5 Ways To Use Citronella Oil As An Insect Repellent

Citronella Oil

Citronella Oil is extracted from the grass Cymbopogon nardus through steam distillation. Citronella Oil has a citrusy and fresh aroma that is very pleasing to humans but deterrent to insects and bugs. Citronella thus acts as a natural insect repellent.

Citronella Essential Oil — Citronella Oil

You can apply diluted Citronella Oil directly on your arms, hands, and legs when you go on a field trip or in areas that have mosquitoes and other insects. The mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of sweat, so when you apply Citronella Oil it helps to mask these smells and the insects find it difficult to locate people. Similarly, applying Aloe Vera gel infused with Citronella Oil helps reduce the inflammation and itchiness caused by insect bites. For Citronella Oil to be effective against mosquitoes and similar insects, you should reapply the diluted oil on the arms, hands, and legs every few hours.

Citronella Oil as an Insect repellant

Dilute & Apply on the Hands & Legs

DIY Citronella Candles

DIY Citronella Insect Sprays

Burn lamps with blend of Carrier Oil & Citronella - Citronella Oil

Burn lamps with a blend of Carrier Oil & Citronella

Diffuse In a Diffuser

As always essential oils are pure and concentrated they should always be diluted with suitable carrier oil (Jojoba, Grapeseed, Sweet Almond) or mixed with Water / Witch Hazel Extracts / any solubiliser (PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a good example of natural solubiliser). Dilution or using a solubiliser helps to dissolve the essential oil properly.

Other therapeutic properties of Citronella Oil include helping reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and relieve stress.