Mosquitoes, the relentless summer pests, can rapidly turn outdoor activities into unpleasant experiences. Many people turn to natural remedies to ward off these nuisances, with citronella plants being a popular choice. But do citronella plants really help, or are they simply a fragrant addition to your garden? In this blog, we will explore whether citronella plants are truly effective against mosquitoes or if their reputation is just a myth.
What Is a Citronella Plant?
Citronella plants belong to the Cymbopogon genus and are native to tropical regions of Asia. The two main species used for their mosquito-repelling properties are Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. These plants are valued for their essential oils, particularly citronellal, which is known for its mosquito-deterring effects. The oil is extracted from the leaves and stems and is widely used in various commercial products.
The Myth: Citronella Plants Repel Mosquitoes
A common belief is that having citronella plants in your garden will keep mosquitoes away. However, studies show that simply growing these plants doesn’t provide effective mosquito control. The plants themselves release very little citronellal, the active mosquito-repelling compound. Therefore, planting citronella alone won’t significantly reduce mosquito presence in your yard.
The Reality: Citronella Oil and Its Effectiveness
Citronella oil, derived from lemongrass, does have mosquito-repelling properties. It’s a common ingredient in outdoor candles, sprays, and torches. Research conducted by Iovinella., et al., 2022 emphasizes that citronella plants release minimal citronellal, the active compound known for repelling mosquitoes. However, citronella oil derived from these plants has shown promising results in controlled laboratory settings. Studies highlight that citronella derivatives, particularly in formulated hydroalcoholic solutions enriched with fixatives like vanillin, can protect against mosquitoes. These derivatives maintain efficacy levels of over 90% against Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) for up to 8 hours, surpassing the performance of citronellal alone and even conventional repellents like DEET under similar conditions. Their less intense odor further enhances their appeal for practical use.
Using Citronella Leaves
Some people rub citronella leaves directly on their skin, believing it will act as a natural repellent. While this may provide a brief deterrent, the effect is minimal compared to commercial repellents. The leaves contain less than 0.1% citronellal, making them insufficient for significant protection. Additionally, the physical act of crushing the leaves to release the oil can be inconvenient and the protection it offers is fleeting.
Citronella Plant Alternatives
For those seeking natural mosquito repellents, other plants offer more promise. Here are a few alternatives that are more effective:
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Contains higher concentrations of citronellal than citronella grass. Its strong fragrance when crushed can help deter mosquitoes.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Produces a lemony scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. It can be grown easily in gardens and containers.
- Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix): The leaves contain citronellal and emit a refreshing aroma that helps keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Known for its calming scent to humans, but it repels mosquitoes. Lavender can be planted around seating areas to provide some level of mosquito control.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.): Both emit strong odors that mosquitoes dislike. Their oils can be applied to the skin for a natural repellent effect. In addition to these plants, products containing oil of lemon, eucalyptus or DEET are proven to be more reliable and longer-lasting for mosquito protection.
Growing Citronella for Fragrance
Despite its limited effectiveness as a mosquito repellent, growing citronella plants can still be rewarding. They add a pleasant fragrance to gardens. These plants are easy to grow, requiring well-draining soil, sufficient sunlight, and regular watering. In colder climates, citronella can be grown as an annual or in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.
Tips for Maximizing Natural Mosquito Control
- Strategic Planting: Place mosquito-repellent plants near patios, decks, and seating areas to create a natural barrier.
- Companion Planting: Combine citronella with other repellent plants to enhance their effectiveness.
- Container Gardening: Grow plants like lemongrass and lemon balm in pots to control their spread and move them as needed.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep plants healthy and well-trimmed to ensure they continue producing their repellent compounds.
Conclusion
While citronella plants are not the ultimate solution for repelling mosquitoes, they are a charming addition to any garden. For more effective mosquito control, consider using commercial repellents or growing other plants with higher citronellal content. By combining these natural solutions with proven products, you can enjoy your summer evenings with fewer mosquito interruptions. Embrace the beauty and fragrance of citronella plants while employing a comprehensive strategy to keep mosquitoes at bay and make the most of your outdoor spaces.
Resources
- 10 Scents That Repel Mosquitoes. (2019). Mosquito Magnet®. https://www.mosquitomagnet.com/articles/10-scents-that-repel-mosquitoes
- “Can citronella actually repel mosquitoes? Entomologists explain.” com, 29 June 2023, www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/can-citronella-repel-mosquitoes.
- Iovinella, I., Caputo, B., Cobre, P., Manica, M., Mandoli, A., & Dani, F. R. (2022). Advances in mosquito repellents: effectiveness of citronellal derivatives in laboratory and field trials. Pest Management Science, 78(12), 5106-5112.
- “Lemongrass vs Citronella: What Repels Mosquitoes the Best?” Best Bee Brothers, LLC, 8 June 2022, bestbeebrothers.com/blogs/blog/lemongrass-vs-citronella-what-fights-mosquitoes-the-best.
- Whitacre, Benjamin. “Does Citronella Repel Mosquitoes? Here’s What Studies Say.” Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2024, bhg.com/gardening/pests/does-citronella-plant-repel-mosquitoes.