Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay.

What insects will citronella repel?

It is effective against a wide variety of pests, including but not limited to flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Its distinctive odor drives away some insects, while preventing others from identifying a host. Candles made of Citronella oil work effectively to repel mosquitoes and insects when burned in the immediate area.

What does citronella plant deter?

Citronella has long been favored as one of the most effective plants that repel mosquitoes, which is why outdoor candles and bug sprays are often made with its oils. You can plant citronella grass right in your garden or optimize its efficiency by planting it near other mosquito-repellent plants, like lavender.

Does citronella deter all bugs?

Citronella oil is repellent to mosquitoes to a degree, but the amount being put out by a candle isn’t going to be very effective,” Eric Hoffer, president of Hoffer Pest, told TODAY Home. “In most cases, a citronella candle is only going to contain a 5% concentration of citronella or less.”

Do citronella plants actually work?

Simply having a citronella plant in your garden won’t deter mosquitoes. Some gardeners swear that it works, but studies have found that 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.

Will citronella repel spiders?

Spiders hate the smell of anything citrus and using lemon-scented cleaners, polish and burning citronella candles will all help repel them. Another substance that is known to repel spider is vinegar, which can be used in the same way as peppermint oil.

Can citronella repel cockroaches?

However, citronella oil can be a more effective roach repellent. Even better, it’s non-toxic and pet-safe! Applying it is as simple as using a paper towel to wipe a little of the oil in the areas around their entry points and anywhere you’ve spotted them before.

What does citronella do to dogs?

Citronella Dangers for Dogs



If a dog ingests citronella, stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological abnormalities may occur. Sprays and oils can cause skin irritation if they touch your pet’s skin or paws for an extended period of time, and they may cause eye irritation if contact occurs.

Why do bugs hate citronella?

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 the same as lemongrass?

However, citronella as we think of it is actually an essential oil produced by the leaves and stems of lemongrass plants. A completely different plant, the Cymbopogon (lemongrass) genus, produces the perfumed oil. Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos.

Why do insects hate citronella?

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.

Does citronella repel wasps and bees?

Citronella is best known for its ability to deter mosquitoes, but its pervasive smell can be offensive to wasps and bees, as well. It can be grown inside or outside but prefers at least six hours of sunlight whether it is by a window or outside in the sun.

How do I use citronella essential oil as insect repellent?

5 Ways to Apply Citronella to Keep the Bugs Away

  1. Apply it directly to the skin.
  2. Mix it with lotion or oil before applying it to the skin.
  3. Add it to an aromatherapy diffuser.
  4. Add 2–3 drops to cotton balls and place them strategically around the home or outdoor area.
  5. Mix it with water in a spray bottle.


Do mice like citronella?

Citronella – Citronella is typically utilized as a mouse repellent, but it is also effective in repelling mice. A study published by the Punjab Agricultural University found out that rats avoided the food located in areas that were sprayed with citronella oil.

Do rats like citronella?

The Citronella scent is so strong that it will overwhelm any animal’s senses, including rats. This makes hunting for food and avoiding predators more difficult than they could do with only their sense of smell. Rats also have a strong sense of taste. They want to avoid Citronella oil in any form.

Do rats like citronella plants?

Rats are scent-driven, which means they rely on their scent for most things. Citronella is so strong that a rat will surely avoid it because not being able to smell will make them feel unsafe.