Ben Carter
Lavender is known to have mosquito-repelling properties, but does it work in candle form? The answer is yes, lavender candles can help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. Lavender essential oil is a well-known natural mosquito repellent, and when used in candles, it can provide an effective and pleasant-smelling solution to keep bugs at bay. While the plant itself has negligible mosquito-repelling properties, its essential oil contains a compound called linalool, which produces a strong odour that is pleasant to humans but detestable to mosquitoes. Lavender candles, when burned, can help create a bug-free environment, making them a great option for enjoying an evening outdoors without the nuisance of insects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Pure lavender essential oil is an effective mosquito repellent both indoors and outdoors. |
| Active compound | Lavender oil contains a compound called linalool, which produces a strong odor that is pleasant to humans and detestable to mosquitoes. |
| Testing | A 2009 study found that lavender oil had a 93% repellent rate against mosquitoes indoors and a 53% rate outdoors. |
| Use cases | Lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin, added to other ingredients or oils, or used in mosquito repellent candles, sprays, and creams. |
| Visual appeal | Lavender is a visually appealing plant with rich violet-colored flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. |
| Combination with other oils | Lavender oil can be combined with other natural mosquito repellents such as cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, or citronella oil for enhanced effectiveness. |
| Natural alternative | Lavender candles are a natural, chemical-free, and non-toxic alternative to toxic bug repellents. |
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What You'll Learn
Lavender essential oil as mosquito repellent
Lavender essential oil is an effective mosquito repellent, both indoors and outdoors. The oil contains high concentrations of linalool, a natural terpene alcohol that produces a pleasant fragrance for humans but is overpowering for mosquitoes. This oil can be applied topically to the skin, if it is not sensitive, or used in diffusers to keep mosquitoes away.
To make a natural mosquito repellent, you can dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, and rub it on your skin. A typical ratio is 1-2 drops of lavender oil per ounce of carrier oil. Alternatively, you can mix 15-25 drops of lavender oil with 1-2 tablespoons of distilled water and 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or vodka/witch hazel in a 2-ounce bottle. This mixture can then be sprayed onto your skin or clothes. It is important to avoid spraying near the eyes and mouth, and to wash the skin if any reaction occurs.
Lavender essential oil can also be added to candles to repel mosquitoes. To make a homemade lavender candle, melt wax or old candles in a double boiler or a bowl over a pan of warm water. Add 5-10 drops of lavender oil for each medium-sized candle, then pour the wax into bottles, cans, or candle molds with wicks. Leave the candles to set in a warm place.
In addition to its repellent properties, lavender oil can also help treat mosquito bites by reducing itching and inflammation. Furthermore, it offers health benefits such as anxiety relief and improved sleep.
While lavender essential oil is an effective mosquito repellent, its effectiveness can be enhanced by combining it with other natural repellents. For example, research suggests that lavender oil pairs well with cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, or citronella oil to create a potent mosquito repellent that is gentle on the human nose.
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Lavender plants as mosquito repellent
While the lavender plant itself has been shown to produce negligible mosquito repellent properties, its essential oil is a powerful mosquito repellent. The oil contains a compound called linalool, which produces a strong fragrance that is pleasant to humans but overloads mosquitoes' sensitive olfactory organs, making it difficult for them to smell.
Lavender oil is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes, with a 2009 study finding a 93% repellent rate against mosquitoes indoors and a 53% rate outdoors. It is most effective when used in combination with other natural mosquito repellents, such as cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, or citronella oil.
To use lavender oil as a mosquito repellent, it can be applied directly to the skin, added to a diffuser, or used to make repellent candles. To make a homemade lavender candle, you can melt wax or old candles in a double boiler or a bowl over a pan of warm water. Then, add 5 to 10 drops of lavender oil for each medium-sized candle. Pour the mixture into containers with wicks and let it set in a warm place.
In addition to its mosquito repellent properties, lavender is also known for its ability to repel and resist grazing animals such as deer and rabbits. It is a tough, drought-resistant plant with fragrant purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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How to make a lavender mosquito repellent candle
Lavender oil is an effective mosquito repellent, both indoors and outdoors, due to its high concentration of linalool, which overloads mosquitoes' sensitive olfactory organs. While lavender plants have been shown to produce negligible mosquito repellent properties, their essential oil form is highly effective in deterring mosquitoes.
To make a lavender mosquito repellent candle, you will need wax or old candles and lavender oil. Cut the wax or candles into small pieces and melt them in a double boiler or in a bowl over a pan of warm water (known as a "boiling-water bath"). Then, add 5 to 10 drops of lavender oil for each medium-sized candle. You can also add other essential oils that repel mosquitoes, such as citronella, mint, eucalyptus, or lemongrass.
Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into bottles, cans, or candle molds with wicks. Leave the lavender-scented candles to set in a warm place. Burning these candles outdoors will help deter mosquitoes and other blood-sucking pests.
It is important to note that while lavender candles can be an effective mosquito repellent, their effects may only last for a few minutes to an hour and require frequent reapplication. For longer-lasting protection, consider using EPA-approved repellents or combining lavender oil with other natural mosquito-repelling methods, such as cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, or planting mosquito-repelling plants like basil or catnip in your garden.
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Other essential oils that repel mosquitoes
While lavender oil is one of the most popular natural mosquito repellents, there are several other essential oils that can help keep these insects at bay.
Citronella oil is one of the most well-known natural mosquito repellents. It is derived from the leaves of the citronella plant and is commonly found in candles, torches, and sprays. It is also high in citronellal and geraniol, both of which repel mosquitoes.
Lemon eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of lemon eucalyptus trees and contains a compound called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), which is effective in repelling mosquitoes. The CDC recommends using this plant-based repellent in places with mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Field testing shows that repellents containing tea tree oil are effective against mosquitoes.
Peppermint oil has a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. It can be applied to the skin or used in diffusers to deter mosquitoes. It also naturally contains a lot of menthol, which can produce a cooling effect on your skin.
Clove oil has a strong and pungent scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Mixing clove oil with a carrier oil and applying it to the skin can help repel mosquitoes. A study found that 10% v/v lotion emulsions with clove oil provided the longest protection from mosquito bites.
Other essential oils that can help repel mosquitoes include rosemary, thyme, basil, cedarwood, catnip, cinnamon, soybean, and neem oil.
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Other mosquito-repelling plants
While lavender candles can be used to repel mosquitoes, there are several other plants that can be used for the same purpose.
One of the most well-known natural mosquito repellents is citronella oil, which is derived from the leaves of the citronella plant. It is commonly found in candles, torches, and sprays. Citronella grass or lemongrass is also a popular and effective mosquito repellent. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Another plant that can be used to repel mosquitoes is rosemary. The New York Botanical Garden and PlantShed recommend rosemary, as its woody scent keeps mosquitoes away. Burning rosemary leaves or using rosemary essential oil can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
Basil is also an effective mosquito repellent. The pungent smell of basil leaves repels mosquitoes. Planting basil in your garden or rubbing crushed basil leaves on your skin can help keep mosquitoes away.
Marigolds are another easy-to-grow flower that emits a smell that deters mosquitoes. Growing them in pots and placing them near your patio or entrance can help keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Mint is an excellent non-toxic option for repelling mosquitoes, flies, and even ants. The more pungent the aroma, the more effective it is at repelling insects. Growing mint in pots on your patio provides easy access if you want to add a few leaves to your tea or use them as a natural pest control method inside your home.
In addition to these plants, catnip, thyme, clove oil, cedarwood oil, and peppermint oil are also known to have mosquito-repelling properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lavender candles are effective in repelling mosquitoes and other biting insects.
The lavender plant contains a compound known as linalool, which produces a strong odour that is pleasant to humans and detestable to mosquitoes.
Other essential oils that can be used to repel mosquitoes include rosemary, citronella, mint, eucalyptus, clove, thyme, and cedarwood.
