Do Cicadas Like Lavender

Cicadas do not like lavender, and planting it can actually help deter them from your yard.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether cicadas like lavender, the short answer is a firm no, as these buzzing insects are repelled by its strong aromatic scent.
 
While cicadas are mostly harmless to humans, their noisy mating calls and sheer numbers can make spending time outdoors overwhelming during peak emergence seasons.
 
Many gardeners look for natural ways to keep cicadas away, and lavender often comes up as a potential solution.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why cicadas don’t like lavender, how you can use lavender to protect your garden, and what other plants might help.
 
Let’s dig into the fragrant world of lavender and its effect on these loud insects.
 

Why Cicadas Dislike Lavender

Cicadas dislike lavender primarily because of the intense essential oils and aromatic compounds the plant releases into the air.
 
These insects rely heavily on plant vibrations and chemical cues to locate suitable feeding and egg-laying spots, and lavender confuses those signals.
 
Here are the key reasons why cicadas and lavender don’t mix well.
 

1. Strong Fragrance Overwhelms Their Senses

Cicadas use their antennae to detect chemical signals from trees and shrubs, which guide them to their preferred hosts.
 
Lavender produces linalool and camphor, two volatile compounds that create a sharp, penetrating aroma that cicadas find overwhelming.
 
Since cicadas don’t like lavender’s scent profile, they tend to avoid areas where the fragrance is thick and concentrated.
 
When you plant lavender near trees they usually target, it acts like a natural smokescreen that masks the attractive odors.
 
This olfactory confusion is why many homeowners report fewer cicadas around lavender borders.
 

2. Lavender’s Texture Is Unappealing

Cicadas prefer to land on smooth bark and broad leaves where they can easily pierce the surface with their mouthparts.
 
Lavender has narrow, fuzzy, and slightly leathery leaves that don’t offer the same comfortable landing or feeding experience.
 
The fine hairs on lavender foliage can also irritate cicadas’ delicate legs, making them less likely to linger.
 
Because cicadas don’t like lavender’s physical structure, they simply move on to more hospitable plants nearby.
 

3. Lavender Attracts Predators That Eat Cicadas

Another reason cicadas dislike lavender is that the plant draws in beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and predatory beetles.
 
These natural enemies hunt cicada nymphs and adults, creating an invisible threat that keeps cicadas wary of the area.
 
Wasps, in particular, are known to paralyze cicadas and use them as hosts for their eggs.
 
When lavender blooms, its nectar-rich flowers attract these cicada predators, effectively turning your garden into a danger zone for the pests.
 
This biological defense is a huge bonus if you’re trying to manage cicada populations organically.
 

4. Lavender’s Oils Act as a Mild Repellent

When you brush against lavender or crush its leaves, the oils release a concentrated burst that lingers on nearby surfaces.
 
This oil residue can coat tree trunks and foliage if you place lavender strategically, making those surfaces less inviting to cicadas.
 
While cicadas don’t like lavender oil enough to be instantly driven away, the cumulative effect of many plants can reduce their presence.
 
Some gardeners even make a lavender spray by steeping the flowers in water, then misting it on trees.
 
This homemade repellent leverages the same aromatic compounds that make cicadas avoid lavender in the first place.
 

How to Use Lavender to Deter Cicadas

Now that you understand why cicadas don’t like lavender, you might be eager to put this knowledge to work in your yard.
 
Planting lavender strategically can create a protective ring around your most valuable plants and outdoor living spaces.
 

1. Create a Lavender Border Around Patios

If you want to enjoy your deck or patio without the constant buzzing of cicadas, plant lavender along the perimeter.
 
The scent will surround your seating area with a pleasant fragrance while discouraging cicadas from flying too close.
 
Space the plants about 18 inches apart to create a continuous aromatic barrier.
 
You’ll not only keep some cicadas away but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
 

2. Underplant Vulnerable Trees

Cicadas prefer oak, maple, and fruit trees, so adding lavender at the base of these trees is a smart move.
 
Since cicadas don’t like lavender, they may skip trees that are surrounded by this aromatic herb.
 
As the lavender matures, its root system and foliage create a dense layer that cicadas find hard to navigate.
 
This method works best when you combine several lavender plants with other aromatic herbs like rosemary and mint.
 

3. Use Potted Lavender for Flexibility

Not everyone has the space for large garden beds, but potted lavender offers the same deterrent benefits.
 
Place pots of lavender near windows, doors, and outdoor seating to keep cicadas away from high-traffic areas.
 
You can easily move the pots around as cicada activity shifts during the season.
 
Potted lavender also lets you experiment with placement to see which spots in your yard cicadas avoid most.
 

Other Plants That Repel Cicadas Like Lavender

If you’re serious about reducing cicada visits, combine lavender with other plants that share similar repellent qualities.
 
Cicadas tend to avoid strongly scented herbs and flowers, so diversifying your plantings is key.
 

1. Marigolds

Marigolds produce a pungent odor that confuses cicadas just like lavender does.
 
Their bright orange and yellow blooms also attract predatory insects that feed on cicada eggs.
 
Plant marigolds alongside lavender for a colorful and effective double barrier.
 

2. Catnip and Mint

Both catnip and mint contain nepetalactone, which is a powerful natural insect repellent.
 
Cicadas dislike these plants almost as much as they dislike lavender, especially when leaves are bruised or crushed.
 
Keep mint in containers, as it spreads aggressively and can overtake your garden.
 
Catnip, on the other hand, is a hardy perennial that thrives in similar conditions to lavender.
 

3. Garlic and Chives

Alliums like garlic and chives emit sulfur compounds that many insects find revolting.
 
Cicadas don’t like lavender’s floral scent, and they equally avoid the sharp, savory notes of alliums.
 
Plant these near fruit trees to provide an additional layer of protection.
 
As a bonus, you’ll have fresh herbs for your kitchen all summer long.
 

Practical Tips for Maximizing Lavender’s Repellent Effect

To get the most out of your lavender plants, you need to keep them healthy and aromatic.
 
Stress-free lavender produces more essential oils, which means stronger deterrence against cicadas.
 

1. Full Sun Is Non-Negotiable

Lavender thrives in full sunlight, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sun each day.
 
Shade reduces oil production and weakens the plant’s fragrance.
 
Choose the sunniest spots in your garden for maximum impact.
 

2. Well-Draining Soil Prevents Rot

Lavender hates wet feet and will develop root rot in soggy soil.
 
Plant it in sandy or gravelly soil that drains quickly after rain.
 
If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds or adding coarse sand to improve drainage.
 
Healthy lavender emits a stronger scent, making cicadas avoid it even more.
 

3. Prune Regularly for Bushier Growth

Regular pruning encourages lavender to grow more stems and leaves, which increases the surface area for oil release.
 
Trim back about one-third of the plant after the first bloom to promote a second flowering.
 
This keeps the aroma fresh and potent throughout cicada season.
 

So, Do Cicadas Like Lavender?

Cicadas do not like lavender at all.
 
In fact, cicadas dislike lavender so much that this fragrant herb can serve as a natural repellent in your garden.
 
By understanding the reasons behind this aversion, you can strategically plant lavender and similar herbs to minimize cicada activity.
 
Whether you’re dealing with a periodic brood emergence or just want year-round protection, lavender is a beautiful and functional addition.
 
Remember to give your lavender full sun, good drainage, and regular pruning to keep its scent strong and effective.
 
With a little planning, you can enjoy a quieter, more peaceful garden while these noisy insects look elsewhere.
 
So go ahead and add lavender to your landscape, and you’ll likely notice fewer cicadas buzzing around your trees and patios.