Does Cedar Repel Mosquitoes?

Introduction

Cedar is a strong, durable and aromatic wood obtained from cedar wood tree. Mainly used for making furniture and closets. Cedar is known for its extra ordinary insect repelling properties and therefore people prefer cedar chests and cedar storage units as they keep insects, termites and moths away.

How does Cedar repel mosquitoes

The main active compound present in cedar which is mainly responsible for its insect and mosquito repellent properties, is cedrol. The mosquitoes avoid areas around cedar as it interferes with the pheromones that attracts mosquitoes. The cedrol has a repulsive action against mosquitoes and many other insects.

Cedar is effective against many pests, including fleas, ants, moths, termites, etc. and therefore used in indoors as well as outdoors.

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 used mainly for landscaping in gardens, as they provide a pleasant aroma to your garden along with keeping mosquitoes and insects at bay. Cedar mulch is a by product of carpenter workshops and therefore, a cost effective, natural mosquito control method.

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

2. Cedar wood oil spray

Cedarwood essential oil is main component of most of the natural mosquito repellent products. Cedar oil can be used to make home made 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

As compared to citronella, eucalyptus, catnip, lemon grass, etc. the effectiveness of cedar is slightly lower. 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. Grow mosquito repellent plants in your garden to multiply the mosquito repelling effect. This will create a mosquito-free zone all around your garden and patio.

2. Using Cedar wood oil inside home and garage

Cedar wood oil spray can be sprayed inside your home around doorways, windows, balconies, and any other entry points. It can be sprayed on your bedding, curtains and corners of every room. 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 can be used in combination with other effective mosquito repellents like citronella oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, etc. to get complete protection. There are different recipes to prepare DIY homemade cedar mosquito repellent spray solutions.

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)