Yes, lemons appear to repel mosquitoes, although the evidence is limited. Mosquitoes are apparently not fond of the smell of lemons and other citrus fruits. However, the effectiveness of lemons as a mosquito repellent is not definitively proven. While some sources suggest that the smell of lemons might deter mosquitoes, scientific evidence supporting this claim is scarce. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, a different substance than the essential oils found in lemons themselves, are registered as effective mosquito repellents. It's important to distinguish between the effects of lemons themselves and products utilizing oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Evidence Supporting Lemon's Repellent Properties:
- Anecdotal Evidence: Many people claim that the scent of lemons deters mosquitoes.
- Citrus Fruits: Sources indicate that mosquitoes generally dislike the scent of citrus fruits, which include lemons.
- Citronella Connection: Lemon-scented plants contain citronella, a known mosquito repellent. While not a direct equivalent, this suggests a potential connection between lemon scent and mosquito deterrence.
Evidence Lacking or Contradictory:
- Scientific Studies: There's a lack of robust scientific studies directly proving lemon's effectiveness as a mosquito repellent.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus vs. Lemons: The proven repellent, oil of lemon eucalyptus, is not simply lemon juice or zest. It is a specific formulation.
- EPA Registration: The CDC notes that they do not know the effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, and lemons are not an EPA registered repellent.
Practical Considerations:
Using lemons as a mosquito repellent is unlikely to provide the same level of protection as EPA-registered repellents. While the scent may offer some degree of deterrence, it shouldn't be relied upon as a primary mosquito defense strategy.
