Does Citronella Repel Flies?

Citronella is a natural insect repellent that has become very popular over the last decade, with citronella candles, sprays, and even air fresheners becoming a familiar sight in many homes.

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But does citronella work to effectively repel flies?

We took a closer look at the truth behind the claim, as well as everything you need to know about using citronella effectively.

What Is Citronella?

Citronella oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the lemon grass plant. The oil is made up of several different chemicals, including geraniol, linalool, citral, geranyl acetate, citronellol, and limonene.

These chemicals are responsible for the scent of citronella, which can be described as having a citrusy smell.

How Does Citronella Work To Repel Insects?

The active ingredient in citronella oil is called geraniol, which is a terpene alcohol – a substance that is repellant to flies and many insects.

Terpenes are organic compounds found in plants that have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, and some studies suggest that they may actually kill bacteria on contact.

Geraniol has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and it’s thought to help reduce swelling and inflammation caused by mosquito bites.

In addition to being used topically, citronella oil has also been shown to be effective when applied directly to clothing or skin.

It’s believed that this effect occurs because the oils are absorbed through the pores of your skin, where they then evaporate into the surrounding air.

How Can Citronella Be Used?

Citronella can take several forms, and some of the most popular include:

Citronella Candles

Citronella candles are available in both scented and unscented varieties. They come in various sizes, ranging from small votive candles to large pillar candles.

Some people use them to create a relaxing atmosphere in their homes, while others prefer to burn them outdoors to keep mosquitoes away.

Citronella Spray

Citronella spray is another common way to use citronella, and these can be useful if you want to cover a larger area and don’t want to light a candle.

Sprays are usually sold in aerosol cans, and they contain citronella oil mixed with water. They can be sprayed onto bedding, clothes, or any other surfaces where insects might land.

You can also mix a few drops of citronella oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it to your skin. This will allow the oil to penetrate your skin more easily, and it can also help prevent mosquito bites.

Citronella Air Freshener

Air fresheners containing citronella oil are also available, and they can be placed anywhere in your house to help ward off pests.

Most air fresheners are designed to release the fragrance slowly over time, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without worrying about the odor lingering too long.

What Are Some Of The Other Benefits Of Citronella?

Aside from its ability to repel insects, there are a number of additional health benefits associated with citronella, and some of these include:

Antiseptic Properties

Studies show that citronella oil has antiseptic properties, meaning that it can help treat infections like cuts, scrapes, and burns. In fact, many people recommend using citronella oil as a first aid treatment for minor wounds.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

As mentioned above, citronella oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, and research suggests that it may even help relieve symptoms of arthritis.

Relaxing Effect

Some people believe that burning citronella candles helps promote relaxation, and it’ll likely do the same thing for you.

If you find yourself feeling stressed out or anxious, try lighting one up and enjoying the calming scent.

Eliminates Odors

If you’re trying to eliminate certain odors in your home, citronella oil can work well on its own or combined with essential oils.

For example, you could combine two drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with four drops of citronella to get rid of unpleasant smells.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind When Using Citronella Oil

Although citronella oil is an excellent natural insect repellent, it should not be used by pregnant women or children under 12 years old.

It’s also important to note that citronella oil isn’t recommended for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

Other Tips For Eliminating Flies

In addition to using citronella, there are several things you can do to keep flies away from your home, including:

Keep Your House Clean

Keeping your house clean will make it less attractive to flies. Make sure that all food items are stored properly, and that trash is kept outside.

It is also key to remove clutter around your home so that flies aren’t attracted to your living space.

Use Insect Repellents

You can also purchase products that contain citronella oil, which can help deter flies. These products come in various forms, including sprays, lotions, and candles.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water, so make sure that you drain standing pools of water before leaving your home, and make sure you wear clothing that covers your arms and legs when outdoors.

Use A Fly Net

Fly nets are another way to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

You can use them to cover windows and doors, but if you don’t want to invest in this type of product, you can simply hang a piece of fabric over any open window or door.

Use Other Herbs

Citronella is a great option for keeping flies at bay, but there are also other herbs that you can use – such as basil, lavender, rosemary, and thyme – that can help keep pests away.

Fly Traps

Finally, you can set up fly traps near areas where you see flies. This method works best if you know exactly what kind of insects you’re dealing with, though.