This kitchen herb will keep pests away from your home naturally, freshen the air with its rich fragrance, and beautify the indoors!
If you know how to grow and use them properly, kitchen herbs are a blessing for your home! There are quite a few herbs that have varied uses, but when it comes to keeping pests away from your home naturally, lavender wins hands down!
How to Grow Lavender Indoors
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean herb that flourishes usually outdoors, but you can also grow it indoors in your kitchen or living room if you’ve got a sunny windowsill. It prefers well-draining, sandy soil and cannot stand wet feet!
Choose a small pot, slightly bigger than the rootball, with good drainage and provide ample air circulation, as lavender doesn’t like too much humidity.
Place it near a south-facing window where it can soak up at least 6-8 hours of light daily. There are several lavender varieties, some more resilient than others.
Mostly, lavender is hardy to USDA zones 5-9, thriving in cool, dry summers and mild winters within a range of 60-85 F (15-29 C). As winter arrives, if you’re growing this herb outdoors, bring it in for overwintering. Now, let’s get into its pest-repelling prowess!
Use Lavender to Keep Pests Away
Lavender has a unique combination of naturally occurring chemical compounds, which makes it the best natural pest repellent.
Compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate in their essential oils are known for their insecticidal effects.
They disrupt the nervous systems of pests like mosquitoes, moths, fleas, and flies. The herb releases a potent aroma that overwhelms the olfactory receptors of insects and also masks scents that attract insects, such as human sweat or food.
Lavender’s antimicrobial properties also help create an unfavorable environment for pests, as it inhibits fungal and bacterial growth that can attract insects. Prominent research reveals how it can be an effective alternative to harsh chemical pesticides.
This hardy herb is most useful in deterring pests in enclosed spaces like kitchens and cupboards, as its strong aroma can stay contained! Its efficiency reduces outdoors as the scent disperses too quickly—a perfect reason to grow more lavender, perhaps as a hedge!
Ways to Use Lavender as a Natural Pest Repellant
1. Lavender Sachets for Drawers
Lavender sachets are an age-old remedy for keeping pests like moths, silverfish, ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, and other insects out. To make a sachet, fill small, breathable fabric pouches, such as muslin or cotton bags, with dried lavender flowers.
These sachets are perfect for placing in drawers, closets, and storage spaces to prevent pest infestations while leaving a pleasant scent. Over time, the potency of the lavender will fade, so remember to replace the dried flowers every 6-12 months.
Tip: For the best results, gently crush dried lavender before filling the sachets to release more of its essential oils.
2. Lavender Spray for Pests
A lavender spray is a simple and helpful way to repel pests naturally. Boil 2 cups of water and add 2-3 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers or a handful of fresh lavender sprigs in it. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract the active compounds.
After cooling, strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. Mix 8-10 drops of lavender essential oil to make this spray even more effective. You can use this spray around windows, doors, and outdoor seating areas to keep mosquitoes, flies, and insects at bay.
3. Use Fresh Lavender
Fresh lavender not only deters pests but looks divine indoors, providing a pop of color and life! Make a bundle of fresh lavender sprigs and arrange it in vases near kitchen windows, entryways, or other areas where pests dwell.
You can also rub fresh lavender leaves directly onto your skin as a natural insect repellent.
4. Lavender Potpourri
Lavender potpourri is a decorative way to repel pests and insects and freshen indoor spaces. It is an easy DIY technique that includes combining dried lavender flowers with other pest-repelling herbs like rosemary or mint leaves.
Place the mixture in ornate bowls and place them all over your home. You can also sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil onto the potpourri to enhance its effectiveness and longevity.
