Citronella: Nature’s Sassy Way of Telling Bugs to Buzz Off

What Is Citronella (Besides That Candle You Got for Christmas)?

Citronella is a plant-based oil, squeezed out of lemongrass-like plants (usually Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus, if you want to sound smart at parties). It smells citrusy, fresh, and basically screams, “I shower regularly and repel insects naturally.” It's been used for ages, long before humans invented DEET or bug zappers that look like tennis rackets.

Now, citronella isn’t just one thing. It comes in:

• Essential oil form – super concentrated, smells amazing, strong enough to make a mosquito cry.

• Candles – the classic BBQ table centerpiece. They work better than nothing, but only in close quarters.

• Sprays – a few spritzes on your skin and you're the human version of a "No Entry" sign for bugs.

• Lotions, wipes, diffusers, incense sticks – citronella gets around more than a curious raccoon in a suburban garage.

And unlike synthetic repellents that make you feel like a walking can of chemicals, citronella has that “Hey, I’m eco-friendly and fashionable” vibe.

Where to Get It (Hint: Not From Your Neighbor’s Lawn)

So you’re sold on citronella. Great. Now, where the heck do you buy the stuff?

• Garden centers: Yep, you can actually grow citronella plants. Stick 'em in pots near your door, patio, or windows, and they’ll not only smell great but work as passive insect repellents.

• Supermarkets & drugstores: You’ll find citronella candles, sprays, and lotions next to the sunscreen and afterbite creams. Prices? Usually around €5–€20 depending on the brand and fanciness level (some come with bamboo lids, because of course they do).

• Online: The jungle of citronella options. Amazon, Etsy, herbal shops, you name it. Just be careful—some products are labeled "citronella-scented" but contain zero real citronella. That’s like buying orange juice with 0% orange.

A solid 10ml bottle of pure citronella essential oil will usually set you back €6–€12. It lasts forever (well, not forever, but you know what I mean) and you can use it in DIY sprays, diffusers, or even mop water. Versatile little thing, huh?

How to Use Citronella Without Looking Like a Witch Doctor

Let’s get real. Just buying citronella doesn’t magically solve your bug problem. You gotta use it right. Here’s how:

1. Diffuse It Indoors
Got a diffuser? Add a few drops of citronella oil and let it turn your living room into a spa for humans and a no-fly zone for insects.

2. Make a DIY Spray
Feeling crafty? Mix:

• 10 drops citronella oil

• 100ml distilled water

• 1 tbsp witch hazel or vodka (don’t drink it, it’s for the bugs!)
  Shake it. Spray it on curtains, cushions, or your legs before heading outside. Just patch test first so you don’t end up looking like you got in a fight with a stinging nettle.

3. Plant it
Live somewhere with even a shred of sunshine? Plant citronella in pots on your balcony or in the garden. It looks like lemongrass, smells divine, and makes bugs want to move out permanently.

4. Candles for the Chill Vibes
Ideal for patios or picnics. Just don’t expect it to work across a football field. They’re zone-based, not miracle-based.

5. Combine with Other Natural Oils
Citronella plays well with others like eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint. Want to make a hardcore anti-bug blend? Mix a few oils and call it The Bugpocalypse.

Does Citronella Actually Work or Is It Just Aromatherapy With a Fancy Hat?

Short answer: Yes, it works.
Longer answer: It depends on what you expect.

Citronella confuses bugs. Its strong scent masks the CO₂ and body heat we humans give off—basically, the stuff mosquitoes use like GPS. So instead of “Ah yes, there’s Steve on the porch,” it’s more like “Where the heck did Steve go? Is that a lemon tree?!”

However, citronella evaporates fast, which means its repellent effects don’t last forever. Reapply sprays every hour or so. Keep candles close. And if you’re going into mosquito Armageddon (like lakeside camping in July), consider backing citronella up with physical barriers (nets, sleeves, garlic necklace if you're into that kind of thing).

Also important: citronella repels—it doesn’t kill. It’s your polite way of asking bugs to leave the party. If you want execution, that’s a different product line.

Final Thoughts from the Porch (Yes, Still with Lemonade)

Citronella is the chill friend in the anti-bug squad. Not aggressive like DEET, not flashy like electric zappers, but reliable, pleasant-smelling, and versatile. Whether you’re defending your garden dinner party or just tired of waking up with what looks like a dot-to-dot puzzle on your arm, citronella’s worth keeping around.

It’s natural, easy to find, and doesn’t make you feel like a walking chemical spill. Add a bottle of citronella oil to your toolkit, and you're one step closer to bug-free bliss.

Unless you’re a mosquito. In which case—sorry, not sorry.