How to Use Lemongrass Oil as an Insect Repellent

How to Use Lemongrass Oil as an Insect Repellent. With its pleasing aroma and overall effectiveness, lemongrass oil has become one of the most popular of all natural insect repellents. Lemongrass oil, which is closely related to citronella, repels a greater variety of pests than most natural "one-scented" oil mixtures.

Purchase pure lemongrass oil to use as a pure, natural and safe insect repellent. You can dilute the oil in rubbing alcohol or distilled water, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle for easy applications. Note that concentrated lemongrass oil may cause skin irritation if not diluted, so test your formula on a small patch of skin before spraying all over your body.

Burn pure lemongrass oil in candles and small lamps in order to protect a larger outdoor area from insects. You can use a variety of lemongrass products such as tea lights, lanterns and even large torches for a decorative touch. If you form a perimeter around a picnic or barbecue area with the candles and lamps, you can protect hundreds of square feet from insect activity.

Use lemongrass oil with other types of natural oils to create an even stronger insect repellent. Lemongrass oil can be mixed with lemon eucalyptus oil for an insect repellent than can protect you for 5 to 6 hours per application. Rosemary oil, which can be extracted from the common rosemary plant, can be combined with lemongrass oil for a more aromatic formula than will repel an even greater variety of insects.

Add a few drops of lemongrass oil to other cosmetics for an aromatic yet effective way to discourage insects from biting. Lemongrass oil can be added to moisturizing lotions, sunscreens, shampoos and liquid hand soap. Just add lemongrass oil until its scent starts to dominate the other scents of the product.

Grow lemongrass in your yard in order to have continual access to the oil. Lemongrass grows quickly and easily in many climates, and the plant itself tends to act as an insect repellent. You can extract the oil by grinding up the leaves, by chopping the lower stalks of the plant into small pieces, or by rubbing the juices directly on your skin.