Citronella oil is often recommended for use in mosquito repellents. But there are other uses for this natural product that aren’t related to bugs.

Citronella oil is effective against mosquitoes, flies, gnats, ants, cockroaches, spiders, ticks, fleas, lice, mites, chiggers, bedbugs, and other pests.

Citronella oil also helps prevent the spread of colds and flu viruses. In fact, studies show that citronella oil reduces the number of colds and flu cases among people who use it regularly.