The oil from a citronella plant does have mosquito-repelling properties, but there are other plants to consider.
You might see claims that planting it will encourage mosquitoes to go elsewhere.
Other sales pitches suggest that the scent will act as an all-natural alternative to sprays.
Credit: Rawf8/Getty Images
Does citronella repel mosquitoes, or is this just marketing hype?
Here’s what you should know beforegrowing and using a citronella plantas a bug repellent.
You may also see this scented geranium sold under names like citrosa mosquito fighter or mosquito plant.
Its botanical name isPelargoniumxcitrosum’Van Leenii'; like other scented geraniums, it’s a tender perennial.
It’s also sometimes called ‘Citrosa’ or ‘Citranium’.
Does Citronella Repel Mosquitos?
In a lab setting, citronellal has been found to repel bugs.
They detect the vapor and avoid it.
The sources for commercial citronella products are two tropicallemongrassspecies.
Their oils contain at least 10 to 20 percent citronellal.
In light of these facts, let’s look at the two claims commonly made about citronella plants.
Citronella Plants In the Garden
The first is easy to dismiss.
Simply having a citronella plant in your garden won’t deter mosquitoes.
Some gardeners swear it works, but studies have found it doesn’t.
Rubbing Citronella Leaves On Skin
Does citronella repel mosquitos when it’s rubbed on the skin?
The second claim about rubbing the leaves on your skin is a little less straightforward.
On the one hand, it’s true that citronellal can act as a repellent.
But the crushed leaves of citronella plant still don’t give you much benefit over going out repellent-free.
Even the CDC snubs citronella products.
And there is another scented geranium called ‘Dr.
Livingstone’ that contains 9 percent.
It’s often a gateway plant to the world of scented geraniums.
Growing a collection of scented geraniums allows you to experience a palette of delicious fragrances.
They’re a must-have for lovers offragrant plants.
Bring it back in when there’s athreat of frost in fall.
Mosquito-repellant plants that are safe for pets include basil, lemon balm, and rosemary.
Citronella plants don’t repel mosquitos or other pests.
Trylavender, mint, chrysanthemums, or petunias torepel pestsin your garden.
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