In 2004, Health Canada proposed phasing out citronella-based bug sprays because of new questions about its safety. Small manufacturers who couldn't afford to submit detailed safety data saw their lines discontinued at the end of 2012.
Last year, Health Canada implemented the ban on citronella despite a finding from its own expert panel that citronella was safe. The panel also highlighted flaws in the research the government was relying on in deciding that citronella was unsafe.
Citing human health reasons, Health Canada barred the sale of insect repellents for human use that contained more than 30% DEET in a 2002 re-evaluation "based on a human health risk assessment that considered daily application of DEET over a prolonged period of time".
Citronella oil is derived from plants (mainly lemongrass), and while it is natural, when burned, it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs can be irritating to the respiratory system and may cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea in some individuals, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Citronella is often lauded as a mosquito repellent in various products, including sprays, lotions, and candles, that you've likely seen in stores or mentioned online. While using citronella candles outdoors during summer might help in repelling mosquitoes, the effect tends to be temporary.
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents, including citronella, peppermint, cedar, catnip, patchouli, lemongrass, lavender and more. You can add some of these plants to your landscaping to fend them off.
Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Which repellent works best? N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) remains the standard by which all other repellents are judged. DEET was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was registered for use by the general public in 1957. It is effective against mosquitoes, biting flies, chiggers, fleas, and ticks.
o Target pests: Repels various specific insects including mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks. ways: 1. Liquid products are sprayed or applied by hand (cloth wipe-on) on skin or clothing.
Citronella is toxic to pets
Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.
The ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent utilizes the active ingredient known as allethrin. It belongs to a class of materials called pyrethroids, which are synthetic analogs of pyrethrin, which is a naturally occurring insecticide found in certain types of chrysanthemum known as pyrethrum flowers.
DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) was developed as the first of the modern synthetic insecticides in the 1940s. It was initially used with great effect to combat malaria, typhus, and the other insect-borne human diseases among both military and civilian populations.
DEET is a widely used repellent that deters pests by making it harder for them to smell humans. Despite being effective, it has faced controversy over potential health and environmental impacts, including skin irritation and toxicity concerns. Some countries have even banned DEET due to these risks.
DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil best bets for repelling bloodsuckers.
DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-meta-toluamide). This is the most effective insect repellent. A solution of 23.8% DEET provides about 5 hours of protection from mosquitoes. In Canada, DEET is available in varying strengths up to 30%.
It is generally recommended that you do not use citronella candles indoors for a few reasons. Although the scent is very pleasant for you as the candles burn, you may find that these oils work their way into interior fabrics. Also, the citronella candles tend to have a slight more smokey burn than ordinary candles.
Plaintiffs had filed a class action lawsuit against United Industries Corp., accusing the company of marketing the Cutter and Repel citronella candles and pest foggers such as Hot Shot using misleading claims about their efficacy. The company denies all allegations of wrongdoing.
How Mosquito-Repellent Are Citronella Candles? Citronella candles are moderately effective at repelling mosquitoes but only in the immediate area surrounding the candle. 1 The closer you are to the candle, the less you will be the victim of a mosquito bite.
Yes: DEET. A repellent with DEET tells mosquitos to buzz off loud and clear. You'll need one with at least 20% DEET to protect your skin for several hours at a time, although more than 50% doesn't work any better (kids should use 10%-30%).
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the most potent natural mosquito repellent. A DEET-free alternative to commercial mosquito repellent, oil of lemon eucalyptus is the only natural insect repellent recommended by both the EPA and CDC.
Studies have shown that the scent of dryer sheets is not strong enough to deter mosquitoes for a long period of time, and they may even attract other insects.
For a "foolproof recipe" that banishes mosquitoes, combine 1/3 cup witch hazel and 1/3 cup water with 40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. "Mosquitoes detest the strong aroma of eucalyptus, so this easy homemade mosquito repellent is sure to be a winner," says Harlow-Ellis.
Many birds will eat mosquitoes. The more important among these are purple martins, swallows, waterfowl (geese, terns, ducks) and migratory songbirds. Bird predators usually eat both the adult and aquatic stages of mosquitoes.
Planting lavender in your garden or using lavender essential oil can help repel mosquitoes. Peppermint Oil has a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Diluted peppermint oil can be applied to the skin or used in diffusers to deter mosquitoes. Basil plants emit a strong aroma that repels mosquitoes.