Native to Asia, lemongrass is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping pesky mosquitoes and bugs at bay. The secret lies in its potent essential oils, which act as a natural “keep out” sign for insects while smelling absolutely amazing to us.
The Magic Behind Lemongrass
Lemongrass is packed with aromatic compounds that mosquitoes find totally repulsive. While these scents are a nightmare for biting bugs, they actually have a calming, relaxing effect on us humans. The heavy hitters in lemongrass that do the hard work are:
- Citral
- Geraniol
- Myrcene
Putting Citronella Oil to Work
The most effective weapon in your lemongrass arsenal is citronella oil. This natural remedy is super versatile and works great both indoors and out. For a cozy indoor vibe, just add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser or aroma lamp. If you’re heading outside to the patio, don’t be afraid to use a little extra to create a bug-free zone. The mist spreads those essential oils through the air, telling mosquitoes to stay far away.
Don’t have an oil diffuser? No problem! You can take a few stalks of fresh-cut lemongrass, snap them, and give them a little scrape with a knife to bruise them. This releases those fragrant oils naturally. It’s a great way to make your living room or bedroom smell like a spa while keeping the biters out.
Mix Up Your Own DIY Repellent
You can actually make your own natural bug spray (or rub) using lemongrass. Not only does it keep the bugs away, but it’s also antibacterial and feels incredibly cooling if you’ve already been bitten. Just mix some lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil like almond, coconut, or neem oil. Rub the mixture onto your skin, and you’re good to go! The carrier oils nourish your skin while the citronella acts as your personal bodyguard against mosquitoes.
Pot Up Some Lemongrass
One of the easiest tricks is to plant lemongrass in small pots. This way, you can move them around whenever you need a “no-fly zone.” Whether you’re relaxing on the balcony or hosting a BBQ on the terrace, having a few pots nearby ensures those tiny pests won’t ruin your evening.