There is some evidence that lavender derivatives may be effective against mosquitoes. This makes it possible to prepare a natural mosquito repellent, which for many today would be a preferred alternative to chemical-based repellents. The blood-sucking insects are particularly active at night in summer, which makes them dangerous carriers of infections. Many people simply accept the fact that they will wake up in the morning with stitches. However, lavender offers a reliable solution that can help you deal with this problem better. Here are some interesting facts about this fragrant plant that has proven to be a great helper in the fight against stinging insects. Find out below how you can make a mosquito spray yourself.
The natural power of lavender against mosquitoes
Lavender is also known as Lavandula angustifolia. The plant is known among home gardeners for its ability to attract the hungry gaze of grazing animals such as deer, rabbits and othersTo repel pests in the garden. While the plants themselves have been shown to have negligible mosquito-repelling properties, this plant is most commonly valued for its essential oil form. Accordingly, this essential oil contains a compound known as linalool, which produces a strong smell. This is pleasant for humans, but repels mosquitoes and is considered disgusting for the insects. This is mainly because the lavender overloads their sensitive olfactory organs.
In terms of testing, one study found that lavender oil had a 93% repellent rate against mosquitoes indoors and only about a 53% repellent rate against mosquitoes outdoors. Taken together, lavender oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents. This is especially true if you use it as part of a larger natural defense therapy.
Using lavender oil as a mosquito repellent
Anecdotal sources generally follow the same path as more recent scientific research. These point to the active ingredient in lavender as an explanation for why it is able to keep mosquitoes at bay. Such resources also point to the belief that lavender oil works best when used in conjunction with other natural methods of repelling mosquitoes. For example, one source pointed to research from Colorado State University, which believed that lavender oil works best with cinnamon oil, tea tree oil or citronella to create a complete olfactory mosquito repellent. This is not too hard for the human nose either.
Of the many natural mosquito repellent options that come from flowering plants, lavender is certainly one of the most popular due to its visual appeal. Few other flowers produce such a rich purple color during bloom. Additionally, few other flowering plants can protect themselves as well as lavender due to their chemical composition. As such, lavender is a great and ultimately productive mosquito repellentAddition to a flower garden.
The benefits of lavender essential oil against mosquitoes
The lavender plant comes in a variety of subspecies, with each variation producing a bright purple flower that is as useful as it is beautiful. For example, in its natural form, Lavandula angustifolia is able to concentrate enough of its bitter linalool compound in its body to prevent nibbling critters from chowing down on its bright flowers. While scientific studies have not yet covered this area, there is anecdotal evidence that even the presence of lavender plants can produce enough linalool in the environment to keep small swarms of mosquitoes away.
When it comes to repelling mosquitoes, lavender essential oil wins the award for its effectiveness both indoors and outdoors. As already mentioned, this repellent property is due to the high concentrations of linalool. Depending on the composition of the oil, these can reach up to 25%. Therefore, making or using this type of essential oil can really make a difference in how often you will be bitten by those pesky bloodsuckers. In the meantime, you can also make your own lavender essential oil. This can be seen asMosquito repellent made from plantsthat grow in your own garden. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Boil 1.5 cups of olive oil
- Add 2 cups of lavender (buds and stems) and simmer for 30 minutes
- Cool and strain twice - once through a sieve, once with a coffee press
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until the mixture becomes cloudy
This is how you can prepare a mosquito repellent with just two ingredients
Lavender essential oil will surely become your new best friend in summer. It smells wonderful and keeps the annoying insects away. After spraying an all-natural mosquito spray over your body and bed every night, you will be able to wake up without being bitten. The mixture also serves asrelaxing sleep mist, as lavender oil is excellent for aromatherapy. Here are the ingredients you can use for this:
- 100ml spray bottle (For night use, you can get a larger bottle to avoid having to refill every few days, but remember to keep the same ratio of ingredients)
- 40-50 drops of lavender essential oil
- 100 ml distilled water
preparation
- First, add the drops of lavender essential oil to your empty spray bottle.
- Start with about 40 drops and add more depending on how strong you want the scent.
- Just before refilling, fill your bottle with enough distilled water.
- Turn the nozzle back on and shake the mixture before spraying it onto your skin and bed
