Citronella, derived from a tropical grass known as Cymbopogon, has gained remarkable recognition as a natural insect repellent over the years. Its distinct, citrusy fragrance has been harnessed for centuries to keep bothersome insects at bay, making it a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to chemical-laden products. But what exactly makes citronella so effective, and which insects does it work best against?

What is citronella?

Citronella is a type of aromatic grass belonging to the Cymbopogon genus, specifically Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. Native to tropical regions of Asia, particularly Sri Lanka, citronella is known for its distinct fragrance, which resembles a fresh, lemony scent with subtle earthy undertones.

The grass itself grows in clumps and can reach heights of up to six feet. It features tall, slender stems with long, narrow leaves that have a rich green hue. Citronella grass is widely cultivated for its essential oil, which is extracted through a steam distillation process. This essential oil is the primary component responsible for the plant's insect-repellent properties.

Citronella has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a natural remedy for various ailments. However, its most notable application lies in its ability to repel insects. The unique composition of citronella oil contains compounds like citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which are known to act as natural deterrents for mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other bothersome pests.

Due to its effectiveness and pleasant scent, citronella has become a popular ingredient in a range of insect repellent products, including candles, sprays, lotions, and even infused clothing. It provides an alternative to conventional chemical-based repellents, appealing to those seeking a more natural approach to insect control.

Citronella grass is widely cultivated for its essential oil, which is extracted through a steam distillation process.

How does citronella work to repel pests?

So, how does it work? Well, citronella works to repel pests through its unique chemical composition and odor. The essential oil derived from citronella grass contains several compounds that contribute to its insect-repellent properties.

• Masking Odor: Citronella emits a strong and distinctive aroma that is pleasant to humans but repels many insects. The potent scent of citronella masks the attractant odors that draw insects towards us, making it difficult for them to locate their targets.
• Disruption of Sensory Receptors: Citronella interferes with the sensory receptors of insects, particularly mosquitoes. The compounds found in citronella oil, such as citronellal and geraniol, disrupt the insects' ability to detect carbon dioxide, heat, and other chemical signals that lead them to their hosts. This confusion hinders their ability to find and bite humans or animals.
• Irritation and Repellency: The specific compounds present in citronella oil can cause irritation to insects upon contact. When insects come into contact with citronella, it may disrupt their feeding or landing behavior, discouraging them from staying in the vicinity. The repellency effect of citronella can discourage pests from landing on the skin, reducing the likelihood of bites.

It is important to note that while citronella can be effective in repelling certain insects, its efficacy varies depending on factors such as concentration, formulation, and individual sensitivity. Additionally, citronella primarily acts as a spatial repellent, creating an area of reduced insect activity rather than providing complete protection against all insects.

When using citronella-based products, it is advisable to follow the instructions for application and reapplication to maintain its effectiveness. Combining citronella with other protective measures such as wearing long sleeves, using screens, and avoiding peak insect activity times can enhance its overall efficacy in repelling pests and reducing the risk of insect bites.

The oil derived from citronella grass contains several compounds that contribute to its insect-repellent properties.

Does citronella work to repel ALL insects?

Citronella is primarily known for its effectiveness in repelling certain types of insects, particularly mosquitoes. However, its efficacy can vary depending on the species of insect and individual sensitivity. While citronella has shown repellent properties against mosquitoes, it may not work as effectively against all types of insects.

Here are some insects that citronella has been found to repel to varying degrees:

• Mosquitoes: Citronella is most commonly associated with repelling mosquitoes. Its strong scent can interfere with their ability to locate and bite humans or animals.
• Flies: Citronella has shown some repellent effects on flies, including houseflies and stable flies. However, it may not provide complete protection against all fly species.
• Gnats: Citronella has demonstrated some efficacy in deterring gnats, such as biting midges or no-see-ums. It can help reduce their presence in outdoor areas.
• Some Ants and Ticks: Citronella has been reported to repel certain ant species and ticks to some extent. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific ant or tick species.

On the other hand, citronella may not be as effective in repelling or deterring certain insects, including:

• Bees and Wasps: Citronella is not known to repel bees and wasps effectively. These insects are primarily attracted to floral scents and nectar sources, rather than being repelled by citronella.
• Cockroaches: Citronella is not a reliable repellent for cockroaches. Cockroaches are generally not deterred by the scent of citronella.
• Some Biting Insects: Citronella may have limited effectiveness against biting insects such as sandflies or blackflies. These insects have their own attractant cues and may not be strongly repelled by citronella alone.

While citronella can be a useful tool in repelling certain insects, it's important to remember that its effectiveness may vary. Additionally, individual reactions and sensitivities to citronella can differ, so it may work better for some people than others. It's always a good idea to combine citronella use with other protective measures and consider alternative methods or repellents for specific insect control if needed.

Citronella is most commonly associated with repelling mosquitoes.

Is citronella safe for humans and animals?

Citronella is generally considered safe for humans (and some animals) when used as directed. However, it is important to exercise caution and follow proper usage guidelines.

For Humans:

Citronella is widely used in various commercial products such as candles, lotions, and sprays. When applied topically, citronella-based products are generally safe for most individuals. However, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to citronella, so it's advisable to perform a patch test before applying it to larger areas of the skin.

When using citronella candles or diffusers, it is essential to ensure proper ventilation to avoid excessive inhalation of the scent. Ingesting citronella oil is not recommended, as it can cause stomach upset and other adverse effects.

For Animals:

While citronella is generally considered safe for humans, it is considered to be toxic to some pets, including dogs and cats. Direct application of concentrated citronella oil on pets is highly discouraged, as it can irritate their skin or mucous membranes. It is best to consult with a veterinarian before using citronella-based products on or around animals.

In addition, it is important to keep citronella candles, oils, or sprays out of reach of pets, as ingestion can lead to stomach upset or other complications. Animals with respiratory conditions, such as birds or certain small mammals, may be more sensitive to strong fragrances, including citronella.

As with any product, it is advisable to carefully read and follow the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer when using citronella-based products for humans or animals.

It's worth noting that while citronella is generally considered safe, individual sensitivities and reactions can occur. If any adverse reactions or discomfort arise after using citronella, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or veterinarian if necessary.

Citronella is considered to be toxic to some pets, including dogs and cats.

Does EcoShield use citronella products for pest control?

No. 

While citronella has shown varying degrees of effectiveness in repelling certain pests through topical and aromatic use, EcoShield does not utilize citronella in our pest management services for a few reasons. The primary reason for discluding citronella from our pest practices is due to its lack of proven efficacy for common pest problems such as stinging insects and cockroaches. Additionally, citronella only works to repel select pests, not eliminate or interrupt their lifecycle, unlike EcoShield’s comprehensive service options that address the entire pest lifecycle. Lastly, we do not consider citronella to be a long-term option for effective pest control as it is only effective for as long as the candle, topical spray, or oil lasts. 

Instead, EcoShield uses a wide range of products and methods that aim to control pests at every stage of their lifecycle (often referred to as IPM, or integrated pest management). This offers effective prevention protection by inhibiting the insect’s ability to achieve adulthood. Existing adult pests are eliminated by expert pest technicians with the necessary knowledge and equipment needed to ensure long-term removal. So, while citronella may be helpful for a summer hike or an afternoon in the garden, EcoShield does not consider it to be effective for eliminating pests in or around our customer’s homes. 

For proven pest prevention and expert removal, call EcoShield or fill out the form on this page and receive your free no obligation estimate today!

Citronella is only effective for as long as the candle, topical spray, or oil lasts.