Do Citronella Candles Keep Mosquitoes Away?
You’ve probably seen citronella advertised in stores and online as an effective mosquito repellent. Citronella oil has been made into candles, sprays, and lotions, but how well does it actually work to prevent mosquitoes? 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.
What to Know About Citronella
Citronella occurs naturally in leaves and grass. It has a unique yellowish-brown color with a grass, floral, citrus-like scent. Citronella oil has many purposes. It can be a natural insect repellent, perfume, a food additive, a wound-healer, and even an antifungal agent. Citronella candles have become a popular natural alternative to insect repellents, marketed to handle all sorts of pests.
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Do Citronella Candles Do the Trick?
Citronella works to repel insects by masking scents that would usually attract bugs. The scent of citronella can make it more difficult for mosquitoes to find you. But how long does this power last? 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.
Can Citronella Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Lemon-scented geraniums and other plants marketed as citronella plants do not repel mosquitoes. The oil within the leaves has to be extracted from the leaves by crushing or rubbing the source. When it comes to reliable mosquito repellent, there is no better option than hiring your local mosquito extermination experts to set up a barrier treatment in your yard.