Monsoon in India means two things: beautiful rains, and mosquitoes everywhere. Before you reach for a chemical spray, there is a plant that has been doing this job for generations — citronella. Here is how to actually use citronella essential oil at home, and why it works.
Why citronella works against mosquitoes
Citronella oil is steam-distilled from citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus). Its high citronellal and geraniol content masks the scents mosquitoes use to find us — so instead of killing them, it simply makes you invisible to them. That is why it has been a trusted natural insect repellent for over a century.
At CitSpray, we distill Java Citronella Essential Oil — the variety prized for its higher citronellal content — right here in India.
5 easy ways to use citronella oil this monsoon
1. In a diffuser (easiest)
Add 5–8 drops to a standard water diffuser and run it near open windows in the evening — 6 pm to 9 pm is when mosquitoes are most active indoors.
2. DIY room and linen spray
Mix 20 drops of citronella oil with 100 mL of water and a teaspoon of witch hazel in a spray bottle. Shake before every use and mist curtains, door frames and balcony areas.
3. Floor cleaning boost
Add 10–15 drops to your bucket of mopping water. Your floors smell fresh and lemony, and the scent barrier works at exactly the height where mosquitoes rest during the day.
4. Candles and wax melts
If you make candles, citronella is the classic outdoor-candle oil — use a 6–8% fragrance load. Home makers and candle brands buy our bulk packs for exactly this.
5. Diluted skin application
Mix 2–3 drops into a tablespoon of coconut or any carrier oil and apply to exposed skin before evening walks. Always patch-test first, and never apply any essential oil undiluted.
How much do you need?
A 10 mL bottle covers a month of daily diffusing. Our Java Citronella starts at ₹249 with FREE shipping across India, all taxes included — and orders above ₹999 currently get a free 10 mL bottle added on us.
Citronella vs. chemical repellents
Chemical mosquito repellents work, but many households prefer not to run vaporizer chemicals around children, the elderly, or pets every single night. Citronella is a plant-derived alternative for everyday ambient protection — many families use chemical options only when truly needed, and citronella for the daily routine.
FAQs
Does citronella really work? Yes — as a spatial repellent. It reduces mosquito landings substantially while the scent is active, which is why regular re-application or continuous diffusion matters.
Is it safe around pets? Use well-ventilated diffusion and keep the bottle away from pets. Ask your vet before direct use around cats especially.
What does it smell like? Fresh, lemony and grassy — close to lemongrass but softer.
CitSpray Aroma Sciences supplies essential oils for external use only. This article is for general information and does not claim to prevent any disease.