Does Cedar Repel Mosquitoes?

Introduction

Cedar wood is strong and naturally resistant to decay due to its aromatic nature and is harvested from cedar trees. This kind of wood is always used in making furniture and cupboards. Cedar is, however, quite famous for its high level of insect repellent characteristic thus people who own cedar chests and cedar storage units prefer them since they protect against insects, termites, and moths.

How does Cedar repel mosquitoes

The major active ingredient in cedar which’s largely responsible in protecting against insect and mosquito’s attacks is called cedrol. Around mosquitoes and cedars, there is a vacuum of areas due to the fact cedars has hostile effects on the mosquito attracting pheromones. There is, moreover also a cedrol that exerts a repellent action against mosquitoes and many more insects.

Cedar wood can be infested by many pests especially fleas, ants, moths, termites, etc. but its resistance towards termites makes it very useful for indoor and outdoor applications.

How Cedar can be used as mosquito repellent

Cedar can be used in different forms to repel mosquitoes as well as other insects, as given below:

1. Cedar mulch

Cedar mulch is a mulch type widely employed when doing landscaping, and it improves the look of the garden as well as repelling mosquitoes and some other insects. Cedar mulch is a product of carpenter work shops and so it is a cheap  and organic means of controlling mosquitoes.

It can be placed or spread along the walkways, around plants and patios, to give a mosquito-free environment.

2. Cedar wood oil spray

Most of the natural mosquito spray products include cedarwood essential oil. Also, cedar oil can be used for making homemade mosquito repellent spray solutions. These spray solutions can be sprayed around the corners of your home, on your clothing, bedding, behind curtains, etc.

3. Cedar chips

Cedar chips repel mosquitoes and are equally effective and beneficial as cedar mulch. They are more easier to spread, scatter around the garden beds, patios and walkways. It can be picked, moved, replaced, or transfer easily and therefore more convenient.

4. Cedar granules

Red cedar in granular form is used as insect repellent which is also effective in deterring mosquitoes. It is scattered around the garden bed and walkways, around plants, and grass borders.

4. Cedar closets and storage units

People prefer furniture, chests and storage units made of cedar or lined with cedar wood. It protects clothing and other articles from insects, moths, termites, ants, etc. This also provides mosquito protection to some extent due to cedar scent present in the proximity of the cedar chest or furniture.

Effectiveness of Cedar as mosquito repellent

Cedar wood is not as strong as citronella, eucalyptus, catnip, lemongrass, etc., in effectiveness, but it is still effective. Its effectiveness varies with the method, the form, and how it is being used. It is found through many research studies that cedar is most effective as mosquito repellent when its essential oil (cedar oil) is used in form of spray solutions and when it is applied correctly.

The studies also recommended its use, in combination with other effective mosquito repellents to give maximum protection.

Where to use Cedar for Mosquito control

Cedar can be used effectively in indoors as well as outdoors at following places:

1. Using Cedar mulch and chips at outdoor spaces

Scatter or spread cedar mulch and chips in your garden around patios, sitting areas, garden beds and plants to create a repulsive environment for mosquitoes and other pests. To enhance the mosquito repelling principle, grow mosquito repellent plants in your garden space. Such plants will make a mosquito-free atmosphere around your garden and patio.

2. Using Cedar wood oil inside home and garage

Cedar wood oil spray can be used around doorways, around windows, around balconies, and other access points to your house. Your bedding, curtains, and corners of every room can also be sprayed. It can also be sprayed in garage where mosquito can find their way to hide or lay eggs. Cedar oil repel mosquitoes very effectively, and can be used easily in diffuser inside your bedroom, living room, etc.

3. Using Cedar oil with other essential oils

Cedar oil, on the other hand, can also be combined with other mosquito repellent oil like citronella oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and so on for maximum protection. There is a range of recipes available to make a homemade cedar mosquito repellent spray.

Final thoughts: Is Cedar a good mosquito repellent

Yes, cedar can be effectively used as mosquito repellent when applied through preferred methods and effective ways in form of spray solutions, mulch and chips. The spray solutions can be effectively used for indoors while the mulch and chips are preferred to be used at outdoor spaces.

Although not that effective as citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, etc. but it provides significant contribution in our mosquito control efforts. And, is an excellent natural mosquito repellent option for indoor and outdoor use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)