How does Citronella repel mosquitoes?

Posted by Esther Gay on

Incognito 100% Java Citronella Oil - natural

 

A key active ingredient in Incognito® Mosquito Repellent is an essential oil called Citronella. Within Citronella is the active compound PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol), which is recommended by WHO, NHS and Public Health England. 

What makes our key ingredient stand out from other mosquito repellents available in the market is that we offer a more concentrated form of PMD called Citrepel 75. This higher PMD grade level has been proven to notably increase the efficacy of the PMD itself, ensuring a longer-lasting better protection against mosquitoes. On top of its effectiveness, purer PMD also results in significantly reducing irritant impurities that could potentially further aggravate the skin.  

 

Girl meditating - yoga pose

 

The Benefits of Citronella

Citronella is obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon; a plant which is more commonly known as lemongrass.

Whilst Citronella Oil is a powerful insect repellent, it’s ability to protect you against biting and stinging insects is not the only advantage of using this superb ingredient in our award-winning spray. The oil produced from Cymbopogon has various uses; 

  • Citronella has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. When tested in a study in the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s website, it was found to incapacitate 15 of the 22 strains of bacteria tested and was successful at taking down all 12 strains of fungi tested. \
  • Citronella can inhibit bacterial growth, which helps treat infections, especially in wounds. The antiseptic properties of Citronella may also resist the development of sepsis. Furthermore, recent preliminary studies have shown that the PMD from Citronella could possibly kill coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
  • Citronella oil is known to have a positive effect against free radicals, making it a common ingredient in anti-ageing products. It’s also used as flavouring in foods and beverages and is also used as a fragrance in certain cosmetics. 
  • Citronella can be also used for aromatherapy. The extract itself has a refreshing citrusy scent that invokes a positive and bright feeling. This can help with one’s mental or physical fatigue especially after a long day of work. Besides that, Citronella is a great addition to other base oils such as almond oil to produce a warm sensation to the body, making it perfect for relieving aching muscles and joints.

 

How Does Citronella Repel Biting And Stinging Insects?

Citronella naturally repels insects such as mosquitoes, midges, sandflies, horseflies, ticks and more. The oil works by preventing the mosquitoes (or other biting/stinging insects) from sensing the kairomones of the wearer. Kairomones interact with insects like mosquitoes in a similar way to how humans are attracted to each other’s pheromones. However, some insects can sense kairomones from substantial distances — for example, a female mosquito can detect kairomones from up to a kilometre away.

This oil has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples of Asia to protect themselves from insects and the diseases they carry. By masking your kairomones with a product such as Citronella, you’re effectively ‘invisible’ and can sneak past mosquitoes without being ‘eaten alive’.

For More Information Or To Make An Enquiry, Please Don’t Hesitate To Call

Please feel free to browse our range to find the best product for you. Our mission is to provide our customers with a 100% natural insect repellent that is as effective as any other available synthetic alternatives. If you have any further questions to ask about anything you may see on our website, or just want more information on how best to avoid insect bites, you can email us at mailto:online@incognito.com.sg or call us at +65 6748 3133. 

 


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