Are Citronella plants harmful to pets?

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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.



Similarly, it is asked, is citronella toxic?

Citronella is listed as non toxic.

Furthermore, is mosquito repellent safe for dogs? Stay away from DEET! Most of the common bug sprays and mosquito repellents for people contain DEET, in varying concentrations. DEET can be very toxic for dogs, leading to vomiting, staggering, seizures, and other concerning problems. Picaridin is another common active ingredient in insect repellents made for people.

Regarding this, is citronella plant safe for babies?

Purified forms of plants like citronella, cedar and soybean can help ward off bugs — although less effectively than DEET-containing products. Protection usually lasts less than a couple of hours, and because they need to be reapplied often, these oils shouldn't be used on babies younger than 2 months of age.

Is bee balm poisonous to dogs?

It contains cardiac glycoside, a toxin that can cause severe heart problems in pets. Instead, try: Bee Balm.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Is it bad to breathe citronella?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

Can citronella make you sick?

Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.

Why do mosquitoes hate citronella?

Citronella is naturally occurring oil that repels insects. It is distilled from two types of grass, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. The article explains that products with a citronella base are only effective as a mosquito repellent for about two hours, because the oils rapidly evaporate.

Is Allethrin safe for humans?

Allethrin is also highly toxic to fish, bees and cats. Like most insect repellent products, it has to be used with caution, but at least it's not directly applied to the skin, its active ingredient has a low toxicity for humans and it does seem to work.

Why is citronella banned UK?


In the UK, EU legislation governing insect repellents came into force in September 2006, which banned citronella as an active ingredient in any insect repellent products. This applied to insect repellent for both humans and other animals. It can still be sold as a perfume, but must not be sold as an insect repellent.

Do citronella candles repel mosquitoes?

Citronella Candle (and Other Citronella-Containing Devices)
Method: The candle (or other devices) puts off a citronella odor that is repellent to mosquitoes. Does citronella work? In areas of limited air movement, the citronella can keep mosquitoes away.

Do Citronella plants repel mosquitoes?

Citronella Geranium
They are called the mosquito plant, and they give off a scent mosquitoes don't like. And they are effective in repelling mosquitoes in small areas.

How effective is citronella oil against mosquitoes?

Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. In a dose by dose comparison, citronella is initially as effective as DEET. However, citronella oil evaporates quickly, meaning that it is only effective for a short time. Also, high concentrations of citronella can cause skin irritation.

What bugs does citronella repel?

Citronella candles are great for setting a mood, but they're not so great for the very thing they're advertised to do: repel mosquitoes. That's one conclusion from a new study that tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the vectors of Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases.

How can I protect my baby from mosquitoes naturally?


Cover baby's infant carrier with a mosquito net. Keep children away from areas where mosquitoes gather, such as near standing water. Fix any holes in window screens. Don't let children play outdoors when mosquitoes are most active -- at dawn, dusk and early evening.

Is citronella safe for dogs?

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.

Can plants repel mosquitoes?

Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don't repel mosquitoes. It's the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. Planting them in your landscape will do little to repel mosquitoes.

Does Home Depot sell Citronella plants?

Citronella - Plants & Garden Flowers - Garden Center - The Home Depot.

Do plants actually repel mosquitoes?

Unfortunately, I've never found any research showing that plants can effectively be used to repel mosquitoes. The plant most commonly sold as the mosquito plant or citrosa is a lemon-scented geranium. However, burning or boiling the herbs may help repel mosquitoes from an area.

Can you plant citronella plants in the ground?


Citronella is a perennial 'clumping' grass which grows to a height of 5 – 6 feet. It can be grown directly in the ground in climate zones where frost does not occur. If grown in the garden or near the patio, it should be planted in the 'background', behind small decorative flowers and shrubs.

What plants keep mosquitoes away?

15 Mosquito Repelling Plants
  • Basil. Basil brings us delicious pesto sauce and tasty salads, but it can also keep away mosquitoes.
  • Bee Balm. This mosquito-repelling plant is commonly known as wild bergamot and horsemint.
  • Catnip.
  • Citronella.
  • Floss Flower.
  • Garlic.
  • Lavender.
  • Lemon Balm.

What is a natural mosquito repellent?

Lemon eucalyptus oil
Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent.