CITRONELLA
Oil of Citronella has been used for over 50 years as an insect repellent and as an animal repellent. It is found in
many familiar insect repellent products: candles, lotions, gels, sprays and towelette wipes. These products, which vary in efficacy,
repel various insects, some of which are public health pests, such as mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas. When used according to the
label, citronella products are not expected to cause harm to humans, pets or the environment.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Oil of Citronella
is a volatile, liquid oil derived from dried cultivated lemon grasses. It works on insects without harming or killing them. It has
a distinctive odor which may make it difficult for some pests to locate a host. The length of repellency time varies with the inert
ingredients and the amount of citronella oil in the product.
Target pests: Repels various specific insects including mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks.
Assessing Risks to Human
Health In studies using laboratory animals, Oil of Citronella shows little or no toxicity. The only concern is skin irritation. Because
some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. Therefore, if used according
to label instructions, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.
Oil
of Citronella has been used extensively since 1948 without any reports of adverse effects of concern.
*Source: Fact Sheet 021901,
Environmental Protection Agency, US Government