Does Cedar Repel Mosquitoes and Should You Use It?

Mosquitoes are a big problem every summer. There are many natural sprays that offer protection against mosquitoes, and cedar oil is a popular ingredient. But does cedar repel mosquitoes well, and is it enough to repel insects for a long time? We’ll try to see what the science says about its effectiveness and how you can make a DIY bug spray at home, as well as some other tips on how to use cedar oil.

Does Cedar Oil Repel Mosquitoes and Why?

Cedar oil, also called cedarwood oil, has lots of useful effects:
  1. its scent repels mosquitoes and other insects like termites;
  2. it’s very safe, so you can safely use it on your skin;
  3. its a part of many natural sprays;
  4. mulch can repel mosquitoes from the outside areas in summer.

cedar tree branches

How does cedar oil kill mosquitoes?

There are lots of essential oils that reportedly repel mosquitoes, and evergreen is a well-known natural remedy. But how does cedar oil repel mosquitoes?

It has been long known for its insecticide activity. All the way back in the 1960s, it has been registered as a pesticide to repel moths from clothing. The United States Environmental Protection Agency believes cedarwood oil to be safe to use for humans and has no harmful effect on health and the environment.

How to use cedar oil for mosquitoes

This oil can be derived from the wood of cedar, juniper, and cypress trees. It’s one of the safest essential oils that are absolutely safe to apply to skin and use as a natural remedy. There are many mosquito repellents that contain this ingredient. You can also make an effective spray on your own if you combine it with some other essential oils.

You’re going to need:

  • 15 drops of cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil.
  • Spray bottle.
  • 1 tbsp of vodka.
  • Distilled water.

cedar wood oil

Do cedar chips repel mosquitoes?

Evergreen oil is very effective on its own, but what about wood? Can you use chips and cedarwood to repel mosquitoes, and how exactly can it work?

Cedar products, including chips, blocks, shavings, and mulch, are registered as pesticides. The chemicals and aromas cedarwood contains repel the mosquitoes and other insects and additionally keep your soil moist and healthy. It’s way pricier than conventional mulch, but using it in the areas where you entertain guests can give you good protection.

Is cedar mosquito repellent effective?

There’s no systematic research into how effective this oil is against mosquitoes. Complex bug sprays that contain cedarwood oil and other ingredients like eucalyptus and lemongrass showed effectiveness for up to 8 hours.
According to the Center of Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency, cedarwood oil can be used as an organic pesticide. The effectiveness will be better combined with eucalyptus, and it can be a good alternative to the bug sprays that contain DEET.

How to Use Cedar as Mosquito Protection: FAQ

If you want to use it to protect yourself from mosquitoes, there are several ways you can do that. Even though it’s considered safe, there are some questions and things you should know before you use it.

Does cedar mulch repel mosquitoes?

Yes, mulch has a very potent aroma, which the mosquitoes don’t like. If you use the mulch around your flower beds and your lawn, it can make this space safer from mosquitoes. It will also keep your plants healthy because it has good antifungal properties.

cedar red mulch

Will cedar mulch attract termites?

It has been used for decades as an effective way to repel termites. Because of the chemicals in the wood, it keeps the termites and several other insects away from your plants and property.

Is cedarwood the same as cedar oil?

It’s derived from cedarwood and some other types of plants. The difference between them comes in a form. It can be sold in the form of shavings, mulch, chips, pieces, and logs, while cedar oil is an essential oil. You can buy it in pure form or in sprays.

Is cedar mulch safe for dogs?

Mulch is pet-friendly. These products are marked as safe to use if you have animals or young children. They’re not toxic, and the mulch is usually really finely shredded, so even if your dog tries to eat it, it will just digest the bits.

Does Cedar Repel Mosquitoes Well?

Cedarwood is a unique plant that contains lots of chemicals that act like organic pesticides. It’s also one of the safest natural remedies because it’s not toxic and can be safely applied to the skin. Popular insect repellants are made in the form of spray with essential oil. Another option is chips, used as a much. When you put it in the outside areas, the pleasant but potent aroma it has keeps away the mosquitoes and other insects.

I’d love to know about your experience with cedarwood. Let me know if it worked for you in the comments.

Also read:

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Nicholas Martin

Nicholas Martin

I am Nicholas Martin, and I am an entomologist. I combine the insect survey work with the consultation for private pest control agencies. My narrow specializations are both urban pests and agricultural pests. I studied their control over the previous 25 years. More about Nick

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