Lavender is a herb that grows well in hot and dry regions. If you live in USDA hardiness zones between 5 and 9, you’ll probably have no issue growing this plant.
But besides its appealing aesthetics and pleasant scent, this plant is also an ideal companion plant. Indeed, its aroma will attract beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, over the summer, which can help other plants with their reproduction.
But while summer might be the time of the year to make the most out of your garden and enjoy your outdoor spaces, it is also the season when insects are most active. And that might be a hassle.
While it is always best to contact professionals to take care of infestations, you can use plants and other measures to prevent some pests from attacking your garden. But can lavender help you repel fleas? You are in the right place to find that out!
Can Lavender Repel Fleas?
Let’s get straight to the point: lavender essential oil can help repel fleas, but it won’t kill them. So, don’t expect planting some lavender around your garden to solve all of your problems with these pests. Still, their smell might prevent attacks.
For instance, consider planting lavender around the entrance of your home or in front of your windows. It will help you keep fleas out of your house. Additionally (or alternately), you can plant lavender in the areas that your pet likes the most.
After all, these insects feed on blood and will get any chance to be around dogs or cats. The best thing about lavender is that you won’t have to worry about your animals eating them: the herb isn’t toxic.
If you need a more effective solution, consider getting a hand on lavender essential oil and spraying it around your garden, especially in the areas your animals tend to visit the most. If you don’t want to do it manually, you can always get a diffuser: it will regularly spray a fine mist containing the essence.
What Other Plants Can You Use to Repel Fleas?
While plants will only serve as repellents and might not be as effective at preventing infestation, they are still a way to try keeping fleas away from your garden.
Plus, they will increase the looks of your yard, which is never a bad idea. But lavender is not your only option. Indeed, you can plant it together with sage, wormwood, rosemary, or marigolds.
Consider adding plants that release scents: fleas usually don’t like them. Don’t forget to combine species that won’t compete for nutrients if you decide to plant more than one.
For instance, mints are excellent options, especially if you need something to fill a shady corner in your garden, as they will perform well even in partial shade.
If you decide to plant them in combination with lavender, keep in mind that they need more water. Place them under a container to prevent any issues. Indeed, under ideal conditions, mint can become invasive, which might cause problems to your lavender.
Rosemary is another suitable option, especially since it thrives in environments similar to lavender. Indeed, both are native to the Mediterranean and perform best under the full sun in well-draining soils. Plus, the two can tolerate short periods of drought.
If you prefer adding a flowering plant, consider marigolds or chrysanthemums. The two are relatively easy to grow and quite effective at repelling pests, including fleas.
Other Ways to Treat Your Garden For Fleas
As we mentioned before, lavender or other plants are not as effective methods as other measures. You can combine them with other actions to keep your garden free of fleas.
After all, organic methods only get so far at eliminating insects. For instance, don’t forget to keep your garden tidy. Mow your lawn and remove any unwanted vegetation to make the environment unpleasant to fleas. Pick weeds and remove organic debris, where fleas like to hide and lay eggs.
Additionally, don’t forget to regulate the moisture: these pests love water, which they need to survive. For this reason, they won’t think twice about finding shelter around overwatered plants.
If you have tried everything and nothing seems to help you, consider treating your lawn with a suitable garden treatment. You can find chemicals that kill existing fleas and eggs and act as a deterrent for new fleas to prevent them from getting into your garden.
Does lavender repel fleas: Conclusion
Don’t forget to finalize the treatment by flooding the infested areas. Spray plenty of water around trees, flower beds, grass, and shrubs to eliminate all possible fleas that might have survived the treatment.