Lemongrass Plant Mosquito Repellent: A Natural Way to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes are pesky insects that can ruin your outdoor activities. They not only cause itchy and painful bites but also transmit diseases like dengue, malaria, and Zika virus. While there are many commercial mosquito repellents available in the market, most of them contain chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and the environment. Fortunately, there is a natural solution to keep mosquitoes away: lemongrass plant mosquito repellent.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial plant that is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. It is commonly used in cooking and herbal medicine because of its aromatic and medicinal properties. But did you know that lemongrass is also an effective mosquito repellent? The essential oil extracted from lemongrass contains citronella, geraniol, and limonene, which are natural compounds that repel mosquitoes.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to use lemongrass plant as a mosquito repellent, its benefits, and some precautions to take.

Benefits of Lemongrass Plant Mosquito Repellent

Using lemongrass plant as a mosquito repellent has several benefits:

• Natural and safe: Unlike commercial mosquito repellents that contain chemicals like DEET, lemongrass plant is a natural and safe alternative. It does not have any toxic side effects and is safe for humans and pets.
• Effective: Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil can repel mosquitoes for up to two hours. It is also effective against other insects like flies, gnats, and ticks.
• Aromatic: Lemongrass has a pleasant citrus scent that can mask the odor of human sweat, which attracts mosquitoes. It also adds a refreshing fragrance to your surroundings.
• Easy to grow: Lemongrass is easy to grow in tropical and subtropical climates. You can either plant it in your garden or in a pot on your balcony or patio.

How to Use Lemongrass Plant as a Mosquito Repellent

There are several ways to use lemongrass plant as a mosquito repellent:

1. Plant Lemongrass in Your Garden

One of the easiest ways to keep mosquitoes away is to plant lemongrass in your garden. You can buy lemongrass plants from a nursery or online store. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball and fill it with soil. Water the plant thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Lemongrass grows up to three feet tall, so make sure you give it enough space to spread.

2. Make a Lemongrass Spray

You can make a natural mosquito repellent spray using lemongrass essential oil. Here's how:

• Ingredients:
• 10-15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 1/4 cup of witch hazel or vodka
• 1/4 cup of distilled water
• Spray bottle
• Instructions:

1. Mix the lemongrass essential oil, witch hazel or vodka, and distilled water in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before using.
3. Spray on your skin and clothes before going outdoors.

3. Use Lemongrass Candles

Lemongrass candles are another effective way to repel mosquitoes. You can buy lemongrass candles from a store or make your own using lemongrass essential oil. Here's how:

• Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup of soy wax flakes
• 10-15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• Candle wick
• Candle jar
• Instructions:

1. Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler.
2. Add the lemongrass essential oil and stir well.
3. Pour the melted wax into the candle jar.
4. Insert the candle wick and let it cool for a few hours.
5. Light the candle and enjoy a mosquito-free environment.

4. Use Lemongrass Incense

Lemongrass incense sticks are also effective against mosquitoes. You can buy them from a store or make your own using lemongrass essential oil. Here's how:

• Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup of unscented incense sticks
• 10-15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• Bowl
• Instructions:

1. Add the lemongrass essential oil to a bowl.
2. Dip the unscented incense sticks into the oil and let them soak for a few minutes.
3. Take out the sticks and let them dry for a few hours.
4. Light the incense sticks and enjoy a mosquito-free environment.

Precautions to Take

While lemongrass plant mosquito repellent is safe and natural, there are some precautions you should take:

• Avoid using undiluted lemongrass essential oil on your skin as it can cause skin irritation. Always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil before using.
• Avoid using lemongrass products around children under the age of two and pregnant women.
• Do not use lemongrass products near open flames as they are highly flammable.
• If you have sensitive skin or allergies, do a patch test before using any lemongrass product.

FAQs

1. Is lemongrass plant mosquito repellent effective?

Yes, lemongrass plant mosquito repellent is effective against mosquitoes. Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil can repel mosquitoes for up to two hours.

2. Is lemongrass plant mosquito repellent safe?

Yes, lemongrass plant mosquito repellent is safe and natural. It does not have any toxic side effects and is safe for humans and pets.

3. How do I use lemongrass plant mosquito repellent?

You can use lemongrass plant mosquito repellent in several ways, such as planting lemongrass in your garden, making a lemongrass spray, using lemongrass candles, or using lemongrass incense.

4. Can I use lemongrass plant mosquito repellent on my skin?

Yes, you can use lemongrass plant mosquito repellent on your skin, but make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil before using.

5. Are there any precautions I should take when using lemongrass plant mosquito repellent?

Yes, you should avoid using undiluted lemongrass essential oil on your skin, avoid using lemongrass products around children under the age of two and pregnant women, do not use lemongrass products near open flames, and do a patch test before using any lemongrass product.

In lemongrass plant mosquito repellent is a natural and safe alternative to commercial mosquito repellents. You can use it in several ways to keep mosquitoes away from your surroundings. However, it is important to take some precautions and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any adverse effects. With lemongrass plant mosquito repellent, you can enjoy your outdoor activities without worrying about pesky mosquitoes!