As mosquito-borne diseases continue to increase, people are looking for ways to control them. Some people suggest that one way to keep mosquitoes away is by using citronella plants. But do citronella plants keep mosquitoes away? Let’s find out.
Citronella plants have scents that keep mosquitoes away. So planting this plant around your home might keep them away from your house and skin. But before you use the citronella plant to keep mosquitoes away, here is what you should know about this plant.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Citronella Plant?
The Citronella plant is a type of scented geranium that contains citronellal which has a lemon scent that scares away mosquitoes. The citronella plant is a tender perennial plant. The scented geranium is mainly sold as mosquito plants or citrus mosquito fighters.
Do Citronella Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Using citronella plants is not an effective way to control mosquitoes around your home. Citronella plants do not have enough repellent properties to keep mosquitoes away. Some people claim that you should plant them in plenty near your home’s yard to be more effective.
Citronella plants contain 0.1 Percent of citronellal, which is not enough to keep mosquitoes away. However, citronella is used as the main ingredient in manufacturing citronella oil products, sprays, candles, torches, and bracelets.
Others also claim that rubbing the citronella plant leaves on your hands might help keep away mosquitoes. But studies claim contrary to this as there is still not much citronellal in the leaves to scare away mosquitoes. But the fact remains that citronella plants have citronellal, a mosquito repellent.
Note that citronella causes skin irritation and rashes, so you must have mosquito-proof outfits if you are to rub it against the skin.
Is Citronella Harmful to Humans?
The only thing that citronella causes are skin irritation. However, because some citronella oil products are applied to the skin, EPA requires the companies to properly label precautions to assure consumers of safe use.
So, if citronella is used by the label instructions, it should not cause harm to adults or children.
What Can I Use Instead of Citronella?
One of the alternatives for citronella is lemongrass. It has a strong lemongrass fragrance with juicy limes and Sicilian lemons. So, due to its fantastic scent, it can be used instead of citronella.
Another alternative for citronella is lavender. Lavender has beautiful purple flowers with a lovely scent plus calming properties.
What is the Best Scent to Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Mosquitoes are mainly kept away by natural scents like cedar, lemongrass, peppermint, cinnamon, citronella catnip, lavender, and patchouli. So, find your favorite scent and keep those nuisance mosquitoes away from your skin and home.
Does Garlic Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Although garlic is widely used as a spice in food, it is also used as a natural mosquito repellent. Garlic is an effective mosquito repellent, and one treatment with it can be effective for two weeks and repel mosquitoes for up to one month.
How Do I Keep Mosquitos Away at Night?
Mosquitoes mostly become a nuisance while sleeping.
However, there are many ways to keep mosquitoes away at night like, wearing long sleeves and trousers, applying mosquito repellents, wearing bright-colored clothes while sleeping, sleeping under mosquito nets, or installing a fan in your bedroom.
What is the Difference Between Citronella Plant and Citronella Grass?
The citronella plant usually grows up to three feet wide and two feet tall and has a lemon scent when its leaves are rubbed together, While the citronella grass grows as a wide-bladed grass and can grow up to six feet tall and wide.
However, the citronella grass is light green to light brown and has a lemon scent as well.
Can You Plant Citronella and Lemongrass Together?
Yes, you can grow citronella and lemongrass together because their care requirements are similar. Both plants can thrive in full sunlight and require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Where is the Best Place to Put a Citronella Plant?
The citronella plant is planted with a spacing of 18 to 24 inches in an area with partial shade. It should be planted in well-drained and fertile soil.
What Insects Does Citronella Repel?
Citronella is effective in repelling a variety of pests, but it also repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. The citronella scent is the one that scares away pests and insects. Furthermore, candles made with citronella oil effectively repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Final Takeaway
So, do citronella plants keep mosquitoes away? No, citronellal produced by the citronella plants is not effective enough to keep away mosquitoes.
However, citronella oil products like sprays, candles, and torches are effective in keeping away mosquitoes as they contain a high percentage of citronellal. Although the citronella plant does not keep away mosquitoes, it is still a good source of fabulous fragrances.
