What is citronella used for?
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. Studies show lavender oil is an effective mosquito repellent, but the CDC currently does not recommend it for this purpose. Both an NIH-published study on plant-based repellents and local biologist Frank Fowler conclude the answer is true, but use with caution.While this plant does contain minute amounts of citronella essential oil, it is not releasing the essential oils into the surrounding air to repel those pesky mosquitos. If the leaves are crushed and rubbed onto the skin, it may repel mosquitos for a millisecond.The bottom line is citronella products aren’t safe for dogs, and they can irritate your dog’s mouth and throat and lead to gastrointestinal upset if ingested. The good news is you have many insect repellent alternatives from planting basil and catnip to prescription medications.Citronella essential oil offers a short-term solution for repelling rats, although it is not able to keep them away from your home forever. This is true of all rat repellents, as they are only designed to scare rather than eliminate them.
How long does citronella keep mosquitoes away?
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. However, on their own, citronella candles are known to give very minimal amounts of mosquito protection. Citronella essential oil offers a natural alternative to DEET mosquito products, with tests showing it can last for up to 3 hours when combined with vanillin.Citronella oil is often used as an insect repellent, although research has indicated it may also have antifungal properties and help with wound healing. You can use citronella oil in a diffuser or spray bottle, or you can dilute it in an oil or lotion before applying it to your skin.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.The other way you can use citronella or other citrus oils is to make your own homemade spray. This is perhaps the most convenient method of all, as you can spritz it far and wide across the garden, including pathways, fences and plants.
What’s better than citronella for mosquitoes?
Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos. However, Lemongrass (or Cymbopogon) is superior. 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.Peppermint oil masks natural human smells. Peppermint oil for mosquitoes can also be used as a bite treatment that cools that bite, which soothes the area and reduces inflammation. Not only does lavender oil have a calming effect when placed on a bite, but its sweet and strong floral fragrance deters mosquitos.Even so, if they’re paired with floral scents, they probably won’t be enough to deter mosquitoes. There are other possibilities, though. The Perfume Expert advises scents that lean into the citrus end of the spectrum, with notes of lemon, lemon verbena, and grapefruit for repelling mosquitoes, bees, and wasps.Lemon eucalyptus oil. Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent.
Does citronella actually keep bugs away?
Citronella is an essential oil that comes from a grass plant of the cymbopogon genus (similar to lemongrass). It’s best known for its natural insect repellent properties. If you use a citronella candle outdoors this summer, the burning oil might help to keep mosquitoes away. However, any effectiveness will not last long. Some research has shown that citronella candles can only last for a couple of hours at most.Citronella Plants In the Garden Simply having a citronella plant in your garden won’t deter mosquitoes. Some gardeners swear it works, but studies have found it doesn’t. Even if you plant a whole garden full of citronella plants, it still won’t be enough to have a repellant effect on mosquitoes.Citronella is toxic to pets Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don’t have access to any citronella plants in your garden.The only concern is skin irritation. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. Therefore, if used according to label instructions, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.
Is citronella ok to inhale?
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. Citronella oil is safe for dogs, and it’s a gentle, effective, and humane way to curb excessive barking.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the EPA has not evaluated citronella oil for its effectiveness. The dangers of inhaling indoor citronella candles don’t end there. Mosquito candles also pose a fire hazard and are not intended for indoor use.Do dogs react to citronella? Yes. If you burn citronella candles, you might notice your dog stays far away because the smell can irritate their airways. If your dog ingests a piece of a citronella candle or plant, they could show poisoning symptoms such as lethargy, panting, vomiting, or muscle weakness.