The genus Lavandula, known simply as lavender, produces a distinctive and powerful aromatic profile that influences the behavior of many animals. This strong scent is primarily due to volatile organic compounds, chiefly linalool and linalyl acetate, which are concentrated in the plant’s essential oil. Lavender creates a dual effect in the ecosystem, acting simultaneously as a powerful attractant for some species and a strong repellent for others. This polarized response is dictated by the animal’s specific olfactory and metabolic systems.
Beneficial Animals Drawn to Lavender
Lavender flowers are a significant source of nectar, making them a popular attraction for numerous beneficial insects. The vibrant purple and blue hues of the blossoms, combined with the rich floral scent, serve as a clear signal to pollinators. These plants provide a reliable and abundant food source, supporting local insect populations.
The primary beneficiaries are various species of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and native solitary bees, which are drawn to the deep, nectar-filled tubes of the flowers. Butterflies also commonly visit lavender, using their long proboscises to reach the sweet liquid. Beyond pollinators, lavender attracts predatory insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, which are beneficial to a garden ecosystem.
Common Pests Deterred by Lavender
The potent aroma serves as a major deterrent to a wide range of garden pests and foraging mammals. The high concentration of aromatic monoterpenes like linalool disrupts the delicate olfactory systems of many insects. This confusion makes it difficult for them to locate hosts, find nesting sites, or track food sources.
Volatile oils released by the plant actively repel insect pests. The scent acts as a mask, overwhelming the subtle chemical signals these insects rely upon for navigation. Lavender’s compounds also deter external parasites, often being incorporated into natural repellent products.
Insect pests repelled by lavender include:
- Clothes moths
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Ticks
- Fleas
Mammals like deer and rabbits typically avoid lavender due to its strong smell and bitter flavor. Deer are often deterred by the intense fragrance of the plant’s foliage. Rabbits are similarly put off by the bitter taste and coarse texture of the leaves, making live lavender a popular choice for perimeter planting.
Lavender and Household Pet Safety
The application of lavender around companion animals, particularly cats and dogs, requires careful consideration. The essential oils contain concentrated levels of linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic if ingested or absorbed in large amounts. Pet safety depends heavily on the form of lavender used and the species exposed.
Cats are significantly more vulnerable to toxicity because their livers lack the necessary enzymes to efficiently metabolize these compounds. This means that even small amounts can build up in their system, a process known as glucuronidation deficiency. Exposure to highly concentrated essential oils poses the greatest risk, potentially leading to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or respiratory distress.
Dogs are less sensitive than cats, but ingestion of plant material can still cause gastrointestinal upset. In both species, exposure to concentrated essential oils can lead to symptoms ranging from skin irritation to more serious neurological issues. Pet owners should exercise caution, ensuring concentrated products are kept out of reach and that the use of diffusers allows the pet an easy escape route to fresh air.
Effective Deployment of Lavender for Animal Management
To harness lavender’s effects, the form and placement of the plant must be tailored to the desired outcome. For attracting beneficial insects, planting live lavender bushes in the garden is the most effective strategy. The natural release of nectar and pollen provides a sustained lure for pollinators throughout the blooming season. Positioning these plants near food crops can enhance the pollination of the entire garden.
For pest and mammal deterrence, the strategic use of both live plants and concentrated oils is recommended. Planting lavender in dense hedges around vulnerable plants creates a physical and olfactory barrier to deer and rabbits. Using the essential oil provides a more concentrated and powerful repellent effect. Sachets of dried flowers can deter moths in enclosed spaces, while diluted oil sprays can be applied to perimeter areas to discourage insects like mosquitoes and flies.