Mosquito repellent is essential, especially during the summer when mosquitoes are out in full force. Often, store-bought repellents are expensive and contain chemicals that can damage the environment.
A great, natural option you may want to consider is lemongrass, an all-natural mosquito repellent that can be used in your home or backyard.
In this article, we will discuss how to use lemongrass as a mosquito repellent:
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant with many uses. Native to Asia, it is widely grown as an ornamental plant. But in many societies, it has multiple uses in cooking and medicine.
It can be used either fresh or dried and has a lemony flavor that adds flavor to food.
Lemongrass is high in citral, geraniol, and limonene – three components known for their mosquito-repelling solid qualities. Most mosquitoes do not like the smell of these natural chemicals released from crushed lemongrass leaves.
As such, crushed lemongrass leaves have been proven effective natural repellent against mosquitoes from ancient times. It’s an easy alternative for those looking for a more natural solution to pest control!
What are the benefits of using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent?
Lemongrass has been used for centuries as a natural mosquito repellent. Its use as a form of insect and bug control dates back to the 1700s; it is still used with great success in widespread areas to deter annoying pest insects from invading parts of the home or growing in specific gardens.
The gentle aroma of lemongrass is the perfect deterrent for most insects and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Using lemongrass for mosquito control is a safe option for individuals looking for an all-natural alternative to harsh chemical solutions, such as DEET or other commercial products.
Lemongrass has many benefits regarding mosquito repellency and, if utilized correctly, can be a safe, effective repellent for mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.
Studies have shown that when applied topically, an oil mixture extracted from lemongrass is highly effective against mosquito bites; some research has suggested that using lemongrass extract as an application on exposed skin helps prevent up to 94% of bites from mosquitoes.
These effects last up to two hours, providing safe protection versus more chemically based products that require applications every two hours or less, depending on how long they protect you against estimated bite rates within a given area.
Overall, the advantage of using lemongrass over chemical-based solutions is that there are no known side effects due to their natural composition; however, you must take precautions when using any natural preventive measure against insect stings and bites due to possible allergic reactions or sensitivities depending on your body makeup.
Related Read
How to Make Your Lemongrass Repellent
Using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent is becoming an increasingly popular solution to the problem of pesky insects. Not only is it easy to make your lemongrass-based repellent online with simple ingredients, but it is also highly effective. Plus, it smells much nicer than many chemical-based repellents.
This article will cover how to make your lemongrass mosquito repellent, as well as safety tips for its use:
Gather the ingredients
Making your lemongrass-based mosquito repellent is a simple, natural, and inexpensive way to keep pesky mosquitoes from invading your outdoor space. All you need are essential ingredients to construct a homemade repellent that’s just as effective as any commercial insect-control product.
To make lemongrass repellent, you will need the following items:
- Lemongrass essential oil – This powerful essential oil is derived directly from the lemongrass plant and has strong antiseptic and insecticidal properties. Be sure to purchase pure lemongrass essential oil rather than an oil blend with other scents.
- Garlic bulbs – Raw garlic bulbs contain natural compounds that mosquito larvae love to feed on, making them great for pest control without using toxic sprays or harsh chemicals.
- Other bug-repelling herbs – The strong scent of herbs like rosemary, basil, and mint can repel bugs naturally without causing harm to beneficial insects or animals like bees or butterflies.
- Container – Any small container with a lid can be used for your homemade mosquito repellents, such as an empty glass jar or plastic bottle.
- Vegetable oil is a base for your concoction and helps spread the repelling oils around once applied topically to skin or clothing.
Before getting started, ensure all ingredients are free from contaminants by washing them thoroughly with water before use. Once you have all the necessary items, you can begin crafting your all-natural bug spray!
Also, Read
Prepare the lemongrass
Preparing the lemongrass for mosquito repellent is an easy process that starts with choosing the perfect stem. A stem should be plump and vibrant, with no visible signs of mold or rot.
Cut off the base while holding it in your hand, and then gently remove any leaves or bottom portion until you have a clean stem.
Next, cut the stem into small pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in length, using a sharp knife. Once the lemongrass is chopped up, you can add it to a recipe for an all-natural mosquito-repellent spray or make a scented sachet to help deter mosquitoes when hung near windows and other entry points.
To make an effective natural insect-repelling spray, combine several drops of lemongrass oil in one cup of water and shake well before spraying surfaces around windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas.
After that is complete, hang your sachets near doors and windows to keep them biter free!
Combine the ingredients
Once you have gathered the ingredients needed to make your lemongrass repellent, it’s time to mix them all to create an effective solution. Begin by placing a few drops of lemongrass and tea tree oil into a 2-ounce spray bottle.
Follow this up by adding ¾ cup of witch hazel and 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerine to the bottle. Fill the remaining space with distilled water and thoroughly shake the mixture until everything is combined properly.
This creates a homemade insect repellent that is effective against mosquitoes and other household pests.
Be sure to test for sensitivity on your skin before applying it directly to any part of your body, as some people may have sensitive skin reactions from lemongrass oil, even in its diluted form.
Store the repellent
If you decide to make a lemongrass-based repellent, it is essential to store it properly if you want the effects to last. The best way to store your repellent is in an air-tight glass container, such as a mason jar.
Always keep your repellent out of direct sunlight and away from heat, as this will expedite the breakdown of key ingredients. An environment with low humidity can also cause the repellent to become less effective as it ages.
If kept properly, your homemade lemongrass natural insect repellent should last up to 6 months before needing a replacement batch.
Also, Read
- Can You Use Lemongrass Leaves?
- Can You Use Lemongrass Cuttings To Grow More?
- Can You Use Lemon Grass In Milk Tea?
How to Use the Repellent
Lemongrass is a natural way to help ward off mosquitos and other insects. It can be used as a repellent both inside and outside the home.
To create your natural mosquito repellent, mix a few drops of the essential oil with a few tablespoons of water in a spray bottle, and you’ll have your DIY mosquito repellent.
Here we’ll discuss the different ways to use lemongrass as a natural mosquito repellent:
Apply the repellent
To use lemongrass effectively as a mosquito repellent, it must be applied correctly to affected areas. Mixing your repellent with lemongrass oil with a base such as almond or jojoba oil is best.
A standard ratio would be three parts base oil to one part lemongrass oil, but this can be adjusted depending on the strength of the desired solution. Please make sure both oils are wholly blended before applying them.
Once you have prepared the mixture of oils, you may apply them directly onto your skin in areas where mosquitoes commonly bite.
Using more than one application is suggested for areas where mosquitoes frequently bite, such as legs and ankles. The best way for maximum effectiveness is to reapply the mixture every 3-4 hours or after swimming.
Reapply as needed
While lemongrass may be an excellent natural mosquito repellent, it is not a long-term solution. The lemongrass oil or leaves need to be reapplied regularly to keep mosquitoes away.
For best results, lemongrass should be applied every few hours if spending time outdoors.
Before going outside, it can be helpful to use a few drops of essential lemongrass oil on exposed areas like hands, feet, or legs to protect from biting pests.
To apply the oil for an extended period with good coverage, you must prepare an infusion by heating the water and adding the lemongrass leaves. The mixture can then be cooled and stored in spray bottles for easy application over larger areas of skin as needed throughout the day.
It can also be applied directly on clothing as an alternative protection against mosquitos – check clothing tags for washing instructions before applying directly on fabrics!
To make sure your skin doesn’t dry out from all that rubbing, you’ll want to add a non-scented moisturizer before applying any essential oils directly onto your skin.
Mixing some carrier oil with the essential oils is another good way of making sure to cover more area while keeping it well hydrated at the same time! Reapplying any type of mosquito repellent, such as lemongrass, is vital for ensuring protection against mosquito bites and disease transmission as often as possible during outdoor activities.
Safety Considerations
Using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent is a great natural way to keep these pesky insects at bay. However, it is essential to be aware of safety considerations when using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent.
Lemongrass can irritate the skin and eyes, so it is essential to take precautions. It is also important to note that lemongrass should only be used on adults and not on children.
Let’s take a look at some more safety considerations when using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent:
Avoid contact with eyes
When using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent, it is important to avoid contact with the eyes. Lemongrass essential oil can cause irritation and burning/stinging of the eyes, resulting in redness and discomfort. Always wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes and skin when working with this oil.
Additionally, be sure to keep the lemongrass away from children and pets, so they do not accidentally come into contact with it.
Remember that you should never apply undiluted essential oils directly on your skin without diluting them in a carrier oil such as jojoba, grape seed, coconut, or sweet almond oil.
This will help protect your skin from potential burns or other adverse reactions due to direct contact with highly concentrated essential oils. When using a blend of oils for an insect repellent, always test a small skin area first for allergic reactions before applying over larger areas of exposed skin.
Keep away from children and pets.
When using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent, special attention must be taken to keep away both children and pets. Lemongrass is highly fragrant and scented, so it can cause skin or respiratory irritation if not handled properly.
Therefore, it is essential to read labels carefully when purchasing products with lemongrass and take all necessary precautions regarding safety usage.
In households with children or pets, lemongrass should be used in moderation and not excessively sprayed in the environment. It is also recommended to use a more diluted form of essential oils than the concentrated version when spraying inside the home due to the increased safety risk for younger family members.
A few drops of lemongrass-infused oil can protect an average-sized room from pesky mosquitoes without raising safety concerns for those nearby.
Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
When using any form of natural mosquito repellent, it’s crucial to discontinue use if any irritation or reaction occurs immediately. The essential oils in lemongrass create a powerful aroma that some people may find irritating.
If you or anyone in your family experiences adverse skin reactions like itching or rash, stop using the repellent immediately and rinse off with plain water.
Before applying any product or mixture to large areas of skin, it’s best to do a spot test on a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to ensure no allergic reactions occur before full use.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid using solid concentrations of lemongrass oil on your body, as this may cause further irritation.
Conclusion: How To Use Lemongrass As Mosquito Repellent?
In conclusion, using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent is a natural, simple, and effective way to keep mosquitoes away. Not only is the scent of lemongrass pleasing and refreshing, but it also has the added benefit of being non-toxic and harmless to humans when used topically.
Studies have shown that lemongrass can be an effective barrier to discourage mosquitos from entering certain areas.
To make your lemongrass mosquito repellent, you need to:
- Grind a few leaves into a paste
- Steep them in boiling water for an hour before straining it
- Spray the liquid on the affected area
Be sure to reapply the solution every three days for the best results. This simple but effective homemade repellent could be just what you need to keep those pesky mosquitoes away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I use lemongrass as a mosquito repellent?
A: To use lemongrass as a mosquito repellent, you can either use the essential oil or the plant itself. For the essential oil, add a few drops to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water and spray it in areas where mosquitoes may be present. For the plant, you can place several stalks around your home or in areas you frequent, such as a porch or patio.
Q: What are the benefits of using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent?
A: Lemongrass is a natural and effective mosquito repellent. It has a robust and citrusy scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant and is also known to repel other insects, such as flies and ants. Additionally, lemongrass is non-toxic, making it a safe option for a home mosquito repellent.
Q: How long does lemongrass last as a mosquito repellent?
A: When used as an essential oil, lemongrass can last up to 4 hours as a mosquito repellent. When used as a plant, the leaves and stalks should be replaced every few days to ensure that the plant is still releasing its scent.
