Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Citriodiol® is a natural, plant-based insect repellent effective against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, midges and other insects and arthropods.Steam distilled from the oil of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree (also known as Corymbia Citriodora) and enhanced through a simple conversion process that accelerates nature’s own maturation of the citriodora leaf, Citriodiol® is also registered with leading regulatory authorities as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclised (EC Oil (H/C)).The Eucalyptus citriodora oil is enriched into Citriodiol® by converting the naturally occurring citronellal (not to be confused with the far less effective citronella) into p-methane-3,8-diol (PMD).  Importantly, other naturally occurring constituents unaffected by the main conversion process work synergistically to provide greater repellency than found with synthetically derived PMD.

Citriodiol® is scientifically proven to be as effective as leading synthetic products, and far superior to alternative natural repellents.

Citriodiol® is often confused with citronella, however they are completely different products that come from different plants.

Citriodiol® is derived from an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree (Cyrombia citriodora), whereas citronella is obtained from lemongrass (Cymbopogon).  The most significant difference is that Citriodiol® contains on average 71% naturally occurring PMD (p-menthane-3, 8-diol), along with other natural compounds synergistically responsible for it’s repelling efficacy.

In independent side-by-side comparisons, Citriodiol® products repel biting insects such as mosquitoes 4-8 times longer than citronella oil products (Barnard, 2004).

Citronella only contains trace amounts of PMD and can no longer be marketed in Europe as an insect repellent.

The PMD in Citriodiol® is sourced directly from plant based essential oils and is complimented by other naturally occurring constituents with 100% purity. This natural PMD product, which is sometimes called PMD Rich Botanic Oil (PMDRBO) or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) has been shown in independent studies to be 50% more effective in repelling insects than like quantities of synthetic PMD (Drapeau, 2011).

Importantly, Citriodiol® exists in nature in its final form, meaning nothing is being added to the environment that can upset the natural order and balance. It is also produced through a completely sustainable and renewable process.

By comparison, what is commonly referred to as synthetic PMD is not derived from an essential oil, but rather is typically synthesised chemically through a more complicated multi-step process, for example, through a menthol production process. The resulting material contains only PMD and has no essential oil co-constituents that improve effectiveness.

Many common insect repellent products contain a synthetic chemical active known as DEET. A major problem with DEET is that it has corrosive properties that can dissolve otherwise durable materials such as plastic, nylon and even paint. This can be damaging to eyewear, sports gear, clothing and other personal effects it may come into contact with. For many people, it is also undesirable to regularly apply this product to their skin.

In recent years, health and environmental concerns have also emerged regarding the use of DEET-based insect repellents. There have been a small number of neurotoxic effects reported in small children, documented mosquito resistance, and an unwanted accumulation of DEET in some public waterways. Additionally, many users object to DEET’s strong ‘chemically’ smell.

Citriodiol® is a 100% DEET-FREE insect repellent active that is sourced from sustainable, renewable and ethically produced Eucalyptus Citriodora trees. Far superior to other plant-based products and proven to be as effective as synthetic DEET products, Citriodiol® based insect repellents are an effective, rapidly biodegradable and non-damaging plant-based alternative. 

Did you know that mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on earth, responsible for approximately 750,000 deaths per year through the transmission of blood-born disease?

Female mosquitoes requiring nutrients to complete their reproductive cycle are attracted to warm-blooded hosts, while male mosquitoes feed on plant sap and nectar.  Interestingly, mosquitoes don’t rely on vision or mechanical stimulation to find their blood-filled victims, rather they have delicate sensory receptors on their antennae and maxillary palps that help them in their search.  These sensors detect odours, carbon dioxide and warm convection currents emanating from our bodies, alerting the mosquitoes to the presence of living animals.  Sweating can increase skin temperature and warm air convection while also releasing lactic acid that further attracts mosquitoes.

Citriodiol® works by targeting these receptors and their associated neurons to interfere with the signalling process, confusing and misdirecting the mosquito as to the location of potential prey.  This disruption prevents mosquitoes from landing on the skin without killing them.

Biting insects are more than just annoying, then can be vectors for deadly diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever and Zika Virus.  Preventing insect bites can be achieved in two main ways – either through killing the insect using products called insecticides or by using repellents to create a barrier that the insects find unpleasant or confusing, preventing them from landing and biting.

Interestingly, of the ~3,500 known species of mosquito, only around 6% (about 100 species) feed on humans, and only the reproducing females.  The vast majority are pollinators and do not take blood meals. Similarly, ticks and midges are important food sources for birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians, and it is therefore preferable to repel them from biting humans rather than removing them from the environment altogether.

Insecticides however often contain potent chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment.  These chemicals often require direct contact with the insect to work, can build up in the environment over time, and can lead to insect resistance after regular use.  They can also impact bees, moths, spiders and other species that are vital to the eco-system.

As a plant-based repellent derived from the oil of the lemon eucalyptus tree, Citriodiol® is an effective alternative that is suitable for the family and the environment.

Yes. Recent studies conducted for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and reviewed by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) demonstrated that Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) contained in Citriodiol® is highly effective at repelling common tick species that are associated with spreading Lyme disease. In the trial, 30% OLE was shown to provide an average complete protection time against deer ticks of nearly 5 hours (290 minutes). It protected against brown dog ticks for more than 8 hours (532 minutes) and its repellency against the lone star tick was so strong that it exceeded the 10-hour duration of the study.

Studies have also shown Citriodiol® to be effective against mosquitoes, midges, horse flies, sand flies, head lice, cat fleas, land leeches, and a variety of other insects and arthropods.