors.
Along with using a quality lavender spray for bugs, there are plenty of other natural methods and remedies you can use as quality pest repellents to keep bugs at bay.
Other Essential Oils You Can Use To Help Repel Bugs
Along with using a quality lavender spray for bugs, there are plenty of other natural methods and home remedies you can use as quality pest repellents to keep bugs at bay.
Many essential oils are an excellent choice for repelling bugs because they’re made from plants and other natural ingredients that have been used by humans for thousands of years. If you have a good essential oil diffuser, you can spread the scent of lavender throughout your home and keep it free from unwanted pests.
However, not all essential oils are created equal. Some oils do not work well as bug repellents, while others can be very effective in keeping them away from your home. Below is a list of some of the best essential oils that you can use to get rid of bugs naturally:
Peppermint essential oil – This is extremely effective against mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Just mix it with water and spray it on your pets to keep them free from pests.
Citronella essential oil – This is another great essential oil for repelling insects like fleas and ticks. It has a nice lemon scent too!
Clove essential oil – Clove oil has natural insecticidal properties that make it an excellent way to repel ants, cockroaches, and other insects from your home or garden.
Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in natural bug repellent products. It has been proven that this oil is effective in repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. It also works well on other types of bugs including cockroaches and ants.
How To Grow Lavender in Your Garden To Repel Bugs
While it can help to make your own lavender spray for bugs, you can also plant lavender in your garden as an extra form of pest control!
To get started with your own lavender garden, here are some tips:
First, choose the right spot. Lavender prefers sandy or rocky soil to grow in, but if you don’t have either type of soil available then you can add amendments such as peat moss or fertilizer before planting. Use a shovel to dig holes that are about 8 inches deep and space them out at least 2 feet apart so they have room to spread out later on down the road.
When planting lavender to repel bugs, also be sure that you choose a sunny spot. Lavender does best when it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and good drainage.
Next, be sure to plant lavender early. Lavender plants grow best when planted in the spring or fall, but can also be grown indoors during the winter months if needed. You want to make sure that you plant them early enough so that they have time to establish themselves before winter comes around again.
Lavender Spray For Bugs And Pest Control – What You Should Know
While lavender sprays and oils can work to repel bugs, there are other methods you should use as well to keep pests under control.
While we do like the idea of lavender spray for bugs, we should note here that it’s not always the most effective form of pest control available.
Lavender spray for bugs can work well when the pest issue is not severe, and in fact, it has been found that lavender spray for bugs works best against smaller pests like flies, mosquitoes, and ants.
If you are dealing with a more severe pest infestation, it may be best to use methods in conjunction with lavender spray, whether those methods include other forms of essential oil sprays or products containing stronger ingredients that can help control and temper infestations.
We also encourage you to take a proactive step when it comes to repelling pests this summer, including ensuring you follow the below steps suggested by experts.
- Keep Your Yard Well Maintained
- Seal Cracks and Crevices Around Your Home To Keep Pests Out
- Invest In Yellow Light Bulbs To Deter Flying Insects At Dusk
- Remove Excess Water Sources Around Your Home
- Invite The Predators To Your Yard
- Keep Your Lawn Trimmed Short
- Consider Companion Planting In Your Garden
So what do you think about using a lavender spray for bugs? Do you love the idea or would you prefer to try other forms of pest control?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.