Do Mosquitoes Really Hate Citronella?
WouterDuring the summer months, mosquitoes can be a problem. Many people look for ways to repel mosquitoes. There are a few types of natural insect repellents, including citronella oil, garlic, and other botanical oils.
Citronella oil is a natural oil that comes from a lemongrass plant. It is used in insect repellents and in perfumes. It is safe to use and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, some people have allergic reactions to it.
Citronella oil has a lemon-like scent and is believed to repel insects. It can be applied directly to the skin or can be used in combination with other oils to make a natural deterrent.
Many commercial mosquito repellents use citronella oil. There are also candles that contain citronella. These can provide up to 50 percent more protection than those without the oil.
Another option is to use essential oils. These oils are obtained from plants and released when the plant is crushed. They can then be combined with a carrier oil to create an insect repellent. These oils are also very effective. The oil can be diluted with a carrier oil such as sunflower oil or olive oil. It is recommended that glass containers with a dark tint be used to store the oils.
Many mosquito repellents contain a combination of citronella, clove, and rosemary. The combination is thought to be more effective than using citronella alone.
Another natural insect repellent is apple cider vinegar. It is an effective mosquito repellent that can be applied directly to the skin.
