Does Lemongrass Repel Mosquitoes? Yes! Here’s How to Use It

There are plenty of reasons why people talk about lemongrass repelling mosquitoes. The main reason? It actually does work. However, there are plenty of ineffective ways that the average person utilizes lemongrass against mosquitoes, leading to subpar results.

How can you harness the most effective ways to use lemongrass against your backyard mosquito population? First, let’s discuss the science behind lemongrass. That way, you’ll know the precise reasons why this natural wonder works as well as how you might use it to your advantage on any given summer’s night.

Does Lemongrass Effectively Repel Mosquitoes?

According to a study published by the International Journal of Mosquito Research, lemongrass is a highly effective killer of mosquitoes. In fact, this journal and many other mosquito specialists advocate for the use of lemongrass as an all-natural mosquito repellant and killer.

A type of plant found in the Cymbopogon genus, lemongrass is also known as citronella grass. This is the plant name you’ve likely heard of when discussing natural, plant-based mosquito repellants. While citronella plants and lemongrass plants are very different, citronella oil is actually produced by lemongrass plants. This is the oil that helps repel mosquitoes most of all!

When mosquitoes encounter lemongrass and its oils, they experience the following effects:

• Confusion. The smell of lemongrass is capable of covering up typical smells mosquitoes need in order to find their food sources.
• Repulsion. Not only does lemongrass obscure the smell of blood. It also smells gross to the average mosquito (though humans tend to feel differently about this pleasant plant)!
• Pain or death. While not a guarantee, certain potencies of lemongrass are effective mosquito killers. More often than not, mosquitoes smell lemongrass and steer clear. But certain blends of citronella or lemongrass oil can kill these pests with very little prompting.

All of these reasons ensure that lemongrass remains a powerful and natural mosquito repellant. This is why it’s such an appealing product for pest companies and homeowners hoping to keep their backyard organic and green as well as mosquito-free.

Lemongrass won’t harm any other animals or plants when used appropriately. But how can you master this essential oil so that it keeps mosquitoes away? Here’s how to harness lemongrass as a powerful, all-natural mosquito repellant!

How to Use Lemongrass as Mosquito Repellant: 4 Effective Methods

If you’re seeking an all-natural way to repel mosquitoes from your yard, skin, or patio, check out these helpful methods that utilize lemongrass.

Plant Lemongrass in Your Yard

While crushing or pulverizing lemongrass leaves releases its oils and results in the most effective type of mosquito repellant money can buy, having lemongrass on your property may be enough to deter throngs of mosquitoes. An attractive container or landscaping plant, lemongrass grows as a perennial in Hardiness Zones 8 and above, resulting in an annual plant in all other Zones.

Make Your Own Topical Mosquito Repellant

By adding citronella oil to a spray bottle or lotion, you can easily make your own topical mosquito repellant. This is an ideal DIY solution to DEET-based bug repellants or other chemicals that may prove irritating to you and the environment. Simply apply the spray or mixture to your skin (or spray onto patio furniture and clothes!) and watch mosquitoes dive out of your way.

Remember though: lemongrass oil needs to be mixed with a carrier oil or else it may prove irritating to your skin and pets. Dilution is key!

Consider Lemongrass or Citronella Candles

Whether you make your own candles or prefer to purchase them, citronella oil candles can help disrupt mosquitoes in any outdoor setting. Keep in mind that square footage and timing are essential to these products working effectively. Enclosed patios or sheltered outdoor areas are the best places to use these types of candles, though they can also work in a pinch on camping trips!

Use Essential Oils Strategically

If you have citronella or lemongrass essential oils in your home, utilize them outdoors. Soak cotton balls or fabric in a diluted mixture and spread them around your property. Concentrate on areas where mosquitoes love to linger, such as around bodies of water or along the borders of your patio. Make sure to freshen them up before you plan on enjoying your backyard, as the scents can fade over time!