Does lemongrass repel mosquitoes? What other herbs can repel mosquitoes? Find the answers to these questions in this informative article.
Does Lemongrass Repel Mosquitoes
Lemongrass is a proven and effective natural mosquito repellent. It is a herb with a very agreeable citrus flavor, used chiefly in Asian cooking. The oil derived from lemongrass has a compound known as citronella. The compound Citronella is very pungent, and it helps mask the carbon dioxide and lactic acid scent on the host by which the mosquitoes home in on their target.
It is an FDA-registered essential oil and has the power to kill or repel certain mosquito species. It stays effective for around two and a half hours. The mosquitoes will not be able to locate you as the oil exudes
its sharp fragrance. Studies show that the oil can lower mosquito landing by 40% and offers 74 to 95% protection from mosquitoes. Natural mosquito repellents like lemongrass are a wise choice compared to chemical repellents like DEET, which come with hazardous side effects.
How to Use?
Lemongrass can be planted in your garden and or close to the porch to prevent mosquitoes from entering your house. You can smear the juice from the stalks or crushed leaves on your skin to ward off mosquitoes. You can make a mosquito repellent spray at home by boiling lemongrass stalks
in a pot of water. When the water turns yellow, take the pot off the stove, cover it and let it steep overnight. The next day, strain and fill it in the spray bottle and use it in your house.
Alternatively, you can buy commercially available pure lemongrass oil and dilute it with a milder carrier oil with alcohol or distilled water and spray it on your body to keep mosquitoes at bay.
You can also mix lemongrass with other pungent essential oils like eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil to increase its efficacy. You can burn it in lamps and candles, and you can also purchase commercial mosquito repellent creams, lotions, and sprays that contain lemongrass oil.
Other Herbs that Repel Mosquitoes
Growing plants in your garden that keep mosquitoes at bay fulfill another purpose – that of filling the atmosphere with a pleasant fragrance. Grow them in pots or plant them near the entrance to your living area to keep mosquitoes away. These natural mosquito-repelling herbs work by blocking the mosquito’s sense of smell. Some of the effective herbs are:
1. Lavender
The essential oil in the leaves of the lavender plant not only keeps mosquitoes but other insects and animals away as well
2. Clove
You can mix clove oil with coconut or olive oil and apply it topically to keep mosquitoes at bay.
3. Catnip
Catnip is a weed belonging to the mint family. It is more potent than chemical mosquito repellants. Use catnip oil and dilute with a carrier oil to apply on the exposed body parts.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary not only flavors dishes but its strong woody scent drives mosquitoes away too. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the skin. Alternatively, you can pour a few drops of rosemary oil on your clothes.
5. Mint
This strong-smelling herb is a star addition to teas, cold juices, and several cuisines. It can be quickly grown in pots to keep mosquitoes and other pests away. Or you can use mint essential oil with a carrier oil to repel mosquitoes outdoors.
6. Sage
You can use dried sage in homemade sprays, or you can burn the plant to produce the smell which drives mosquitoes and other bugs away.
7. Basil
According to a study, Basil provides 40% protection against mosquitoes that carry the malarial parasite. The essential oil offers 100% protection for over 6 hours against the mosquitoes that spread yellow fever.
8. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has a strong smell that wards off filarial mosquitoes, as established in a study. The heating of eucalyptus leaves also provides moderate protection from mosquitoes.
Peppermint, citronella, and thyme essential oils are also effective mosquito repellents.
Precautions
- Lemongrass oil can cause skin irritation. Do a patch test before applying it to your skin.
- The plant leaves are thin and sharp and can cut your fingers when you plant or handle them.
- Lemongrass is not effective against large mosquito infestations.
- All essential oils can cause allergic reactions, and you must do a patch test before using them.
- Do not apply them on broken skin.
- You have to reapply them at regular intervals as they evaporate quickly and are effective only for short durations of time.
Now that you know the answer to the question – does lemongrass repel mosquitoes and some other helpful herbs as well, keep yourself and your family safe from the insects without risking your health to commercial chemical mosquitoe sprays.