Can lavender keep insects away? An insect expert in the United States says it may help. It depends on the form of lavender you use. Research found that a 20 percent lavender oil mix can repel mosquitoes. The effect can last for up to eight hours.
But simply growing lavender plants works less well. Many lavender-scented products also contain too little oil. The expert warns against putting pure oil or homemade mixes on the skin. They may cause irritation. Lavender flowers also attract insects such as bees, butterflies, and wasps. Do buzzing insects bother you? Then do not plant lavender near places where people sit or eat. She says to follow the instructions on the label.