Sprinkler Magician
July 14, 2021
Today, we’re exploring if lemongrass repels mosquitoes!
We’re all about finding ways to keep mosquitoes away using natural methods. If you want to avoid toxic mosquito repellent spray, the next best method is to use plants and essential oils proven to repel mosquitoes. That’s why we’re taking a look at the best plants to get rid of mosquitoes. Wondering if lemongrass is effective?
Find out here!
Does Lemongrass Repel Mosquitoes?
Yes, in certain forms, lemongrass does repel mosquitoes! Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, is often used for the production of potent, chemical-free mosquito repellents and insecticides.
How Effective is Lemongrass Against Mosquitoes?
According to a 2015 scientific study, lemongrass essential oil is an effective repellent for up to three hours. Lemongrass plants, however, are considerably less effective at repelling mosquitoes. Unless you planted a LOT of them, lemongrass plants won’t do as good of a job repelling mosquitoes as lemongrass essential oil.
The most effective ways to use lemongrass to repel mosquitoes are to crush its leaves or apply lemongrass essential oil (diluted with a carrier oil!) directly on the skin.
Lemongrass vs. Citronella
Often touted as one of the best natural mosquito repellants — does citronella repel mosquitoes? And how does it compare to lemongrass?
While lemongrass and citronella are related, they’re not the same plant! However, there is a difference between the citronella plant and citronella oil used in items such as mosquito-repellant candles.
Citronella oil is derived from the lemongrass plant. As a plant, citronella is not very effective at repelling mosquitoes. As an oil (which actually comes from lemongrass), “citronella” candles can be somewhat effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Why Does Lemongrass Repel Mosquitoes?
Humans produce carbon dioxide and lactic acid, both of which attract mosquitoes. Lemongrass oil masks these scents, effectively blocking a mosquito’s senses before it lands! In other words, while most insects are attracted to plants because of their smell, lemongrass oil has the opposite effect.
How Do You Use Lemongrass to Keep Mosquitoes Away?
While the plant itself won’t provide a lot of protection, lemongrass essential oil can be applied to the skin or combined with other essential oils to make your own natural repellent.
Make Lemongrass Spray
If you’re worried about potentially harmful chemicals in mosquito repellent sprays, make your own with lemongrass essential oil! Spraying it on you and your clothes will help keep you mosquito-free. Here’s how:
- Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a spray bottle
- Combine this with 10-25 drops of witch hazel
- Use a base oil, such as almond or olive oil to help the repellent spread further
One study found that lemongrass and olive oil showed 98% protection from bites, for up to three hours. That said, while studies support lemongrass oil as a mosquito repellent, it does require frequent reapplication. We recommend reapplying lemongrass sprays and lotions every 30-60 minutes.
Combine Lemongrass With Other Essential Oils
As mentioned, lemongrass essential oil is effective at repelling mosquitoes – but you’ll need to dilute it first! We recommend using a carrier oil (coconut oil, avocado oil, etc.) to apply it to your skin. For every ounce of carrier oil, use about 1-2 drops of lemongrass oil.
Lemongrass essential oil will help keep mosquitoes away when reapplied properly! Studies have found that topical application of lemongrass essential oil provides 74-95% protection for 2.5 hours, depending on the species of mosquito.
Try Mosquito Magician’s Mosquito Repellent
If you’re looking for a mosquito repellent without toxic chemicals, our product is perfect for you! Our Mosquito Magician products are made using a natural blend of essential oils, including cedar, citronella, lemongrass, and garlic. Fight off mosquitoes this summer, with Mosquito Magician!