Is Lemon a Mosquito Repellent?

Lemon won't repel mosquitos.

If you seem particularly attractive to mosquitoes, you've probably wondered what natural substances you can use to ward off these summer pests without dousing yourself in chemicals. Unfortunately, lemon has no effect on these pests.

Misconceptions

The lemon fruit has no affect on mosquitoes, but other plants with "lemon" in the name will repel mosquitoes. Lemon eucalyptus oil from the lemon eucalyptus effectively repels mosquitoes, as does Thai lemon grass, which contains citronella.

Significance

The misconception that lemon juice or lemon fruit affects mosquitoes likely comes from the lemon or citrus odor of many commercial and natural mosquito repellents. Citronella is a plant-derived oil with a natural lemony odor, but citronella comes from dried grasses and not from real lemons.

Uses

While not a mosquito repellent, lemons repel a number of other pests. Use dried lemon peels to keep moths from your closet, and lemon juice to keep fleas and ants out of your home.

References

• Earth Easy: Natural Insect Pest Control
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Mosquito Repellents
• Environmental Protection Agency: Citronella--Oil of Citronella