Citronella essential oil is just one of the essential oils that helps stave off insects. Reportedly, tea tree, vetiver, lavender, geranium, cedar, peppermint, and Neem oil all do the job as well.
Those pesky mosquitoes threaten to ruin every picnic, festival, cookout, and more, each and every summer. But you can keep them at bay through the use of just the right essential oils.
But first things first…
What Is Citronella?
A precise species of lemongrass is responsible for providing the oil for citronella. Usually growing to about five feet in height, lemongrass plants can be grown indoors in colder climates, but are usually found in warmer climate zones. Lemon grass stems and leaves are specifically where citronella oil is derived from.
Citronella Oils Uses
All the way from insect repellent products to perfumes, numerous industries make good use of natural citronella oil. As mentioned, it comes from the crushed stems and leaves of the lemongrass plant and can be found in insect sprays, candles, beauty products, and other items.
The fragrance of citronella oil resembles trees and grass and the color can range from brown to yellow.
Industries Using Citronella
Numerous industries employ citronella as one of their ingredients. The already referred to mosquito repellents are a biggie, but it also shows up in cleaning products, food, and beauty products. Some areas of the world do prohibit the use of citronella in insect repellents. But not in the United States of America! It is completely legal to employ citronella oil to keep those bothersome mosquitoes away.
Canada, in their infinite wisdom, tried to prohibit the use of citronella in their insect repellents. They just weren’t sure how it would affect the health and well-being of humans. Due to the fact that there wasn’t enough evidence to support that worry, any ban that existed on citronella in insect repellent in Canada has been lifted.
Why Does Citronella Work?
In reality, mosquitoes are not repelled by lemongrass itself. Rather than the plant, it is only the oil that does the job. So, don’t go planting a whole bunch of lemongrass around your patio in hopes that you will stave off mosquitoes. That’s not the way it works.
Citronella does not kill the mosquitoes, it only keeps them away from your skin when applied to your skin. Technically, it blocks your sent that the mosquitoes would ordinarily sense, so they can’t find you – in theory. Lactate acid and carbon dioxide make up the human scent that insects detect.
Though not proven, some are of the opinion that citronella can also help keep away some animals. But there’s no evidence to support that.
Regardless, it only works for about 20 minutes at keeping away insects, so always keep some on hand if you plan to be outdoors for a long period of time.
If you’d like to purchase citronella essential oil, or any other essential oil for that matter, trust the professionals at Plant Guru. We offer waxes, essential oils, carrier oils, and more. All of our products are natural and organic. Start improving your life today through the use of our essential oils and other products.