Does lavender repel anything?

Author: Cory Deckow  |  Last update: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Lavender scares away moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. For centuries, this lilac-colored plant has been used to add a sweet and pleasant fragrance to homes and clothing drawers. And while the vast majority of humans love the smell of lavender, mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted insects hate it.

What does lavender keep away?

Aside from smelling lovely, lavender plants are known to repel moths, fleas, mosquitos and even flies -- which is why I had so much of it planted around our old chicken yard! You can also harvest bouquets of lavender to hang by your windows and doors so that flies don't come inside your home.

What does lavender repel and attract?

Lavender (Perennial)–This well-known purple perennial is not only fragrant, but also well known to repel mosquitos, moths, flies, and fleas. Plant lavender in sunny areas outside or place dried bouquets around your home.

What animals are repelled by lavender?

Lavender keeps mice, mosquitos, and other common pests at bay.

What bug is attracted to lavender?

🦟 Fungus Gnats and Fruit Flies

Fungus gnats and fruit flies are the uninvited guests at your lavender's root party. Spot adult flies or their larvae in the soil, and you've got a clear sign of trouble brewing underground.

Does Lavender Repel Mosquitoes? My Test Didn't Go Well! And the BEST Natural Insect Repellant!

Do spiders like lavender?

Lavender is a strong scent that can repel spiders. It contains a non-toxic compound called linalool, which is an essential component found in insect repellants. You may use Lavender essential oils, candles or incense sticks. The critical point is that lavender does not kill spiders; it merely repels them.

Does lavender attract wasps?

Lavender: Lavender has a sweet scent that can attract bees but repel yellow jackets and wasps. Plant lavender in your garden or use it in pots around your home. Wormwood: Wormwood has a strong scent that can repel many insects.

Does lavender attract rodents?

Lavender

It's also a great rat repellent, as it has a strong and pleasant scent that rats dislike. Lavender contains essential oils that act as natural repellents for rats and other pests, such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths.

Is lavender safe for dogs?

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Lavender is generally considered mildly toxic to dogs when ingested in significant quantities. The primary compounds responsible for its toxicity are linalool and linalyl acetate, naturally occurring chemicals in lavender plants.

Does lavender come back every year?

Lavender is a perennial, so it will come back every year as long as you care for it properly, which includes giving it plenty of sun, a little bit of water, and a lot of love. If all of its needs are met, you can expect your lavender plant to bloom every year, for about three to five years.

When not to use lavender?

Lavender applied to skin may cause irritation in some people. Oral use of Lavender may cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite. Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender.

What hates lavender?

Lavender scares away moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. For centuries, this lilac-colored plant has been used to add a sweet and pleasant fragrance to homes and clothing drawers. And while the vast majority of humans love the smell of lavender, mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted insects hate it.

Does lavender repel snakes?

Repelling Snakes with Plants

Lavender: Lavender's fragrant scent is lovely to us but offensive to snakes. Plant it along paths and near entry points to your home. Marigolds: The strong odor of marigolds deters not only snakes but also a range of other pests.

Does lavender keep ants away?

Lavender isn't your average garden greenery. This plant that repels ants emits a scent that sends insects packing, making it a versatile and practical choice. Ants aren't the only pests that lavender can keep at bay. Its sweet, floral scent also acts as a deterrent for mosquitoes, those notorious summertime nuisances.

Is lavender toxic to cats?

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), lavender is toxic to cats when ingested. The primary toxins, linalool and linalyl acetate, can cause gastrointestinal upset and more serious conditions if consumed in significant quantities.

What happens when you put lavender in your room?

It comes as no surprise that lavender is a great plant to have in your bedroom. The smell of lavender has become renowned for aiding relaxation. Having been proven to lower our heart rate and stress levels, this plant will be your best friend when you it comes to sleep.

Can I spray lavender on my dog's bed?

A light spray of lavender oil on your dog's favorite blanket can help keep them calm during a thunderstorm. But too much of any scent could cause stress or even adverse physical reactions for your pup – so go easy on the drops you add to your diffuser!

Is lavender easy to grow?

Lavender is not the easiest herb to grow. It needs exceptionally good drainage and prefers light, dry soils in low-humidity climates.

Do dogs like the smell of lavender?

Most likely your dog finds the smell calming and it makes him less anxious. If you want to regularly diffuse lavender oil in your house, you need to consult a veterinarian or an aromatherapist who could recommend or even prepare an organic and natural blend specific to your dog's needs.

What animal does lavender attract?

Honeybees, and other bees are very attracted to lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia) a member of the mint family. They also attract butterflies, dragonflies, hoverflies (which eat aphids and mealybugs which damage plants) and rosemary beetles (which are destructive).

Will mice leave if they smell lavender?

Mice hate the smell of lavender. You can use a lavender-scented spray or even better, you can grow a lavender plant, which will repel mice from your home naturally. Or you could make up your own solution: Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup lavender buds or flowers per 1-quart water in a spray bottle to repel mice from your home.

What critters does lavender repel?

Lavender

Lavender pillows and sachets are wonderful in linen cupboards and dressers and will keep away moths and other insects while leaving a fresh scent. Lavender oil can be sprayed from an atomizer or left in a saucer to help keep away ants and insects and disinfect the air.

What animals don't like lavender?

Lemon peels, orange peels, or coffee grounds will keep away cats. Citronella, Eucalyptus, and Lavender will keep away rodents - and pests too!

What do yellow jackets hate the most?

Peppermint is another strong-smelling herb that yellow jackets dislike. You can make a peppermint spray by mixing peppermint essential oil with water and then spraying it in the areas where the yellow jackets are roosting. Garlic is a natural insect repellent, and it can also help to deter yellow jackets.

What is attracted to lavender?

While both bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and honey bees (Apis mellifera) are attracted to lavender (Lavandula spp.), the plant is more popular among bumblebees.

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