Ben Carter
Citronella candles are popular insect repellents, but their effectiveness has been questioned. While some sources claim that they are ineffective and a waste of money, others suggest that they can provide some protection, particularly in the immediate area surrounding the candle. The candles contain citronella oil, which has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. However, the concentration of PMD, a molecule known to protect against insects, is relatively low in natural citronella. As a result, some companies have created candles with concentrated PMD levels, but it is unclear whether these are more effective. DEET, a synthetic repellent, is often recommended as a more reliable alternative to citronella candles, but it may cause skin reactions and should be kept away from children and pets.
Do citronella candles contain DEET?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Citronella candles are not very effective in keeping mosquitoes away. |
| Safety | Citronella candles can cause skin allergies in some people, especially young children. |
| Alternative | Products containing DEET, picaridin, and those with a sufficient concentration of PMD are more effective alternatives. |
| Use | Citronella candles are meant for outdoor use and should be placed on non-flammable surfaces. |
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What You'll Learn
Citronella candles are ineffective mosquito repellents
While citronella candles are popular, they are not very effective in keeping mosquitoes away. A study published in the Journal of Insect Science in 2017 tested 11 different retail products, including sprays, wearable devices, and a citronella candle. The study found that the most effective natural repellent was a spray containing 30% PMD (Oil of lemon eucalyptus), which worked as well as a spray containing 98% DEET.
Citronella candles are only moderately effective at repelling mosquitoes in the immediate area surrounding the candle. The closer you are to the candle, the less likely you are to be bitten by a mosquito. However, this level of protection is not as substantial as that offered by EPA-approved repellents like DEET and picaridin.
Citronella has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent, and certain varieties of the citronella plant contain a natural chemical called citronellal, which has molecules of PMD known to provide effective protection from insects. However, the naturally occurring levels of PMD in citronella are not very high, and it is difficult to determine whether a citronella candle contains natural citronella oil or just a synthetic fragrance.
If you are looking for an effective mosquito repellent, products containing DEET, picaridin, or a sufficient concentration of PMD are better options than citronella candles.
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DEET is a more effective mosquito repellent
Citronella candles are popular for their pleasant scent and supposed mosquito-repelling abilities. However, their effectiveness in keeping mosquitoes away is questionable. While citronella oil has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent, its impact on mosquitoes is limited.
DEET, on the other hand, is a chemical compound (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) that serves as the active ingredient in many insect repellents. It is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to repel mosquitoes and protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. DEET-based products are available in various forms, including liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials like towelettes and roll-ons.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using insect repellents containing DEET when spending time outdoors to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne pathogens. DEET has been proven to effectively repel mosquitoes, with its impact lasting from two to twelve hours, depending on the concentration. The CDC suggests using products with 30% to 50% DEET for optimal protection.
While citronella candles may offer some relief from mosquitoes in the immediate area surrounding the candle, DEET provides a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution. DEET products can be applied directly to the skin or clothing, ensuring protection regardless of proximity to the repellent. This makes DEET particularly useful for outdoor activities like camping or hiking, where mosquitoes are prevalent.
In conclusion, while citronella candles have their charm, DEET is a more reliable and effective mosquito repellent. Its widespread recognition, availability, and endorsement by organisations like the CDC make it a trusted choice for those seeking protection from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
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Natural alternatives to DEET are available
Citronella candles are popular for keeping mosquitoes away, but they are not very effective. A study tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and found that DEET and oil of lemon eucalyptus sprays reduced mosquito attraction by 60%.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a natural, plant-based oil. It works as well at preventing mosquito bites as products that contain lower concentrations (6.65%) of DEET. OLE should not be used on children under three.
- IR3535, also known as Merck 3535, is an active ingredient in some insect repellents. It was used for years in Europe and may offer up to two hours of mosquito protection.
- 2-undecanone is derived from the tomato plant and may offer 4.5 hours of protection from mosquitoes.
- Nootkatone is an oil made from grapefruit skin and cedar trees. It has been approved by the EPA as an ingredient in insecticides and has been found to repel and kill many biting insects, including mosquitoes.
- Catnip oil has been shown to be a more effective spatial repellent than DEET when applied to clothing, and it also repels flies, cockroaches, termites, dust mites, and deer ticks.
- Cinnamon oil has been shown to make you a little less attractive to mosquitoes for up to an hour and a half, which is longer than many other natural oil repellents.
- Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. It is made from a mix of herbs and is an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50% extra protection.
- Soybean-based products like Bite Block Kids (2% soybean oil) could provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes.
- Picaridin is a natural mosquito repellent.
- Fans can also keep mosquitoes away when sitting outdoors.
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Citronella candles pose safety risks to humans and pets
Citronella candles are marketed as a natural mosquito repellent. However, they pose safety risks to both humans and pets.
Citronella candles are generally considered safe for human use, and the oil can provide health benefits when used on the skin or in a diffuser. However, some people may experience skin allergies or sensitivity reactions to the diffusion of citronella. Young children are especially vulnerable to skin allergies.
Citronella candles also pose a fire hazard and are not intended for indoor use. They should be placed on non-flammable surfaces to reduce the risk of fire.
For pets, citronella candles can be harmful. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists citronella candles as poisonous to dogs because they can cause stomach cramping and breathing issues when ingested or inhaled. Cats are also highly sensitive to citronella oil, and it can be toxic and dangerous for them to interact with.
Pet owners should avoid burning citronella candles or using diffusers around their pets. If they choose to do so, they should ensure their pets are not in the room and that the space is well-ventilated before allowing their pets back in.
In conclusion, while citronella candles are generally safe for human use, they can pose health and safety risks if not used properly, especially to young children and pets. It is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safe use of citronella candles.
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Other mosquito repellent methods
While citronella candles are popular, they are not very effective at keeping mosquitoes away. So, what else can you do to ward off these pests?
Target breeding grounds
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it's important to eliminate any sources of standing water in your yard or home. This includes rain or irrigation water that collects on objects like leaves, furniture, and other debris. If you have a pond or decorative water feature, you can treat the water with larvicide to kill mosquito eggs. Alternatively, you can stock your pond with fish that eat mosquito larvae, such as bass, goldfish, or catfish.
Use fans
Fans can be an effective, low-tech way to keep mosquitoes at bay since they are weak flyers. Place the fan low, below table level, as mosquitoes tend to bite lower extremities and hide under furniture.
Choose the right clothing
Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents and carbon dioxide. The CDC suggests wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs for the most protection. You can also treat your clothing with permethrin or purchase clothing that has already been treated with it.
Natural repellents
If you're looking for a natural alternative to DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil is a well-known and effective option that has been used since the 1940s. The CDC has approved eucalyptus oil as an ingredient in mosquito repellent. Citronella oil, while not as effective as DEET, has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. It contains citronellal, which has molecules of PMD that protect you from insects by masking your scent.
Spatial repellents
If you're looking for a more high-tech solution, spatial repellents like the Thermacell E65 can cover an entire area, not just one person. However, they tend to lose efficacy in breezy conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, citronella candles do not contain DEET. DEET is an EPA-approved repellent that is much more effective at repelling mosquitoes than citronella candles.
DEET is an insect repellent that blocks a mosquito's chemical receptors. It is recommended to not use DEET on the hands or near the eyes or mouth, especially of young children.
There are a few alternatives to citronella candles that are more effective. These include bug sprays containing 30% PMD (oil of lemon eucalyptus) or 98% DEET, fans, mosquito-repelling plants, and the Thermacell E65 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller.
Citronella candles are moderately effective at repelling mosquitoes but only in the immediate area surrounding the candle. The closer you are to the candle, the less likely you are to be bitten.
Yes, citronella candles can cause skin allergies in some people, especially young children. They are also highly toxic to dogs and other pets. In addition, they pose a fire hazard and are not intended for indoor use.
