How to Repel Insects with Citronella

Using a Citronella Repellent Product

Place citronella candles around the area. Citronella candles are suitable for repelling insects and mosquitoes in the home and on porch areas. Generally they won't be effective in areas with free flowing air since the scent is dispersed too quickly and won't be strong enough to repel insects; the range of effectiveness is small.

Set up citronella torches in the garden. They are oil burners suitable for garden use in repelling air borne insects. These are normally available from garden centers. They are great for use during evening barbecues and other garden events. Place several citronella torches around the garden area you wish to protect.

Try citronella soaps and bath oils. These can be applied when bathing before contact with insects or mosquitoes is likely. Be aware that the strength of the repellent effect may not be lasting and lotions or candles may be more effective.

Consider a citronella wrist band, especially for kids. Citronella wrist bands are available that are advertised to offer long lasting repellent against insects and mosquitoes. In reality they will only be effective as long as the citronella scent is strong. You may find them useful for use on your children as an alternative to repeatedly applying a repellent lotion or spray.

Apply citronella lotion or spray. Citronella lotions and sprays are commonly available or you may make you own. Citronella is generally considered safe for application to the skin but apply with care and be wary of any allergic reactions. Apply the lotion or spray to exposed skin and avoid contact with the face and eyes. For citronella to be effective it needs to be re-applied often, at least once an hour.

Making Your Own Citronella Lotion Spray

Fill a spray bottle 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water (after it has cooled).

Fill the spray bottle until 3/4 full with either Witch hazel, rubbing alcohol or vodka. Optionally, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of either vegetable glycerin, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, or neem oil.

Fill the rest of the bottle with a mix of citronella and other essential oils. Choose from clove, lemongrass, rose geranium, bergamot, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, cajeput, cypress, eucalyptus, cedar, catnip and lavender essential oils.

Shake the bottle vigorously to mix the lotion spray. Label the bottle accurately so that the ingredients and usage are clear.

Shake the bottle each time before use. Spray the lotion on to exposed skin and re-apply every hour.