Making your own citronella insect spray is easy and effective.
The citronella plant is commonly believed to be a scented geranium. However, another type of plant is the true citronella. It is a grass, similar to lemon grass, and is called Cymbopogon nardus. Essential oil that is distilled from this plant is an effective remedy for mosquitoes and other insects. When you mix it with water and spray your plants, many types of insects will either flee or die. Does this Spark an idea?
Making a Spray
Making essential oil is a complicated process that requires special equipment and large quantities of plant material, so purchase a bottle of citronella essential oil for your homemade spray. Combine 1 cup of water with 3 tbsp. citronella oil and 2 cups apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a spray bottle. Try to use all your spray as soon as possible to avoid loss of effectiveness; store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Types of Insects Affected
In order to be effective, citronella essential oil spray must come into direct contact with the troublesome insects. This means that flying insects, such as white flies, are hard to kill with this type of remedy. If you have a greenhouse, you can saturate the air and hope for the best. However, the best use of citronella oil spray is on soft-bodied insects such as aphids, which exist and feed on your plant.
Effectiveness
Natural insect control products are generally effective for shorter periods of time than their chemical equivalents. Citronella oil disrupts a neurotransmitter in insects, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension website. After a rain or overhead watering, citronella oil spray will wash to the ground, so spray your plant after this occurs. Keep an eye open for insects and continue spraying every day or two until they are gone.
Cautions
Undiluted essential oils can burn your skin, plants with which they come in direct contact and other objects. Do not apply full strength citronella spray on your plants and use caution when working with it, or any essential oil, to ensure that it does not come into contact with your skin. Never drink citronella essential oil and do not allow children or pets to consume it or have direct contact with it.
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