Lavender’s reputation as a natural insect repellent is nuanced; the same scent that deters biting flies can also draw in bees, butterflies and other pollinators, depending on how the plant’s chemicals are presented.

Dr. Theresa Dellinger of Virginia Tech's Insect Identification Lab explains that different lavender species and their hybrids produce varying concentrations of volatile compounds, which directly affect how effectively they repel insects.

According to research cited by The Spruce, a formulation containing 20% lavender essential oil blended with water or an unscented lotion can keep mosquitoes at bay for as long as eight hours, whereas merely planting lavender in a garden offers far weaker protection.

The study also highlights a common shortfall: many commercial lavender‑scented products contain only trace amounts of essential oil, insufficient to deliver any meaningful repellent effect.

Dellinger cautions against applying undiluted lavender oil or homemade mixtures straight to the skin, noting that such practices may cause irritation; she recommends using products that are properly formulated and following the label’s usage instructions.

Conversely, lavender’s blossoms are abundant in nectar and pollen, traits that make the flowers highly attractive to bees, butterflies, wasps and certain flies, turning the plant into a pollinator hotspot.

She advises not to plant lavender near areas where people sit or eat if buzzing insects are a concern.