Is citronella safe to diffuse?
Citronella Essential Oil can be effectively diffused using an ultrasonic diffuser. Add 3–5 drops per 100 ml of water to freshen your indoor space, or use it in an outdoor diffuser to deter insects during gatherings. In addition, essential oils can be used to keep mosquitoes and other insects away and also as a room spray, in a fragrance lamp or in an aroma diffuser. For the oils to work optimally and thus keep mosquitoes at bay, they must be dispersed efficiently. The best way to do that is with an aroma diffuser.When rubbed against the skin, leaves can help repel mosquitoes. Citronella, often called mosquito plant, is a scented geranium grown for its citrus-scented foliage. When the leaves are crushed, they release fragrant oils that smell wonderful and may help naturally discourage mosquitoes when rubbed on the skin.For those enjoying time outdoors, using repellents like citronella, eucalyptus, or lavender offers a chemical-free way to repel these pests. These essential oils are effective and provide a pleasant scent. They can be used in candles, sprays, or diffusers.Topical insect repellent that contains diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective repellents against mosquitoes.The only natural mosquito repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is oil of lemon eucalyptus. But many other essential oils, such as lemongrass, clove, and patchouli, have been shown to have repelling properties as well.
Is citronella safe for the lungs?
It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported. Essential Oils Can Negatively Affect Your Health Essential oils are highly concentrated, so inhaling them directly can irritate the respiratory tract.Luckily, the answer is no – there are no two harmless essential oils that become harmful when combined.
Is citronella safe to burn indoors?
It is generally recommended that you do not use citronella candles indoors for a few reasons. Although the scent is very pleasant for you as the candles burn, you may find that these oils work their way into interior fabrics. Also, the citronella candles tend to have a slight more smokey burn than ordinary candles. Unfortunately, You cannot light citronella candles indoors. While citronella oil is considered safe topically (on your skin), inhaling it is potentially problematic. The oils from citronella are a mild irritant for the eyes, but more importantly, it’s linked to breathing issues.Do dogs react to citronella? Yes. If you burn citronella candles, you might notice your dog stays far away because the smell can irritate their airways. If your dog ingests a piece of a citronella candle or plant, they could show poisoning symptoms such as lethargy, panting, vomiting, or muscle weakness.It is generally recommended that you do not use citronella candles indoors for a few reasons. Although the scent is very pleasant for you as the candles burn, you may find that these oils work their way into interior fabrics. Also, the citronella candles tend to have a slight more smokey burn than ordinary candles.The dangers of inhaling indoor citronella candles don’t end there. Mosquito candles also pose a fire hazard and are not intended for indoor use. You should place candles on non-flammable surfaces like a brick patio or concrete. Citronella torches should not go near mulch, fencing, or wooden decks.While using citronella candles outdoors during summer might help in repelling mosquitoes, the effect tends to be temporary. Studies suggest the repellent effect of citronella candles might only last a couple of hours.
Does citronella actually keep mosquitoes away?
Citronella candles work at repelling mosquitoes—to a degree. While citronella candles won’t ward off all mosquitoes, a research paper from Malaria Journal found that, in field studies, they reduced the number of mosquito bites by an enormous 50%. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils – Not only will spraying these oils around the house create a beautiful aroma, but they will also deter those pesky flies too. Apple cider vinegar – Flies love the smell of apples and vinegar.Peppermint and Eucalyptus These two oils give off a bold, cool scent that many insects dislike. Eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil are both excellent scents that repel mosquitoes. You can use essential oil diffusers, spray mixtures, or even body lotions containing these oils.The citronella plant is a great fly repellent! Burning citronella candles will also do the trick, because flies not only hate the plant’s scent but also tend to stay away from flames and smoke.Scientists are still figuring out why, but it’s believed that each person’s unique scent — dictated by an array of molecules throughout the body — determines whether mosquitoes like them more than others. This scent isn’t something you can modify, like underarm odor, so don’t be alarmed.
Does citronella attract rats?
Lemongrass and citronella plants produce a strong scent that can help to repel rats and even mosquitos. Burn citronella candles around your home to ward off rats: You can either buy or make your own citronella-scented candles to ensure the rats are aware of the presence of citronella. The unique composition of citronella oil contains compounds like citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol, which are known to act as natural deterrents for mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other bothersome pests.Dilute before use: Dilute the Citronella Java Oil 100 ml before applying to skin or surfaces. Use in diffuser: Add a few drops to an oil diffuser for continuous fragrance and mosquito repelling.Spray: Mix 10–15 drops of citronella oil with water in a glass spray bottle. Great for keeping bugs away during picnics or refreshing a room. Diffuser: Add a few drops into a diffuser to spread the aroma indoors. Works well as a natural deodorizer too.However, citronella as we think of it is actually an essential oil produced by the leaves and stems of lemongrass plants. A completely different plant, the Cymbopogon (lemongrass) genus, produces the perfumed oil. Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos.When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is possibly safe for most people when used as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.