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Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, however, as we spend more evenings outside, one thing we don’t want to worry about is mosquitoes or the prospect of getting bitten by them.
Many people make extraordinary efforts to get rid of mosquitoes and while there are over-the-counter creams and sprays you can buy, these can often be quite harsh on the skin and contain chemicals.
Using homemade mosquito repellent and different scents to repel mosquitoes away can also help get rid of those pesky flying insects for good.
Can citronella repel mosquitoes?
Experts share if natural lemongrass works and how it can be used this summer.
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What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass can generally be found in two forms, oil which you can buy over the counter and there is also a species of scented geranium known as lemongrass.
Lemongrass oil is an essential oil obtained from the leaves and stems of these plants. It can be purchased widely and many use it on the skin or burn it in an oil burner when dining out. It is a natural oil that does not contain harsh chemicals and is suitable for adults and children.
Can citronella repel mosquitoes?
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According to Zahid Adnan, founder of The plant bible, the oil derived from citronella plants can be very effective, as it contains compounds that mask odors that attract mosquitoes. This makes it harder for them to locate their human targets.
“While lemongrass can be effective to some degree, its effectiveness can vary,” says Zahid. “It depends on factors such as concentration, method of application and individual susceptibility to mosquito bites.”
However, the oil from the plant definitely plays a role in deterring mosquitoes. “I have personally seen a reduction in the number of mosquitoes in my garden when I use the oil both topically and burn it,” he adds.
Zahid is a renowned figure in the gardening industry, with extensive experience and hard-earned skills in horticulture. He is the founder and editor of theplantbible.com
Citronella plants can also help against mosquitoes – David Bluepresident of Mozzie Dome Pest Control says that the lemongrass plant, in particular Cymbopogan Nardusis a big mosquito repellent plant for your garden and recommends placing it around the border of flower beds or in patio pots.
The strong citrus scent given off by the lemongrass plant is said to repel mosquitoes as they are known to hate anything that smells sour. That said, lemongrass herbs work best when used with lemongrass oil. This is due to the fact lemongrass oil, at Walmartis much more concentrated and therefore more powerful against these nasty parasites.
The main reason potency matters is that mosquitoes rely heavily on their sense of smell before all of their other receptors. Lemongrass works by using its strong scent and in turn impacts the sensory receptors of mosquitoes.
“When exposed to citronella, mosquitoes become disoriented, this confusion disrupts their ability to find and bite humans or animals,” says David Blue of Mozzie Dome Pest Control. Citronella also contains specific compounds like citronella and geraniol that act as irritants to mosquitoes, making them unpleasant to stay near the smell of citronella.
David Blue has a background in pest control and studied entomology at the University of Wisconsin. His organization, Mozzie Dome, is a pest control company dedicated to finding the best mosquito control for homes and businesses.
How to Use Lemongrass Effectively
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There are several ways to use lemongrass, and you can buy them in various forms such as candles, at Amazonas well as sprays, and even bracelets.
The main reason many people choose citronella is because it is a natural alternative to chemical insect repellents. However, one important thing to know is that lemongrass tends to evaporate quickly, which can reduce its effectiveness over time.
“If you use citronella candles or oils, you’ll need to remember to replenish them frequently.” said AH David, Owner of Pest Control Weekly. For example, if you use a citronella candle, it can keep mosquitoes away in a small area as long as the candle is burning. But once it goes out or if you move away from that candle, the protection goes down.
AH advises that lemongrass works best when used in high concentrations, which is often not the case in many commercial products. Moreover, its effectiveness may also depend on how it is used. For example, a lemongrass-infused bracelet or candle may not provide full body protection like a topical oil would, so it may be best to use a range of options.
AH David is the co-founder and editor of Pest Control Weekly. By hobby, he is a gardener and has experience in controlling all types of pests found in vegetable gardens. His goal is to provide well-researched and authentic pest information from his own experiences.
Nicole Carpenter, CEO of Prevention of black pests says that applying citronella directly to the skin prevents mosquitoes from wanting to land on you. It also works by naturally reducing their presence in the area you are in because the smell is so strong for these tiny bugs. Another effective way to use lemongrass is through lemongrass soaps and bath oils which help penetrate the skin as you bathe and are a great complement to using oils.
Nicole Carpenter started working at Black Pest Prevention when she was a junior in high school. While attending NC State University, she continued to work for the company and has since worked within the organization to become its CEO. Black Pest Prevention is a Charlotte pest control company serving North and South Carolina.
Is lemongrass toxic to pets?
Yes, lemongrass can be toxic to your pets, so use it with caution. If you have dogs and cats in the home, make sure your lemongrass plant is in a raised bed or flowerpot so pets aren’t directly exposed to it.
Lemongrass is a good natural remedy for repelling mosquitoes, whether you plant it, use it in oil form, and in the form of candles and sprays.
The most effective way to use it is direct skin contact through creams and lotions. It’s best not to rely on just one method, but rather to try a combination. Although this will not eradicate them, take note of colors that repel mosquitoesAlso.
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