Citronella, a natural insect repellent, has been used for generations to repel various insects, including mosquitoes. However, it is not very effective at repelling mosquitoes due to its strong scent that can interfere with their ability to locate and bite humans. Other essential oils, such as basil, catnip, cedarwood, juniper, and lemon, can be added to citronella oil to increase its effectiveness.
Citronella is most commonly associated with repelling mosquitoes, but its strong scent can interfere with their ability to locate and bite humans. It is slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. The oil of citronella repels insects rather than killing them, making it suitable for bees and other pollinators.
To increase the effectiveness of your homemade citronella spray or lotion, add essential oils from other plants identified to repel insects, such as basil, catnip, cedarwood, juniper, and lemon. Liquid products can be applied by hand or sprayed on skin or clothing. Citronella candles are only effective in the immediate radius around the candle and in the absence of a breeze.
Citronella is also used as a natural insect repellent against flying insects such as flies, gnats, no-see-ums, and ants. Studies have shown that mosquitoes can taste and smell the citronellal liquid and have an aversion response to it. Citronella candles are only effective at repelling mosquitoes in the immediate radius around the candle and in the absence of a breeze.
In conclusion, while citronella is a powerful natural insect repellent, it is not very effective at repelling mosquitoes. Other insect repellant plants like DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, and other essential oils can be used to enhance the effectiveness of citronella products.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Does Citronella Work Against All Insects? | Mosquitoes: Citronella is most commonly associated with repelling mosquitoes. Its strong scent can interfere with their ability to locate and bite humans or … | ecoshieldpest.com |
| Oil of Citronella General Fact Sheet | It is slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Oil of citronella repels insects rather than killing them. Therefore, bees and other pollinators are … | npic.orst.edu |
| Want to repel mosquitoes? Don’t use citronella candles | Want to repel mosquitoes? Don’t use citronella candles. DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil best bets for repelling bloodsuckers. 16 Feb … | science.org |
📹 Why don’t we say that the Citronella fragrance oil repels bugs?
Even though the Citronella fragrance oil does have natural citronella oil in it, we do not claim that it is a bug-repellant. Whitfield …
Is Citronella Toxic To Dogs?
Citronella, commonly used in candles and oils as a mosquito repellent, is toxic to pets. Pet owners should exercise caution when using citronella products and ensure pets do not have access to citronella plants in gardens. According to Dr. Smith, a holistic vet, while citronella oil can be safe for dogs and cats in small, properly diluted doses, direct contact should be avoided. Ingesting citronella can lead to various symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological issues. Therefore, it is vital to seek veterinary advice if pets exhibit signs of poisoning.
Exposure to citronella can result in sickness for pets, prompting the need for education on safe usage and alternatives for mosquito protection. Although citronella is a natural insect repellent, it poses risks to dogs if ingested or applied topically, potentially leading to irritation or allergic reactions. Understanding the signs of citronella poisoning is crucial for pet owners, as is knowing what actions to take if a pet ingests or comes into contact with citronella.
The citronella plant itself is indeed toxic to pets, with symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Pets may experience irritation in their mouth and throat if they ingest citronella products, along with gastrointestinal disturbances. Although citronella essential oil, when used properly in small amounts, is generally deemed low in toxicity, pet owners must remain vigilant.
To protect pets while managing mosquito problems, alternatives to citronella products should be considered, and precautions should be taken to prevent any toxic exposure.
Will Citronella Keep Bees Away?
Citronella is primarily recognized for its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes, but its strong aroma is also offensive to wasps and bees. This plant can thrive indoors or outdoors, requiring at least six hours of sunlight and well-drained soil. While bees are crucial for global food production, contributing to over half of the world's agriculture, citronella can deter them when used appropriately.
Citronella oil is particularly effective, as studies indicate it significantly reduces bee landings on treated surfaces. For those looking for an easier application than crushing leaves, a few drops of citronella oil can create a robust scent on the skin. Other strong-scented plants like mint also help repel bees.
When citronella is present, bees tend to avoid areas with its distinct smell, making it a natural alternative to chemical repellents that can harm the environment. One suggestion for repelling bees includes strategically placing citronella candles around gardens or lawns, readily available in grocery or hardware stores. These candles effectively ward off bees, wasps, and mosquitoes within a certain radius.
While some sources contradict each other regarding citronella's effects on bees, it is generally accepted that its scent can annoy them, creating an effective barrier against swarming near homes. Furthermore, other scents like lavender oil, lemon, and lime have similar repellent properties.
Ultimately, while citronella won’t completely eliminate bees, it can provide some deterrent effects without causing harm. Thus, using citronella can balance the desire for a mosquito-free space while maintaining the essential presence of bees in the ecosystem.
Does Citronella Attract Bees?
Bees have a strong aversion to various scents, including lavender oil, citronella oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. These can serve as topical defenses against bees, as they are not generally attracted to human scents but are naturally curious. Although there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that bees are specifically attracted to citronella, it is recognized as a natural repellent due to its strong scent, which can mask other fragrances that attract bees. Citronella oil, derived from the citronella plant, is noted for its effectiveness in deterring various insects, including bees.
While growing a citronella plant in a garden won't completely repel bees, its concentrated oil can effectively deter them due to its overpowering scent, which disrupts their normal behavior. Citronella does not harm bees but simply repels them, and this repelling ability is backed by scientific observations. For those who find bees bothersome, using citronella oil or candles can provide an easy method of application; just a few drops can create a powerful scent barrier.
Additionally, citrus scents from lemon and lime can also help deter bees when used in the environment. While some sources may contradict each other regarding citronella oil's effects on bees, it's generally accepted that the oil's pleasant aroma to humans is off-putting to bees and wasps. Other strong-scented plants like eucalyptus can also effectively repel these insects. Overall, citronella remains a key natural repellent not only for mosquitoes but also for bees, making its use in gardens or as a candle effective for keeping these pollinators at bay.
What Smell Do Spiders Hate The Most?
Spiders have a strong aversion to certain scents, which can be utilized as natural repellents to keep them away from homes. Key smells that spiders absolutely detest include vinegar, cayenne pepper, mint, citrus, cinnamon, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil also interfere with a spider's sensory system, making these smells effective deterrents.
To create a homemade spider-repellent spray, mix a few drops of these essential oils with water and apply it to areas where spiders are commonly found. Specific scents, like cayenne pepper, not only irritate their sense of smell but are also uncomfortable for their eyes. Similarly, strong fragrances from citrus (lemons, limes, and oranges) are particularly effective in repelling spiders and other small bugs.
In addition to essential oils, vinegar can be a useful repellent, as its acetic acid can kill spiders when diluted in water, rendering it both odorless and harmless for indoor use. Growing plants that emit these undesirable scents can also serve as a natural barrier against spider invasions.
For a thorough approach to spider deterrence, consider using a combination of these smells. Scents such as strong mint, lavender, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and rose—not only keep spiders at bay but can also leave your home smelling fresh and pleasant for you and your family. Overall, leveraging these effective smells can drastically reduce spider presence in your living space while providing a healthier alternative to chemical repellents.
Does Citronella Actually Keep Bugs Away?
Citronella oil is well known for its insect-repelling properties, particularly against mosquitoes, flies, and gnats, due to its unique compounds including citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. Although citronella is somewhat effective at keeping insects at bay when used as oil, the plant itself is less effective in repelling bugs. Research indicates that citronella can deter pests when strategically planted around homes or utilized indoors. Various products like sprays, wearable devices, and candles containing citronella claim to provide protection from mosquitoes and other insects.
Studies evaluating these repellents, especially targeting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, reveal that many products do not live up to their promises. Citronella oil can help mask human scents, making it harder for mosquitoes to locate targets, but its overall effectiveness remains limited.
In fact, citronella candles have been shown to offer minimal protection against mosquito bites and might not be significantly more effective than other smoke-emitting candles. The conclusion from research suggests that, while citronella can act as a mild deterrent, it won't completely eliminate mosquito presence, especially in outdoor settings. Despite its limitations in repelling mosquitoes, citronella remains a popular plant due to its appealing qualities and moderate effectiveness in pest management. It is important to explore various options for bug repellents, as some alternatives may prove to be more effective than citronella products.
Does Citronella Keep Ants Away?
Products with non-toxic ingredients like rosemary and citronella can temporarily deter ants, yet they don’t address the root of the problem and may inadvertently cause colonies to split. Ants are small and often overlooked until they invade food or appear along baseboards. Despite their size, ants can be a nuisance. Citronella oil, a non-toxic option, can repel ants when applied to surfaces, and studies show it can eliminate a significant portion of a colony quickly.
For instance, it has been reported that citronella oil can kill around 50% of ants within 30 minutes. The oil can also be used to create barriers against ants, such as applying it to a string laid before entry points. Its effectiveness as a repellent has been debated, but it certainly helps reduce ant presence.
To further deter ants, one can incorporate essential oils like peppermint and other natural remedies into their cleaning routines. Using citronella essential oil in washing water is one suggested method. While citronella ants do not cause structural harm or reproduce indoors, they remain a nuisance. They can be vacuumed if they invade homes. Growing citronella grass in pots can also keep pests at bay in outdoor areas.
It is recommended to maintain cleanliness in yards and utilize natural pest deterrents, such as surrounding plant soil with citrus rinds to prevent ants from nesting. Overall, integrating these methods can help keep ants out of your home while utilizing natural, non-toxic products.
What Smell Do Bugs Hate The Most?
The Science Behind Smells: Why Do Bugs Hate Them? Certain scents effectively repel bugs, leveraging their unpleasant odors and insecticidal properties. Top offenders include citronella, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and neem oils. Citronella is the classic mosquito repellent, while peppermint serves as a broad-spectrum deterrent against various insects. Lavender is not only soothing but also repellent, and tea tree oil offers antimicrobial benefits against pests.
Bugs tend to dislike strong aromatic plants such as rosemary, garlic, and marigolds. Homeowners often seek natural solutions to keep pests at bay without using harmful chemicals. A diverse range of bugs, including mosquitoes, ants, flies, and spiders, can be deterred by scents like vinegar, mint, and cinnamon. Bed bugs are particularly sensitive to essential oils, vinegar, and strong herbs.
In conclusion, certain volatile compounds in these unpleasant scents disrupt insects' sensory perception, making environments less appealing. Natural repellents, such as peppermint oil, geranium, and lavender, provide effective ways to keep pests away without harming humans and pets. Lesser-known scents like lemon basil and garlic have also shown effectiveness, especially for those who consume garlic regularly, resulting in reduced mosquito bites. Overall, strategic use of these scents can help manage pest problems efficiently.
What Animals Are Attracted To Citronella Candles?
Bears are known to be attracted to food and garbage at campsites, but citronella candles are another object that draws their attention due to their strong, sweet citrus aroma. While campers often use citronella candles to avoid mosquito bites without heavy chemicals like DEET, the scent resembles ripe fruit, which bears enjoy. Mosquitoes are among the most bothersome pests outdoors, and citronella is a common insect repellent that supposedly masks human scents, making it less attractive to insects. However, citronella candles are often viewed as ineffective, as the oil is consumed by the flame.
Additionally, candles with various scents—such as lemongrass, cinnamon, vanilla, and lavender—are known to repel flies as they mask the scents that attract them. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that bears can be curious about different scents, including citronella, potentially mistaking candles for food or being simply attracted to their smell. Citronella plants are frequently hailed as mosquito repellents for their ability to deter various bugs, but the effectiveness of citronella candles and plants in repelling mosquitoes is debated.
While citronella reportedly has minimal toxicity to birds, it’s essential to remember that any strong odor may attract wildlife, including bears. Therefore, it is crucial for campers to be mindful of the scents they bring and their potential to attract bears and other wildlife, even when the intention is to repel insects.
What Insects Are Repelled By Citronella Oil?
Citronella oil, derived from lemongrass plants, is widely recognized as a natural insect repellent, particularly effective against mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks. Its distinct lemony aroma masks the scents that attract these pests, making it challenging for them to locate their targets. Though citronella does offer some level of bug repulsion, recent studies suggest it may not be as effective as other essential oils in deterring insects.
While citronella oil does repel mosquitoes—known carriers of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika—it does not kill them, nor does it harm beneficial insects like bees when applied. Citronella products can be used in a variety of forms, such as liquid sprays or cloth applications on skin or clothing, but they need to be reapplied frequently to maintain their effectiveness, typically offering protection for up to three hours. Despite its popularity, experts recommend other options like DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil as more reliable alternatives.
While citronella is commonly used in recreational outdoor areas, it is important to note that it serves primarily as a repellent, not an exterminator, leading to misconceptions about its efficacy. In conclusion, while citronella can be a useful natural deterrent, a combination of different repellents may yield better results against pesky insects.
📹 Which Is The Real Citronella Plant? Does It Repel Mosquitos?
This video explores the effectiveness of citronella plants sold in big box stores as mosquito repellents. The presenter reveals that the common citronella plant sold in stores is not actually effective at repelling mosquitoes, despite its pleasant citrusy scent. The video then discusses the true source of citronella oil and its effectiveness as a mosquito repellent.
I am a mosquito magnet. I have Citronella Plants and they absolutely keep mosquitoes away from me when I sit on my front porch. I did find at first that the the small plant I had did nothing to repel mosquitoes. However when it grew large it really worked great when close by my chair. I love my plants and make lots of cuttings easily and regularly to start brand new ones. They also work great to keep close by all my doors to the outside. However I have to take them inside when the the outdoor temp is below 50 degrees. But it has been well worth it.
I was surprised to see a “citronella” plant that didn’t look like common tropical lemon grass. Cymbopogon nardus is the citronella mosquito repellant. Here in the Philippines, we use cymbopogon citratus ( tanglad) in soups. Its important not to interchange one from the other as Citronella may be poisonous to humans. Once, my husband accidentally used the citronella in cooking soup. He was surprised to smell a different aroma from the usual tanglad (cymbopogon citratus). We had to throw away the whole dish. Now I label my plants and also inform the family members that the grass with the red base should not be used in soups. Thanks for your informative article!
Living in Florida and used to have a lawn business what I have found best is to use a combination of different mosquito repelling plants. Marigolds are great but only use the Crackerjack African and the Marietta French they also are great at repelling noseeums too if you don’t live in Florida then no worries but if you do those marigolds are the only plants I found that will get them out of your backyard and I say backyard because I only had one lawn that had them and they moved to the bushes in the front yard. Other plants for mosquitos are Vera Lavender, Dondo Blue, Scented Geranium Appleblossom, Blue Boy. You can do pots for pool decks and porches or line a garden with the marigolds and use the rest to fill in. A quick an easy way to rid your yard of mosquitos is to use a fogger that last couple of hours but if your having a party use the fogger then the torches seem to work the best. The fogger makes them leave the area and the torches keeps them from returning. The fogger says keeps them away 4 to 6 hours but that is not true two hours at the most.
Sorry it doesn’t work for you but it does work for us. We bought one at our local Walmart for $17. I was very skeptical but we have so many mosquitoes around our front door that I was desperate. To my surprise, it worked. Ever since we put this plant next to our front door, we are able to go in and out without worrying about mosquitoes. Now, I just need to plant them in our garden cause there are tons of mosquitoes there. Thanks for sharing.
Depends on your microclimate, topography, proximity to stagnant water bodies, ect. No plant or remedy will absolutely keep them away if reproduction rate stays favorably exponential. Some find the plants works, others not sure much. But with plants it’s all about working with your plant to get the fumes/oils out which aren’t marketed that way in the US since consumers here won’t buy them if they know they’d actually have to put in said work, rather than just planting and praying. Neat article
I was just doing research on how to take care of this plant and came across this. Thank you! Thankfully, I didn’t plant mine yet. Going back to Lowe’s today to return this and getting some lemon grass! Btw I read somewhere that this fake citronella plant actually also attracts bees. Thanks for the tip on the essential oils.
as a child, we had that everywhere in my grandmother’s house and mosquitos had been wrecking us in summer lol My grandmother was using it for my ear infections; equally useless, though it never stopped her from sticking it in my ears ( ps. it warms up the skin the same way as chili would if you will tear it into the skin but much milder. I’m sure there is something to it, but I grow it just because it reminds me of home. )
I have a buddy in the Philippines who told me it is the grass version as you suggested that they plant around their houses to repel the mosquitoes, but I have two of those same plants like you are sitting next to, one at my front door, and one on my back porch and one of our observations is that the mosquitoes and flies don’t hang around our doors at all like they used to, so clearly there is something going on. We used to fight mosquitoes AND flies all summer and into the fall, but I think I have only seen one mosquito and no flies at all in the house this year. But just for good measure, I think I’m going to invest in a little of both, put them in pots so I can move them into a green house over the winters.
I keep a potted one next to me on my patio, and I’ll agree it’s not fool proof, but when I have some annoying mosquitoes I’ll give the plant a hearty shake to release the scent and it seems to work. If a branch falls off I’ll rub the leaves on my skin. I’ve noticed a huge drop in bites while I’m sitting on my patio when this is sitting right next to me. Even if it doesn’t work like the real thing, I love how easy it grows and I do like the scent. But just planting it around your yard and expecting mosquitoes to disappear? Nah.
“Oftentimes, plants that are sold as “citronella plants” aren’t true citronella plants or Cymbopogon. They are, instead, citronella scented geraniums, or other plants that simply have a citronella-like scent. ” REF: gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/scented-geranium/mosquito-citronella-geranium-plant.htm I THINK the citronella plant you need to look for it the grass shaped type. It looks like lemongrass but the stalk has that distinct red/pink color.
That is actually in the geranium plant family, and no it does not repel mosquitos! You are right! They actually hide there lol. In Hawaii big box nurseries, they sell this as Citronella, and people mistakenly buy it up! Citronella is a grass plant used externally only with reddish/brownish stems taller than Lemongrass which stems are green and a bit smaller, it is used internally, culinary, and medicinally.
Um, have you ever tried rubbing that plant on your skin? I think you are misunderstanding the word “repellant” in the way that it is used for things like this. Just like.. the term “water repellant” doesn’t mean the same thing as if youve got two magnets set up to repel each other, which is sort of what you are expecting that plant to do. A fair comparison between the two would be to open that bottle and set it next to you to see if mosquitoes still fly around. If that is the case, then egg on my face.I think the way these things work is that they mask your odor, though, so to the mosquitoes, they smell you and they smell the plant, so they go to you. If your body smelled like the plant, then you just smell like a smelly plant which is what you are doing when you spray the spray on your body.
That is not citronella. Lemongrass is not citronella. Lemongrass and citronella look almost identical but are not the same. The difference is one will have a purple or red coloring at the base and the other will not. Lemongrass does not repel mosquitoes. I live where both grow natrually in the wild every where.
I was fooled to and like someone else said they do attract praying mantis. I”ve never seen a mantis is the 10yrs we lived here until I bought these plants. I love them but they can kill hummingbirds when they get big enough. If I didn’t have hummers then I’d appreciate them more. Anyway, these plants don’t work unless you lay on them or constantly rubbing the leaves for the scent. Isn’t it considered a type of fraud to sell to unsuspecting customers? Just saying.
Yes the subject of his article caught my attention listened intently but to my dismay waiting for a completion of his message never came and that is…!! which plant keeps mosquitoes away?? It never came left us hanging!! He seemed like the expert on mosquito repellent plants but never gave us what we really wanted to know!! Which one or ones do work??? No mention of that! Never gave us that answer…Totally disappointed