How to Use Lemon Grass as Mosquito Repellent

What is Lemon Grass?

Lemon grass is a tropical plant (Cymbopogon Citratus) and grows like a tall thin stalks. Mostly found in regions with warm climate. Lemon grass as mosquito repellent is quiet popular due to many advantages and benefits it provides. It has also got medicinal properties and one of the most widely used application is Lemon grass tea which improves digestion and reduces stress. Widely popular for its rich citrus flavor and fresh lemon like smell. It is mainly used in cooking to add additional flavors to dishes.

How does Lemon Grass keep mosquitoes away

Lemon grass is a rich source of citronella, a natural oil known for its powerful mosquito repelling property. Citronella masks the smell of carbon dioxide and lactic acid released by humans through perspiration, that mosquitoes find attractive. Thus, citronella oil interferes with their ability to find hosts effectively and discourages them to enter the targeted area.

As it disrupts the sensory signals of mosquitoes that they use to identify humans and animals, it becomes challenging for them to locate their hosts. As the strong smell of citronella is unbearable for mosquitoes, they repel away.

Is lemon grass mosquito repellent?

Yes. Lemon grass is a well known mosquito repellent. The active ingredient present in lemon grass is citronella oil which is used in many commercial mosquito repellents like citronella sprays, citronella candles, etc. Lemon grass is a natural mosquito repellent, being non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Different methods to use lemon grass as mosquito repellent

There are many different methods to use lemon grass as mosquito repellent and they have different effectiveness as per their exposure to mosquitoes. Some of the most effective methods are listed below:

1. Grow Lemon grass plant in your yard

Growing lemon grass plants in your backyard is the simples way of keeping mosquitoes away. The strong scent of the plant will discourage mosquitoes from entering your property. You can also place lemon grass plant pots near the sitting arrangements at your garden or near the doors and entry points.

2. Use Lemon grass essential oil

The natural essential oils specially citronella that is present in lemon grass can be directly used in form of either sprays or lotions, or can be used in diffusers.

3. Burning Lemon grass leaves

Dried lemon grass leaves can be used in fire pits to repel mosquitoes away. When lemon grass leaves are burnt in fire pit it releases strong smoke with citrus smell, that repels mosquitoes away. Though this method is mainly useful for outdoor locations, for indoors we can use citronella candles.

4. Using Citronella candles

Citronella candles or Lemon grass candles mosquito repellent are made of using citronella essential oil obtained from lemon grass. These candles are well known for its natural mosquito repelling property. It does not release any smoke and so we can comfortable sit around inside home.

5. Using Citronella oil Spray

Citronella oil spray is another option for keeping mosquitoes away. Prepare a spray solution using citronella oil and alcohol or spirit. Just spray them around the corners and entry points to get mosquito prevention for couple of hours. For homemade lemon grass mosquito repellent spray recipe refer the section below.

DIY Lemon grass mosquito repellent spray

How to make lemon grass mosquito repellent?

It is very easy to prepare lemon grass mosquito repellent spray and its quiet cost effective. Follow the instructions below:

Ingredients:

• 10 drops of lemon grass essential oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 table spoon of alcohol or witch hazel
• 1 empty spray bottle

Preparation:

• Mix water and alcohol or witch hazel in a bowl
• Add lemon grass essential oil and stir well to mix them thoroughly
• Transfer the mixture in a spray bottle and shake well before use

The above spray can be used by applying on exposed skin and clothing and around the house specially near windows and entry points. Reapply after few hours to maintain the effectiveness. After sweating or workout, should be reapplied as the smell gets fade away with time.

Advantages of using Lemon grass as mosquito repellent

• Lemon grass is a natural mosquito repellent and so its safe to use. it is free of any harmful toxic chemicals. No adverse effects on babies, pets and environment.
• The fresh citrus smell is pleasing and refreshing to humans but disliked by mosquitoes.
• Lemon grass plants are inexpensive and easy to grow.
• It can also be used as anti inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, etc.
• It is versatile and can be used in different forms, like plant, essential oil, spray, candles, etc.

Safety tips while using Lemon grass mosquito repellent

• Before applying lemon grass mosquito spray on skin, check for any skin allergic reactions, by applying a small patch first.
• The essential oil should be diluted properly in suggested ratios, to avoid skin irritations and other discomfort issues.
• Direct contact with eyes and nose should be avoided.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Some individuals have allergies to certain scents and fragrances, keep a note of that while using.

Other uses of Lemon grass

Apart from being an extra ordinary mosquito repellent, it has got many other applications and uses as mentioned below:

Cooking: Lemon grass is widely used by Asians to add flavor and aromatic blend to dishes, teas, and curries.

Aromatherapy: The lemon grass/citronella essential oil has fresh scent that is calming and relaxing and so widely used in aromatherapy by giving relief from stress and anxiety.

Medical benefits: Lemon grass is known for its anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties which can help in digestive issues, skin health, etc.

Disinfectant: Lemon grass is used as disinfectant and for cleaning purposes, because of its anti-microbial properties.

Conclusion

No doubt, lemon grass is the most effective natural mosquito repellent, it has several other advantages like inexpensive, safe to use, pleasing smell, multi purpose and versatility. Being natural and effective, it is one of the top contenders against the expensive chemical based commercial products in market.

Using different forms for different purposes and locations you can keep your environment mosquito free. With so many applications and uses apart from being mosquito repellent, lemon grass should be added in most of our routines.