If you’re looking to purchase products to keep mosquitoes at bay, you may come across lavender essential oil as a popular choice. Lavender essential oil is known for its ability to effectively repel mosquitoes and other insects. Join us as we explore the benefits of lavender essential oil and learn how to make it at home to fumigate and keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay!
1. The Power of Lavender Essential Oil: An Effective Mosquito Repellent
Research has shown that lavender essential oil is a powerful natural repellent against mosquitoes. This is due to the high concentration of linalool, a compound that mimics the effects of diethyltoluamide on mosquito olfactory receptors. It is particularly effective against the anopheles mosquito, which is a known carrier of dengue fever.
Lavender essential oil is a powerful natural repellent
In addition to keeping mosquitoes at bay, lavender essential oil can also help repel other unwanted insects such as moths, fleas, flies, and ticks. It’s like having a natural insect shield! Plus, it can also be used to reduce pain, disinfect, and soothe insect bites, making it a versatile addition to your home remedies.
2. Creating Your Own Lavender Essential Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients for Lavender Essential Oil
- 5-6 sprigs of lavender
- 200ml of olive oil (or rum, or almond oil)
- Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Vitamin E capsules
- Thin fabric for straining
Simple ingredients for a powerful oil
Instructions:
Start by cutting off the hard lower stems of fresh lavender, keeping only the upper part of the flower stem. Then, tie the sprigs together and hang them in a shady area or weak sunlight for about 2-3 weeks to dry. Alternatively, you can wrap the flowers in a thin cloth to retain their fragrance while preventing the oil from turning rancid.
Note:
– Avoid drying in direct sunlight as it can alter the oil’s quality.
– Do not use fresh flowers as they can cause the oil to spoil and have a weaker scent.
Dry lavender for the best results
Once the lavender is dry, use clean hands to crumble it, or grind it to a medium consistency using a mortar and pestle. Be careful not to make it too fine. Transfer the lavender to a clean glass jar.
Note: Ensure your hands and equipment are thoroughly clean. Do not let the lavender come into contact with water, as it will affect the oil’s quality.
Crumble the lavender and contain its power
Pour olive oil (or your chosen alternative) into the jar until it just covers the lavender. Seal the jar with a plastic bag and close the lid tightly to prevent air from entering.
Tip: Rum or almond oil are great alternatives to olive oil, as they have mild scents that won’t overpower the lavender.
Add olive oil to enhance the infusion
Place the sealed jar in direct sunlight for 3-6 weeks to accelerate the release of the lavender’s essential oil.
Tip: If sunlight is unavailable, create a double boiler and heat the jarred mixture for 2-5 hours, maintaining a constant temperature of 38-49 degrees Celsius.
Sun exposure and infusion work hand in hand
After 3-6 weeks, the essential oil will have infused with the lavender. Use a thin, clean piece of fabric and place it over a bowl. Pour the infused oil onto the fabric to separate the oil from the flower residue.
Tip: To boost the fragrance, add more lavender flowers to the filtered oil and repeat the above steps.
Separate and store your creation
The Final Product
Pour the lavender oil into a clean, dry, dark-colored glass jar and add a few drops of vitamin E to extend its shelf life. Your very own lavender essential oil is now ready!
Store your creation in a dark-colored jar
3. Using Lavender Essential Oil for Fumigation: Creating a Fragrant Barrier
To fill your room with the pleasant fragrance of lavender and keep mosquitoes at bay, add 5-6 drops of your homemade lavender essential oil to a bowl of warm water in a burner or diffuser.
A few drops go a long way
Now you know how to create your own lavender essential oil at home for effective mosquito-repelling fumigation. We hope you enjoy the process and find success in crafting this natural repellent.