What is citronella oil used for?
Citronella oil is used especially as a mosquito repellent, particularly for Aedes aegypti (dengue fever mosquito). Research also indicates that citronella oil is an effective repellent for body lice, head lice, and stable flies. Mix citronella essential oil (my favorite is this organic variety by Nature’s Oil from Amazon) with water and a small amount of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. This is a great alternative to chemical insect repellents and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including outdoor furniture and window screens.The limited data available for citronella-based insect repellents has brought a number of concerns to light. Natural citronella oil may contain methyleugenol, which has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies.When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.The unique composition of citronella oil contains compounds like citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which are known to act as natural deterrents for mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other bothersome pests.Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.
How to use citronella oil around the house?
Different Ways to Use Citronella to Repel Flies Citronella Diffusers: Use a diffuser to disperse citronella essential oil into the air. This can be effective indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces to keep flies away. Spray Solution: Make a fly-repellent spray by mixing citronella essential oil with water. One of the most well-known uses of citronella plants is as a mosquito repellent. It functions well in this capacity whether placed around your living area (“fluff” it up when you go outside) or rubbed on skin or made into an oil or spray. Citronella also repels other bugs like flies.In a spray bottle add 1:1 ratio of citronella water and rubbing alcohol (or which hazel). This helps preserve the mixture. If you don’t want to use the alcohol then omit it. But your spray would probably only last a few weeks.A spray application may be good for freshening up a room or applying to your skin as an insect repellent. To make a citronella oil spray: Add citronella oil to water in a glass spray bottle. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water.Plant-derived repellents can provide good protection against mosquito bites. Those based on lemon eucalyptus provide the longest protection (6-8 hr). Oil of lemon eucalyptus-based repellents include Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (20%), and SC Johnson OFF Botanicals (10%).Citronella and Cedarwood Mosquito Repellent Spray 20 drops of citronella essential oil.
How long does citronella oil last?
Research has found that citronella oil combined with vanillin can protect people against mosquitoes for three hours. It can work for over six hours when combined with DEET. The only natural mosquito repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is oil of lemon eucalyptus. But many other essential oils, such as lemongrass, clove, and patchouli, have been shown to have repelling properties as well.Using scented body products, such as lavender lotion or peppermint body wash, can also help to keep mosquitoes away. The scent of these products will mask the scent that draws in mosquitoes. Try showering with the French Lavender body wash-infused buffer.Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers, to remove mosquito eggs and larvae. Use an indoor insecticide if you still have mosquitoes in your home after installing and repairing screens and emptying and scrubbing containers.The most popular natural mosquito repellent is citronella oil, but it isn’t all that effective. Some natural ingredients that fared better in studies are celery seed extract and para-menthane-3, 8-diol (PMD, found in lemon eucalyptus). Turmeric, lemongrass, soybean oil, neem and hairy basil also work reasonably well.
Does citronella oil keep mosquitoes away?
Summary. Citronella needs to be reapplied often to be an effective mosquito repellent. However, it may provide protection for up to three hours if it is combined with vanillin. Studies show that it is not as effective as DEET at keeping mosquitos away. While using citronella candles outdoors during summer might help in repelling mosquitoes, the effect tends to be temporary. Studies suggest the repellent effect of citronella candles might only last a couple of hours.Some people might find the aroma overwhelming, and it could compete with the overall indoor atmosphere. Sensitive Individuals: Some individuals may be sensitive to the strong scent of citronella, and it could cause headaches, respiratory discomfort, or other adverse reactions.When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.Oil of citronella repels target pests rather than killing them. It works by masking scents that are attractive to insects. Thus, insects find it difficult to locate their target to feed. Oil of citronella may also work by masking odors attractive to animals.
Is citronella oil safe to breathe?
When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported. Some essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender are believed to have properties that may help with respiratory issues. For example, eucalyptus oil is thought to have decongestant properties that might aid in easing nasal congestion.Essential Oils Can Negatively Affect Your Health Essential oils are highly concentrated, so inhaling them directly can irritate the respiratory tract.
Can I spray citronella on my bed?
Citronella Oil Mix a few drops of citronella essential oil with water and spray it over your mattress and bed sheets if you suspect bed bugs. The smell will be far too potent for them to live happily in your bed, with the strong smell impacting their feeding cycles and encouraging them to move on or starve. Citronella Oil Known mostly for keeping mosquitoes at bay, citronella oil may also help repel bed bugs due to its strong lemony aroma. While it doesn’t kill them, it can drive them away from treated surfaces like headboards or nightstands, places where they often linger before feeding.Essential oils like tea tree, known for its antiparasitic qualities, lavender, which serves as a safe repellent, and peppermint, with its strong scent, can be particularly useful. Combined, these oils form a powerful concoction that can be directly sprayed on bed bug-hiding spots for instant effect.Peppermint The refreshing scent of peppermint is loved by humans but hated by mosquitoes. Peppermint contains a compound called menthol, which repels mosquitoes effectively. You can plant peppermint in your garden, use peppermint essential oil, or even make a peppermint spray to keep mosquitoes at bay.The unique composition of citronella oil contains compounds like citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which are known to act as natural deterrents for mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other bothersome pests.
Can I rub citronella on my skin?
A: No, citronella oil should never be applied directly to the skin without dilution. Its high concentration can cause skin irritation, redness, and sensitization. For safe use, it must always be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil. For Children. Keep out of the reach of children. Citronella Oil is also not considered safe to inhale by children as may cause irritation to eyes and skin. In some cases, lung damage has also been reported.Some of these products are applied to animal or human skin, ornamental plants, or other outdoor areas. Oil of citronella can be formulated into sprays, lotions, candles, pellets, and pouches. It can also be found in some sunscreen products, wristbands, and flea collars.