Is Citronella Safe To Use Indoors?

What is Citronella?

Citronella is an essential oil that comes from different species of Asian grass belonging to the Cymbopogon genus. The most common sources are the Ceylon citronella plant (Cymbopogon nardus) and Java citronella plant (Cymbopogon winterianus). These grasses are native to tropical and subtropical parts of Asia.

The main chemical compounds that give citronella its distinctive scent and insect repelling abilities are citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. These natural oil constituents comprise over 80% of the total composition.

Citronella oil is commonly used as an ingredient in insect repellents, perfumes, soaps, and candles. The fragrance has a crisp, lemony aroma. When diluted, citronella oil can also be applied directly to the skin to help deter mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs.

How Citronella Repels Insects

Citronella oil is an effective insect repellent due to its active ingredients that are bothersome or deterring to various insects. The main active chemicals in citronella oil are citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, and limonene.

These compounds interact with insects’ odorant receptors and masking agents, making it harder for insects like mosquitoes to locate hosts and food sources. The strong scent of citronella overwhelms their senses, acting as a repellent.

Studies have found citronella oil to be effective against several types of insects, including:

• Mosquitoes – Repels mosquitoes for 1-2 hours. More effective against Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex mosquito species.
• Ticks – Provides some repellency against ticks.
• Fleas – Repels fleas on pets when used in sprays, collars, or shampoos.
• Flies – Deters house flies and stable flies.
• Head lice – Used as a topical treatment to eradicate head lice infestations.

Overall, citronella oil is one of the most widely used plant-based insect repellents, with decent effectiveness against mosquitoes and other biting/nuisance insects when applied topically or diffused into the air.

Is Citronella Toxic?

Citronella oil’s toxicity to humans when used properly is very low. However, concentrated citronella oil can irritate the skin and eyes. The EPA has classified oil of citronella as a minimum risk pesticide, meaning it poses little to no risk to human health or the environment when used properly. Still, citronella oil should always be diluted before applying directly to the skin.

Ingesting or inhaling large amounts of citronella oil can cause side effects like rash, vomiting, eye irritation, and dizziness. Some scented citronella products also contain potential skin irritants or allergens. So those with sensitivities should use caution.

For pets, citronella is considered slightly toxic to cats and dogs when ingested directly. However, serious poisoning is rare when used normally in home and garden. The main risks for pets are skin and eye irritation from essential oils. Pets may also dislike the strong scent of citronella. Overall, citronella products are much safer for pets than synthetic chemical insecticides if directions for use are followed.

The primary safety concerns of citronella for humans and pets are skin/eye irritation from high concentrations or sensitivities. Also, ingesting large undiluted amounts of citronella oil. When used correctly as an insect repellent, citronella has very low toxicity risks.

Using Citronella Indoors

Citronella oil and products containing citronella oil, such as candles and diffusers, can be used indoors to help repel insects. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to consider before using citronella indoors.

Products Available for Indoor Use
Common citronella products used indoors include:
– Citronella candles
– Citronella incense sticks or cones
– Citronella essential oil diffusers or nebulizers
– Citronella scented sprays or lotions

Pros of Using Citronella Indoors
– Provides a pleasant, natural scent

– No toxic chemicals
– Effective at repelling some flying insects
– Relatively affordable and accessible

Cons of Using Citronella Indoors

– Limited efficacy and short-term effects
– Can produce smoke or strong odors

– Risk of allergic reaction or breathing irritation
– Candles pose a fire hazard

Alternatives for Indoor Insect Repellent
Some other options besides citronella products include:
– Essential oil blends containing lavender, eucalyptus, etc.
– Electric insect zappers
– Indoor insecticide sprays or baits

– Insect screens on windows and doors
– Removing standing water and food sources to deter bugs

Indoor Use Safety Precautions

When using citronella indoors, it’s important to take some safety precautions:

Potential health risks: Breathing in too much citronella oil can irritate the lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. Using excess amounts or not ensuring proper ventilation can lead to potential health issues.

Proper ventilation: Make sure there is adequate airflow when diffusing or spraying citronella indoors. Open windows, use fans, or place it in a large open room. Don’t use in small enclosed spaces.

Keep away from children and pets: Citronella oil can irritate eyes and skin, especially in children and pets. Keep diffusers and sprays out of reach and away from areas children and pets frequent.

Don’t use excessively: Use citronella in moderation indoors. Only diffuse or spray the minimum amount needed for insect repelling. Don’t overdo it. Follow all label instructions for safe usage.

Citronella vs Other Insect Repellents

Citronella is often compared to other common insect repellents like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Here’s how citronella stacks up against these other options in terms of safety and effectiveness:

DEET – DEET is considered the most effective mosquito repellent and can protect against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects for hours. However, there are some health concerns with high concentrations and frequent use of DEET, especially in children. Citronella is a natural alternative that may be safer, especially for indoor use.

Picaridin – Picaridin is an effective synthetic mosquito repellent that is odorless and less irritating than DEET. It provides robust protection similar to DEET. However, like DEET, there are toxicity concerns with overuse. Citronella has a better safety profile for indoor use.

IR3535 – IR3535 is considered a safe synthetic insect repellent derived from amino acid beta-alanine. It offers good short-term protection. However, it may need to be reapplied more often than DEET or picaridin. Citronella can provide similar short-term protection for indoor use.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus – Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a plant-based oil that offers protection similar to low concentrations of DEET. It has a good safety profile but needs to be reapplied frequently. For indoor use, citronella and lemon eucalyptus oil have comparable safety and effectiveness.

Overall, citronella offers a good balance of safety and short-term effectiveness for indoor insect repellent use compared to other options. It provides a plant-based alternative to DEET and synthetic repellents without many of the toxicity concerns.

Citronella Use Guidelines

When using citronella oil indoors, it’s important to follow dosage and application instructions carefully to get the most benefits while avoiding potential risks.

For indoor use, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves citronella oil in the following ways:

• As an ingredient in insect repellent sprays, lotions, and candles at a concentration of 5-15%.
• In diffusers or room sprays at a concentration of up to 1.2%.
• On mats, wipes, or other materials at a concentration of up to 20%.

When applying citronella products to your skin, avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. Reapply every 1-2 hours for ongoing protection. For candles, diffusers, or room sprays, use according to product instructions in well-ventilated areas. Open windows or run fans whenever possible.

Citronella oil provides short-term protection, lasting about 2 hours before requiring reapplication. For long-term coverage, use EPA-approved products containing other active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 in conjunction with citronella.

Never use pure essential oils directly on skin. Always dilute in a carrier oil or use properly formulated sprays, lotions, or wipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is citronella toxic to pets? No, citronella is not known to be toxic to dogs or cats when used properly. However, some pets may be sensitive to the strong smell, so monitor your pet’s reaction.

Does citronella repel mosquitoes? Yes, citronella oil and citronella candles have been shown to effectively repel mosquitoes, along with some other insects like flies, gnats, and ticks. The oil contains compounds that mask attractants for these insects.

Is citronella safe for babies? Citronella is generally considered safe for use around babies when diluted properly and used minimally. It’s best to avoid direct application on infants and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns. Proper ventilation is important.

Does citronella work as well as DEET? DEET is considered more effective at repelling mosquitoes than citronella. However, citronella can provide moderate protection, especially when used properly at the right concentration. It may need more frequent reapplication compared to DEET.

Does citronella repel all insects? No, citronella oil is most effective against mosquitoes but also helps repel some other insects like gnats, flies, and ticks. It does not repel all insects. Other essential oils may be more effective for certain insects.

The Bottom Line

Citronella oil and citronella candles can be used safely indoors if proper precautions are taken. Citronella itself is not toxic, but the smoke and soot from burning citronella candles can pose health risks. Consider using citronella incense sticks instead of burning candles. Avoid continuous or excessive inhalation of citronella fumes. Ensure proper ventilation and never leave burning citronella unattended. Only use 100% pure citronella oil and test on a small patch of skin first to check for irritation. Take care with dosage and dilution when using topically. Citronella can help repel mosquitoes and other insects when used correctly indoors, but should not replace DEET repellents for high-risk malaria areas.

In summary, citronella can be used safely inside your home if you follow basic safety guidelines. Take precautions with burning and ventilation, test for skin sensitivity, and use it as a supplement to other insect precautions rather than a standalone solution.

Sources

This article was researched and written using information from the following sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Mosquito Repellents.” https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/repellents.html
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Citronella.” https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/citronella-biopesticide-registration-action-document
• National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). “Citronella.” http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/citronellagen.html
• American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). “Insect Repellents.” https://acaai.org/allergies/allergy-treatment/insect-bite-allergy/insect-repellents
• Mayo Clinic. “Mosquito bites:Reduce your risk of catching serious diseases.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mosquito-bites/symptoms-causes/syc-20353706