How To Use Lemongrass As Mosquito Repellent (8 Ways)

Using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent is one of those simple, old‑world fixes that still works surprisingly well today. It’s not just a trendy “natural” hack; it’s a practical, low‑cost way to cut down on bites without filling your home with chemical fumes.

Mosquitoes not only emit an unpleasant buzzing noise but can also spread hazardous diseases.

Although chemical insecticides and repellents are commonly employed to deter mosquitoes, they entail possible health hazards. Fortunately, natural remedies like lemon grass can provide a practical and safe option to repel mosquitoes.

This blog will discuss how to use lemongrass as a mosquito repellent for effective results.

Why Mosquitoes Are Such a Nuisance

Mosquitoes aren’t just about itching and swelling. They can carry diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, and their constant buzzing can wreck a peaceful evening.

Chemical sprays and coils do push them away, but they also bring dry skin, breathing irritation, and that fake‑perfume smell we all know too well.

Lemongrass steps in as a plant‑based alternative that actually makes your space smell good instead of sterile. It won’t replace a full‑on mosquito‑control system, but it’s a solid, gentle layer you can add to your routine.

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, grass‑like plant that grows easily in warm climates like India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. It’s got long, thin leaves that release a bright, lemony scent when you brush against them.

You’ll find it used in:

• Curries, soups, and noodle dishes (Thai, Vietnamese, Indian).
• Herbal teas and digestive tonics.
• Soaps, lotions, and room sprays.

But what makes it shine for mosquitoes is its essential oil – specifically citronella, plus other compounds like geraniol and citral that mosquitoes hate. These oils confuse their sense of smell and make humans less “target‑like”.

How Lemongrass Repels Mosquitoes (In Real Life)

Lemongrass doesn’t “kill” mosquitoes like a harsh chemical would. Instead, it:

• Masks your body’s scent (CO₂, sweat, lactic acid) so they have a harder time tracking you.
• Releases strong, citrusy oils that keep them hovering elsewhere in the room.
• Works best when used regularly, not just once and forgot.

Studies on lemongrass and citronella show they can offer around 30–60 minutes of good protection when applied properly, often in line with low‑dose store‑bought repellents.

How Lemongrass Repels Mosquitoes (In Real Life)

Lemongrass doesn’t “kill” mosquitoes like a harsh chemical would. Instead, it:

• Masks your body’s scent (CO₂, sweat, lactic acid) so they have a harder time tracking you.
• Releases strong, citrusy oils that keep them hovering elsewhere in the room.
• Works best when used regularly, not just once and forgot.

Studies on lemongrass and citronella show they can offer around 30–60 minutes of good protection when applied properly, often in line with low‑dose store‑bought repellents.

How It Stands Up in Practice

Method	How It’s Useful	What to Expect
Lemongrass oil spray	Great for skin and clothes before going out	Reapply every 1–2 hours in hot, sweaty weather
Room spray or diffuser	Good for balconies, verandas, or evenings indoors	Use in ventilated areas; scent wears off after 1–2 hours
Candles with lemongrass	Nice for patios, evening seating, small spaces	Works best close to where you sit; wind can weaken it
Planting lemongrass around the house	A “set‑and‑forget” barrier	More background help than a full‑on shield

You’ll get the best results when you treat it like what it is: a supporting player, not a one‑time miracle.

How To Use Lemongrass As Mosquito Repellent (Simple, No‑Fluff Ways)

Lemongrass contains natural compounds that have insecticidal and repellent properties. Citronella is one of the main active ingredients in lemon grass that repels mosquitoes.

It is a volatile oil that is commonly used in mosquito-repellent candles, sprays, and lotions. Lemon grass also contains other volatile oils, such as geraniol, limonene, and citral that repel mosquitoes.

Here are real‑life‑ready methods you can start tonight, using fresh lemongrass or a small bottle of oil.

1. Lemongrass Essential Oil for Skin (Strongest Option)

Lemongrass essential oil is concentrated, so treat it like a specialty ingredient, not something you dump straight on your skin.

Skin‑Friendly Oil Mix

You’ll need:

• 5–10 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 1 tbsp carrier oil (coconut, almond, olive, or jojoba)

How to use:

• Mix in a small bottle or jar.
• Apply a thin layer to arms, legs, ankles, and behind the ears before heading outside.
• Reapply every 1–2 hours, especially if you’re sweating or in very humid weather.

You can also:

• Add a few drops to a diffuser for a light‑scented room barrier.
• Use a spray bottle with water/witch hazel and a few drops of oil for a quick room or curtain spray.

2. Lemongrass Boil Water Spray (Easy Kitchen Style)

If you don’t want to buy essential oil immediately, boiling lemongrass in water is a simple way to pull out the fragrant oils.

Ingredients:

• 1 handful of fresh lemongrass stalks or leaves
• 2 cups water
• 5–10 drops lemongrass essential oil (optional, for stronger effect)
• A splash of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol (optional, for better mixing)

Method:

1. Boil lemongrass in water for 20–30 minutes until the water turns a light yellow color.
2. Let it cool overnight.
3. Strain out the leaves and transfer to a spray bottle.
4. Spray on skin, clothing, curtains, or near windows where mosquitoes gather.

I’ve used this on my balcony in Bengaluru, and it cuts down on evening bites without choking the room with chemical fumes.

3. Lemongrass Mosquito Candles (For Evenings and Outdoor Sit‑Ins)

Lemongrass candles work really well around patios, balconies, and small courtyards. The heat carries the scent outward, creating a light barrier.

DIY Lemongrass Candle

You’ll need:

• Soy or beeswax (no cheap paraffin if you want cleaner air)
• 10–15 drops lemongrass essential oil
• A wick and a heat‑safe jar

How to make it:

1. Melt wax in a double boiler (or a bowl over a pot of water).
2. Once melted, add the lemongrass oil and stir gently.
3. Pour into the jar, insert the wick, and let it cool completely.
4. Light it in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active.

Place it near your sitting area, but not right next to fabric or anything flammable.

4. Growing Lemongrass Around Your Home (Passive, Long‑Term Protection)

Growing lemongrass plants is one of the most hands‑off tactics. These plants grow tall and tough, up to about 6 feet, and their leaves constantly release a citrusy scent that many mosquitoes avoid.

Where to plant them:

• Balcony corners and window sills facing the street or garden.
• Outside the main door or garden gate, where people enter.
• Indoor pots near seating areas if you don’t have balcony space.

A quick trick for extra protection: crush a few leaves in your hands and rub them lightly on your skin before heading out. It’s not as strong as a full‑strength spray, but it helps.

Using Lemon Grass for Repelling Mosquitoes

Aspect	Description
Plant species	Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Plant Characteristics	Lemon grass is a tall, perennial grass that grows upto 6 feet. It has elongated, slender leaves that emit a fragrant aroma akin to citrus.
Active Ingredient	Citronella oil, which is an essential mosquito repellent.
How to use	Extract the citronella oil by crushing the leaves and stems of the lemon grass plant and then applying it to skin, clothing, or a diffuser. Alternatively, grow lemon grass in your garden or place potted lemon grass plants around your outdoor living spaces to naturally repel mosquitoes.
Effectiveness	Lemon grass has been shown to be effective in repelling mosquitoes, especially when used in combination with other natural mosquito repellents, such as garlic, eucalyptus, and peppermint. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on factors such as the concentration of citronella oil, the amount applied, and the species of mosquito in the area.
Safety	Lemon grass is generally considered safe when used as directed, but some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is also not recommended for use on infants or young children.
Availability	Lemon grass is widely available for purchase as a fresh or dried herb, or essential oil, or as a plant to grow in your garden or home. You can find it in various commercial mosquito repellent products, including candles, sprays, and lotions.

Note: Lemongrass should not be used as the sole method of mosquito control in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent.

It is important to also take other measures to reduce mosquito populations, such as eliminating standing water, using screens on windows and doors, and wearing protective clothing.

Why Lemongrass Is a Smart Choice

• It’s non‑toxic – no harsh chemicals, which matters if you share your home with kids, pets, or people with allergies.
• It’s affordable – you can grow it in a pot or buy a small bottle of oil and stretch it for weeks.
• It smells good – no burning‑plastic smell like some coils.
• It’s eco‑friendly – no plastic‑spray canisters or heavy‑duty toxins in the air.
• It’s flexible – use as oil, spray, candle, or plant, depending on what you already have at home.

Things to Keep in Mind (Practical Limitations)

Even though lemongrass is gentle and effective, it’s not magic:

• It needs reapplication. In hot, humid, or windy weather, you’ll need to re‑spray or re‑light more often.
• It’s weaker than strong chemical options in high‑mosquito areas.
• Some people are sensitive to the oils and might feel itching or redness.

Also, never rely on lemongrass alone if you’re in a high‑risk dengue or malaria zone. Use it alongside screens, nets, and removing standing water, not instead of them.

Little‑Known Tips That Make It Work Better

• Crush leaves and keep them near open doors or windows in the evening to create a light scent barrier.
• Use lemongrass spray on jeans, shorts, and socks, not just skin. Mosquitoes often bite lower legs.
• Combine lemongrass with neem oil or a bit of eucalyptus oil on your skin mix for a stronger, more layered barrier.
• Place pots of lemongrass in clusters (3–4 plants together) instead of just one here and there. The stronger the scent, the more effective the barrier.

Precautions When Using Lemon Grass as Mosquito Repellent

While lemongrass is generally safe to use as a mosquito repellent, there are some precautions you should take:

1. Test for Allergies

Before using lemongrass essential oil or spray, test it on a small patch of skin to make sure you are not allergic to it. If you experience any itching, redness, or swelling, stop using it immediately.

2. Use as Directed

It is imperative to exercise caution and adhere closely to the instructions when utilizing lemon grass as a mosquito repellent. Do not apply it near your eyes or mouth, and do not ingest it.

3. Keep Out of Reach of Children

Lemon grass essential oils, sprays, and candles should be stored in an area inaccessible to children and pets. Ingesting lemon grass can cause stomach upset and other adverse effects.

4. Consult with a Doctor

If you have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with a doctor before using lemon grass as a mosquito repellent.

Although lemongrass is generally considered safe, it is advisable to exercise prudence.

How I Use Lemongrass in My Own Space

Living in Bengaluru, where mosquitoes are a year‑round mess, I’ve found the simplest, most effective combo is:

• A small lemongrass spray for my legs and arms before heading out in the evening.
• Potted lemongrass on the balcony, placed near the chair and side rail.
• A small candle or diffuser with lemongrass plus a bit of eucalyptus when I’m sitting outside.

It’s not perfect, but it’s noticeably better than using nothing – and it doesn’t leave my room smelling like a chemical lab the next morning.

Lemongrass As Mosquito Repellent FAQs

Final Thought

Lemongrass as a mosquito repellent is one of those commonsense solutions people used before all the aerosol cans took over. It’s not going to stop every mosquito, but it’s safe, affordable, and easy to use, and it makes your space feel more alive instead of sterile.

If you pair it with cleaning up standing water, screens on windows, and light‑colored clothing, you’ll have a solid, low‑stress system that feels a lot more natural and a lot less toxic.