Are Dollar Tree's Citronella Sticks The Trick To A Mosquito-Free Summer?

Global insect populations are declining at a rapid rate, but the same can't be said for one of humanity's least favorite pests: the mosquito. Mosquito populations are on the rise as global temperatures change, increasing the range they can invade. Given mosquitos are notorious disease carriers, folks are figuring out how to repel bugs naturally with easy home remedies. One such solution suggested on social media is using Dollar Tree citronella incense sticks as an insecticide for mosquitoes. These bamboo sticks are designed for outdoor use, and even if you don't have an incense burner, it's easy enough to make your own holster that holds the stick upright.

However, this solution probably isn't going to be as effective as you're led to believe. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus), a plant native to southern Asia, is not itself an insect repellent. Citronella oil derived from the plant has been used as a mosquito repellant, though some studies show it has no significant impact on the quality of an insecticide. It may work better as a repellent applied directly to your skin, but caution is warranted. Citronella oil is a known skin irritant that can lead to strong allergic reactions, and citronella-based bug repellents have been banned in Canada and the European Union due in part to citronella oils containing the compound methyleugenol. While Citronella is considered safe to use in small amounts, its utility as an insect repellent pales in comparison to other compounds, so you may want to consider solutions beyond Dollar Tree citronella sticks.

If you aren't going to use citronella sticks, the No. 1 way to deal with mosquitos is preventative by eliminating their breeding sites. Sources of standing water like ponds are typical breeding grounds for mosquitos, but almost any contained body of stagnant water is also vulnerable. Draining small containers like flower pots, bird baths, or buckets after a rainstorm is important, and you should also clean any gutters that might back up with water. A mosquito's interest in water can be used to your advantage by trying a simple DIY mosquito trap in your home or garden. Warm sugar water and yeast can attract mosquitos into funnels made with upside-down water bottle tops, for example.

To get rid of these pests by repelling rather than attracting them, there are sprays with ingredients recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, including compounds like DEET. If you prefer to use natural ingredients that are more effective than citronella oil, consider oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2-undecanone, which is derived from plants like corn, ginger, and hops. Your garden could also benefit from growing a number of plants with oils that help get rid of the pests when crushed: peppermint, lavender, basil, mint, and more. Some of these solutions will take more time and upfront investment than buying a few citronella sticks from Dollar Tree, but making a homemade mosquito repellent should open up your summer to a lot more outdoor fun.