Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Citronella Beetle Bath

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Discoveries are often found by accident. I recently made one such finding I’m excited to share with you.

Japanese Beetles have attacked my roses for years. The healthy rose buds open only to serve as tasty treats for the visiting pests, who immediately destroy them. Sprays intended to prevent this do little to help.

I recently set two unlit citronella candles out on the ledge of the deck during a barbecue. The following morning I found dozens of the Japanese Beetles frozen in the melted candles.  I hadn’t even lit the candles. They melted in the warm sunlight.

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Citronella is considered a natural insect repellent, but it must actually attract the beetles, which then get stuck in the wax. I have moved the candles closer to the roses and am morbidly delighted to see this collection continue to increase. The roses appear to have less infestation, but I honestly am not certain if in fact I am drawing more beetles to the garden.

Citronella oil is an essential oil obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of lemongrass. It is especially effective against mosquitos, lice, and stable flies. There are no known adverse effects when used as a topical insect repellent, including when used on children and people with sensitive skin. Citronella oil is used in chemicals in soaps, candles, and incense. It is also recognized as an antifungal.

©2013, Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Citronella Beetle Bath”

  1. grammaladyf

    Mary, if I’m not mistaken, citronella is part of the geranium family of plants.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes and no, Beth. This is what I found: “The citronella geranium is not to be confused with other mosquito plants, nor with the grass also known as citronella.”

      Reply
  2. Map of Time

    We once had an apple tree which was infested with Japanese beetles. If one were to throw a rock at it a hoard of beetles would take off and there would still be so many left over. This sounds like a good remedy, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’d probably need to hang a dozen candles from the tree to draw them from the apples. Those beetles are determined little buggers.

      Reply
  3. solveigmccormick

    Very interesting since I have very delicate miniature roses. I will bear this in mind. thanks.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hope it works for you. And thank you for reminding me of this post. I can use it myself right now.

      Reply
  4. solveigmccormick

    You are so correct. I grew up with this information. My mother used it. On safari in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in my past life, we used it successfully as a deterrent against mosquitoes and other flying things. Now living in the city, I use a cream insect repellent based on Citronella oil.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for commenting!

      Reply

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