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.

Red Cedar mulch for garden landscaping
Red Cedar mulch for garden landscaping
Image Credit: Wikimedia by Tomwsulcer | Content License

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.

Does cedar repel mosquitoes
Insect, bug and mosquito repelling Cedar granules and spray solutions
Image Credit: Cedarcide.com

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)

  1. What does cedar wood repel?

    Cedar wood repel insects and pests like ants, fleas, mosquitoes, bugs, etc. However, the essential oil of cedar is more effective insect and bug repellent.

  2. Does cedar repel cockroaches?

    Yes, cedar can repel mosquitoes due to its strong aromatic scent which creates a strong repulsive environment. However the use of mulch and chips for repelling cockroaches are not that common and may not be effective.

  3. Does cedar repel bed bugs?

    Cedar repels most of the pests and bugs due to its strong repulsive aroma. The cedarwood chests are made for the same purpose to keep moths and bugs away from your clothing.

  4. How long does cedar repel mosquitoes?

    Cedar when used in form of spray solutions does not lasts long due to its volatile aromatic scent. The spray solution when sprayed indoors, lasts for hardly 3 to 4 hrs. While the cedar chips, mulch and cedar furniture, can release its aroma continuously that repels mosquitoes. But this scent is very weak and not effective and reliable for mosquito protection as compared to the cedar essential oil which is very strong and effective.

  5. Does cedar repel ants?

    Yes cedar is a well known insect and bug repellent including ants. It is used in form of mulch and chips and even granular form at outdoors to keep insects like ants and fleas away.

About Raashid Ansari

Raashid Ansari, a thoughtful writer that finds joy in sharing knowledge, tips and experiences on various helpful topics around nature, wildlife, as well as business. He has a deep connection with nature that often reflects in his work. Whether he's writing about recycling or the wonders of nature or any health topic, Raashid Ansari aims to inspire and educate through his words. "Find him on LinkedIn and Facebook"

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