Do Citronella Candles Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Lots of stores and online articles claim citronella oil to be an effective mosquito repellent. Citronella oil is used in sprays, lotions, and candles, but does it actually work to stop mosquito problems? Lighting a citronella candle outdoors in the summer can aid in repelling mosquitoes, among other insects.
However, the effects of citronella oil don’t last for long. Some research indicates that citronella candles may only be functional for a couple of hours at most.
All About Citronella Oil
Citronella oil occurs naturally—it is found in leave and grass. It has a distinguishing yellowish-brown color with a grassy, floral scent. Citronella essential oil has many uses: it can be a natural insect repellent, a perfume, a food additive, a wound-healing agent, and even an antifungal agent. Candles made from citronella have become a very popular tool to repel mosquitoes and various other insects.
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Do Citronella Candles Repel Mosquitoes?
Citronella oil keeps bugs away by masking other scents that might attract them. The scent of citronella work to disguise your scent from mosquitoes. But just how well does it actually work? Research has found that the combination of citronella oil and vanillin can provide protection against mosquitoes for three hours. Citronella oil combined with DEET can protect you for over double that time! However, on their own, citronella candles don’t provide much protection against mosquitoes.
Do Citronella Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Citronella plants like lemon-scented geraniums do not repel mosquitoes without our intervention. The oil within the leaves contains the properties required to repel mosquitoes. In order to extract the oil, the leaves must be crushed or rubbed together. When it comes to repelling mosquitoes, the best bet is always to count on more effective, proven methods of prevention.
Do Citronella Candles Keep Mosquitoes Away? in Vermont
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