Lemongrass has long been used as a natural mosquito repellent.
The plant’s citrusy scent is known to keep mosquitoes away, making it a popular ingredient in many commercial mosquito repellents.
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Does Lemongrass Really Repel Mosquitoes?
Some studies have even shown that lemongrass oil is almost as effective at repelling mosquitoes as DEET, the active ingredient in most chemical mosquito repellents.
The results of the USC Study were that DEET showed 81% repellent efficiency vs a 51% repellent efficiency for Lemongrass.(1)
So, does lemongrass really work as a mosquito repellent?
The answer appears to be yes. Lemongrass oil has been shown to be an effective insecticide against several types of insects, including mosquitoes.
What is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical grass that is native to Asia.
The plant grows to about 3-5 feet tall and has thin, long leaves. The lemongrass plant has a strong citrusy smell, due to the presence of Citral in the essential oil of the plant.
Citral is a compound that is also found in lemon and lime oils, and it’s this compound that gives lemongrass its mosquito repelling properties.
How Does Lemongrass Work as a Mosquito Repellent?
Mosquitoes are attracted to people by the carbon dioxide we exhale and by the warmth of our bodies.
They can also detect the chemicals in our sweat, which is why mosquitoes are more likely to bite some people more than others.
When a mosquito bites, it injects saliva into our skin, which can cause irritation and sometimeseven disease.
The Citral in lemongrass oil interferes with the mosquito’s ability to sense these attractants, so they are less likely to bite.
In addition, Lemongrass oil has insecticidal properties that can kill mosquitoes on contact.
How to Use Lemongrass as a Mosquito Repellent?
There are several ways you can use lemongrass to repel mosquitoes:
- Plant lemongrass around your home. This will help to keep mosquitoes away from your property.
- Make a mosquito repellent spray by combining Lemongrass oil with other essential oils, like Citronella, Lavender, or Peppermint.
- Add Lemongrass oil to a diffuser to help keep mosquitoes away from your indoor spaces.
- Soak a cloth in Lemongrass oil and apply it to your skin before going outdoors.
Do remember that Lemongrass oil can be irritating to the skin, so it’s important to do a patch test before applying it directly to your skin.
To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the diluted oil to an area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.
If you experience any redness, itching, or swelling, discontinue use immediately.
Lemongrass oil is a natural mosquito repellent that can be just as effective as chemical repellents.
The strong citrusy smell of the oil will help to keep mosquitoes away, and it can also be used to kill them on contact.
Where Does Lemongrass Grow?
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is native to Asia.
The plant thrives in warm, humid climates and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Lemongrass can also be grown indoors in pots.
If you live in an area where lemongrass grows naturally, you can easily find the plants at your local nursery or garden center.
How to Make Lemongrass Oil?
Lemongrass oil can be made by crushing the leaves of the plant and then steeping them in carrier oil for several weeks.
After a few weeks, the lemongrass oil will be ready to use.
You can also buy lemongrass oil at your local health store or online.
When buying lemongrass oil, make sure to choose an oil that is 100% pure and organic.
Lemongrass VS Citronella for a Repellent
Citronella is another plant that is often used as a mosquito repellent.
Like lemongrass, citronella is a tropical grass that has strong mosquito repelling properties.
The main difference between the two plants is that citronella is more effective at repelling mosquitoes than lemongrass.
This is because citronella contains higher levels of Citral than lemongrass.
Citral is the compound in these plants that gives them their mosquito repelling properties.
So, if you’re looking for the most effective mosquito repellent, then you should choose citronella over lemongrass.
Lemongrass VS Lavender for a Repellent
Lavender is another plant that can be used as a mosquito repellent.
But lemongrass and citronella, are better choices due to their high levels of Citral, which gives the plant its mosquito repelling properties.
Lavender is also known for its calming effect on the body and its ability to soothe the skin.
So, if you’re looking for a plant that can help to repel mosquitoes and calm your body at the same time, then lavender is a good choice.
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