Citronella that works?

Josh Wilson · Jun 27, 2004

I have tried various citronella products over the years for repelling mosquitos and I have not been impressed with the results. I am talking about the coils or candles that you burn to create a mosquito free area around your campsite. In the end I always go back to using DEET.

So my questions are (1) does citronella actually work and (2) what are the best methods/products (candles vs coils vs lanterns, what brands, do I look for a minimum % of citronella in the product)?

Thanks

HJK · Jun 27, 2004

Citronella works when applied topically to the skin. The problem is that it wears off quickly, so the more effective products suspend it in a cream to make it last.
As far as the candles or coils are concerned, I don't think they work very well at all. The best area repellants are the propane based units as far as I know.

Here's a a couple of links that might help http://www.safariquip.co.uk/insect_repellent_information.html
http://www.dto.com/camping/article.jsp?articleid=662

Wotan · Jun 28, 2004

The sitronella candles workes if used inside a tent. I`ve used them many times with luck.
Just lighting them outside is NOT working.
I`m not sure how much sitronella the candles I use contain.

Tor

HJK · Jun 28, 2004

I wouldn't suggest any open flame inside a tent.

bearblade · Jun 28, 2004

I don't know if you're a smoker or not, but a lit cigarette is the best repellant I've seen. It worked for the strecth of our convoy through the tigris/euphrates part of Iraq (all swamps, the flies were almost as thick as democrats in California). It was so bad that the second we stopped moving, we had a mouthful. I was constantly waving my boonie at them, and it barely phased all the mites that were swarming us.

Hotrod · Jun 28, 2004

Yes they do...

It takes a calm night and four or five smokey candles to cover you though!

Another thing that works is to stand on the smokey side of a camp fire till you can smell yourself... like burnt ash. They dont like the smell

Thomas Linton · Jun 28, 2004

Boy how mosquitos love me! Sticking to stuff you spread on skin and clothing, Consumer Reports reported that a new lemon eucalyptus product worked well. I tried it out and it seems to work as well as deet products -- without the down side of using an industrial solvent (deet).

Wotan · Jun 29, 2004

HJK said:
I wouldn't suggest any open flame inside a tent.

Inside this you would:

Not my tent. Just a pic from the maker. But I have one like it.

I also use a Optimus 111 Hiker inside the smaller tube tent in winter both for warmth and for cooking.
If you don`t, you will freeze your ass off.

And besides, if one don`t expect to do anything "dangerous" in the wild one could just stay home (IMHO).

HJK · Jun 29, 2004

I stand corrected!

madhaha · Jun 30, 2004

Citronella oil applied directly and liberally did NOTHING in Scotland. Didn't phase the midges or horse fly one bit... Netting works well. Smoke also seems to work. Never had luck with sprays, creams or oils.

p.s. Using NOTHING for several days without showering DID seem to work. Maybe the body produces something that repels them slightly.

ivan_yulaev · Jul 4, 2004

madhaha said:
Citronella oil applied directly and liberally did NOTHING in Scotland. Didn't phase the midges or horse fly one bit... Netting works well. Smoke also seems to work. Never had luck with sprays, creams or oils.

p.s. Using NOTHING for several days without showering DID seem to work. Maybe the body produces something that repels them slightly.

Maybe it was your man-musk that scared them away?

Well, I was at a summer home in Sweden recently, and the gnats and mosquitos were as thick as the smoke from a camp fire. I had some 95% DEET solution, and it seemed to work well...the mosquitos weren't too willing to bite, I didn't have a single bite on me (despite me being one of the more mosquito-magnetic people)