How to Repel Insects With Lavender Oil
Lavender is one of several essential oils that deter certain insects. Lavender appears to be most effective on flying insects, which includes irritating pests such as mosquitoes. The pungent, sweet smell of lavender didn't evolve to provide a nice bath oil for humans. The chemicals that form the smell are there to repel animals, particularly insects, that feed on lavender plants. You can make use of lavender's properties to keep moths off your clothes, flies off your balcony, and mosquitoes off you. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Lavender essential oil
- Spray bottle
- Cotton balls
- Candle wax
- Candle wicks
- Candle molds
Instructions
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Mosquito Spray
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1
Fill a spray bottle nearly to the top with water.
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2
Add 10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil, put the top back on the bottle, and shake it.
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3
Spray the solution lightly over your clothes, arms, and hands, avoiding your face. If you have sensitive skin, test the spray on the inside of your elbow first. If redness develops, use the spray only on the outside of your clothes.
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4
Reapply the spray frequently. Lavender sprays are effective for only about half an hour.
Moth Repellent
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5
Drip lavender oil onto cotton balls. Use 3 to 5 drops per cotton ball.
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6
Place the cotton balls in your clothes closet, laundry hamper and drawers.
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7
Refresh the cotton balls every four to six weeks with more lavender oil.
Scented Candles
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8
Melt candle wax in a bowl in a pan of warm water.
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9
Add 3 to 10 drops of lavender oil for each medium sized candle. Adjust the amounts depending on how strong you wish your candles to smell.
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10
Pour the wax into candle molds with wicks, and leave to set.
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11
Burn the candles wherever flying insects are a nuisance, for example, on your patio in the evening.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use lavender sprays on children under two without medical advice.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
