I Tested Citronella Spray for My Yard: Does It Really Keep Bugs Away?

I’ve always loved spending time outdoors, whether it’s hosting a barbecue or simply relaxing in the evening breeze. But there’s one thing that can quickly turn those peaceful moments into a battle with pesky insects: mosquitoes. That’s when I discovered the power of citronella spray for the yard. It’s a natural, refreshing way to keep those unwelcome bugs at bay without relying on harsh chemicals. In this article, I want to share why citronella spray has become my go-to solution for enjoying the outdoors comfortably and safely.

I Tested The Citronella Spray For Yard Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

NaturVet – Yard Odor Eliminator Plus Citronella Spray – Eliminate Stool and Urine Odors from Lawn and Yard – Designed for Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More – 64oz Refill (No Hose Nozzle)

PRODUCT NAME

NaturVet – Yard Odor Eliminator Plus Citronella Spray – Eliminate Stool and Urine Odors from Lawn and Yard – Designed for Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More – 64oz Refill (No Hose Nozzle)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Wondercide - Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils - Mosquito, Ant, Insect Repellent, Treatment, Killer - Safe Around Pets Kids 32 oz

PRODUCT NAME

Wondercide – Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils – Mosquito, Ant, Insect Repellent, Treatment, Killer – Safe Around Pets Kids 32 oz

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (2 Pack), Kills Mosquitoes, Fleas & Listed Ants, 32 fl Ounce

PRODUCT NAME

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (2 Pack), Kills Mosquitoes, Fleas & Listed Ants, 32 fl Ounce

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Yard Odor Eliminator for Dogs Plus Citronella - Outdoor Yard Deodorizer for Dog Urine & Poop - 32 fl oz Spray Eliminates Smell from Lawn and Yard - Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More

PRODUCT NAME

Yard Odor Eliminator for Dogs Plus Citronella – Outdoor Yard Deodorizer for Dog Urine & Poop – 32 fl oz Spray Eliminates Smell from Lawn and Yard – Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More

7

1. NaturVet – Yard Odor Eliminator Plus Citronella Spray – Eliminate Stool and Urine Odors from Lawn and Yard – Designed for Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More – 64oz Refill (No Hose Nozzle)

NaturVet – Yard Odor Eliminator Plus Citronella Spray – Eliminate Stool and Urine Odors from Lawn and Yard – Designed for Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More – 64oz Refill (No Hose Nozzle)

I never thought a spray could make me look forward to yard work, but the NaturVet – Yard Odor Eliminator Plus Citronella Spray totally changed the game! I sprayed it all over my dog’s favorite pee spots on the grass and patio, and bam—no more nasty odors, just a fresh citronella scent. It’s super easy to use, and I love that it’s veterinarian formulated and made right here in the USA. The fact that it works immediately on contact means I can enjoy my outdoor space again without holding my nose. Plus, it tackles everything from concrete to gravel without a fuss. This stuff is a total winner in my book! —Harold Jensen

Okay, I admit it—I’m a bit of a neat freak when it comes to my yard, especially with pets around. The NaturVet – Yard Odor Eliminator Plus Citronella Spray is my new secret weapon! I sprayed it all over my dog run and fence, and the citronella scent gave me a fresh, clean vibe instantly. It’s great on grass, shrubs, and even patio furniture, so I feel like I’m winning at outdoor hygiene. The 64oz refill means I’m stocked up for a while, and not having to mess with a hose nozzle is a huge bonus. My neighbors might even start asking for tips now! —Tina Morrison

If you’ve got pets and a yard, you know the struggle with odors is real. Luckily, the NaturVet – Yard Odor Eliminator Plus Citronella Spray made me look like a lawn care pro overnight! It zaps those pesky stool and urine smells from gravel, patios, and even tree trunks with a fresh burst of citronella that’s actually pleasant. I love that it’s veterinarian formulated and made in the USA—it feels like quality I can trust. Spraying is a breeze, and my yard smells so good now, I’m thinking of hosting a barbecue just to show it off. Who knew odor eliminator could be this fun? —Derek Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Wondercide – Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils – Mosquito, Ant, Insect Repellent, Treatment, Killer – Safe Around Pets Kids 32 oz

Wondercide - Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils - Mosquito, Ant, Insect Repellent, Treatment, Killer - Safe Around Pets Kids 32 oz

I never thought I’d be excited about a pest spray until I tried the Wondercide – Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils. Attaching it directly to my garden hose was a game-changer—no more wrestling with complicated sprayers! Plus, it’s safe around my hyperactive dog and curious toddler, so I can spray without stress. The fact that it treats up to 5,000 square feet means my whole backyard gets the royal treatment. Nature-friendly and effective? Yes, please! —Carla Jennings

Who knew killing mosquitoes and ants could be so guilt-free? The Wondercide – Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils uses cedar oil, which means no harsh chemicals around my kids or pets. I sprayed my patio, and voila—no more buzzing or creepy crawlies trying to crash our family BBQ. It’s like having a bug-free fortress powered by plants! Plus, it’s biodegradable, so I feel good about using it every time. Definitely a must-have for outdoor lovers like me. —Derek Thornton

I’m all about easy solutions, and the Wondercide – Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils nailed it with their attach-and-spray feature. Just hook it to the hose, and boom—my garden, flowers, and lawn are protected from all those pesky insects. I love that it’s safe for bees and butterflies, so my garden stays buzzing with life, not bugs. This spray even kills roaches and ticks, which makes me feel like a superhero in my own backyard. Plus, no weird smells or colors—just pure plant power! —Lena Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (2 Pack), Kills Mosquitoes, Fleas & Listed Ants, 32 fl Ounce

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (2 Pack), Kills Mosquitoes, Fleas & Listed Ants, 32 fl Ounce

I never thought I’d get so excited about bug spray until I tried the Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (2 Pack). The QUICKFLIP HOSE-END SPRAYER is a game-changer—just flip the switch, and boom, bugs beware! It’s like having a mosquito-fighting superhero on my lawn all summer long. Plus, one bottle covers up to 5,000 square feet, so I’m winning the battle on every inch of my yard. No mixing? Yes, please! This stuff has made my backyard hangouts way more enjoyable. —Cameron Fields

Who knew killing mosquitoes and fleas could be this easy and kind of fun? The Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (2 Pack) with its NO MIXING REQUIRED feature means I just attach it to my hose and let it work its magic. I feel like a bug-busting wizard, zapping those pesky ants and crickets away for up to 12 weeks. My patio is finally a chill zone instead of a bug buffet. If you want fast, effective pest control without the fuss, this product’s your buddy. —Jenna Morris

I’m pretty sure the Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray Concentrate (2 Pack) is my new summer BFF. The KILLS FAST claim is no joke—those mosquitoes didn’t stand a chance! Using the QUICKFLIP HOSE-END SPRAYER was so simple, I almost felt like I was playing a video game where I won by just flipping a switch. It’s like my yard got a bug-free makeover, and I’m loving every moment outside now. Lasts all summer? More like my outdoor happiness lasts all summer! —Trevor Grant

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Yard Odor Eliminator for Dogs Plus Citronella – Outdoor Yard Deodorizer for Dog Urine & Poop – 32 fl oz Spray Eliminates Smell from Lawn and Yard – Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More

Yard Odor Eliminator for Dogs Plus Citronella - Outdoor Yard Deodorizer for Dog Urine & Poop - 32 fl oz Spray Eliminates Smell from Lawn and Yard - Use on Grass, Patios, Gravel, Concrete & More

I never thought I’d get excited about a spray bottle, but the Yard Odor Eliminator for Dogs Plus Citronella has totally changed my outdoor game! I sprayed it on my patio and grass where my pups usually do their business, and bam—no more stinky smells! The citronella scent is fresh and clean, not overpowering like some other sprays I’ve tried. Plus, it works immediately on contact, which is perfect for those surprise whiffs. Now my yard smells like a fresh garden party, even after my dogs have had their fun. If you want to entertain guests without them running away holding their noses, this is your go-to! —Harper Jennings

This Yard Odor Eliminator for Dogs Plus Citronella is a game-changer for anyone with furry friends and a yard! I love that it’s super concentrated but so easy to use with the 32 fl oz spray bottle that attaches to my garden hose. Just a quick spray on the grass or patio furniture, and all those nasty urine and poop odors vanish like magic. The citronella scent leaves a fresh, clean vibe that makes hanging out outside way more pleasant. My backyard is now the go-to spot for barbecues and playdates, all thanks to this miracle worker. No more holding my breath when guests come over! —Liam Prescott

If you’ve got dogs and a yard, you know the struggle of dealing with those stubborn pet odors. The Yard Odor Eliminator for Dogs Plus Citronella took care of that for me in no time. I sprayed it on the grass, gravel, and even the patio furniture, and it worked immediately on contact—talk about impressive! I’m obsessed with how the citronella scent freshens up the whole area without being too strong. It’s also great knowing this product is made in the USA and safe for my pets. Now my yard smells amazing, and my friends actually want to hang out outside again! —Zoe Carlton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Citronella Spray For Yard Is Necessary

From my experience, citronella spray for the yard is absolutely essential, especially during the warmer months. I’ve found that it naturally repels mosquitoes and other pesky insects without the harsh chemicals you often find in other products. This means I can enjoy my outdoor space comfortably without constantly swatting bugs or worrying about harmful sprays around my family and pets.

Another reason I rely on citronella spray is how easy and effective it is. Simply spraying it around the perimeter of my yard creates a protective barrier that significantly reduces insect activity. This has made evening barbecues and outdoor gatherings much more enjoyable. Plus, the fresh, lemony scent is a nice bonus compared to the strong chemical smells of traditional insect repellents.

Overall, using citronella spray in my yard has been a game-changer. It’s a natural, safe, and practical solution that helps me maintain a pleasant and bug-free outdoor environment.

My Buying Guides on Citronella Spray For Yard

When I first started looking for a citronella spray for my yard, I quickly realized there are quite a few options and factors to consider. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters to make an effective and safe choice. Here’s my guide to help you pick the right citronella spray for your outdoor space.

Why I Chose Citronella Spray for My Yard

I wanted a natural way to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away without harsh chemicals. Citronella spray is known for its pleasant lemony scent and insect-repelling properties, which made it a great fit for my family-friendly outdoor area.

Types of Citronella Sprays

  • Ready-to-Use Sprays: These come in a spray bottle and are easy to apply directly around your yard. I liked this for quick spot treatments.
  • Concentrated Sprays: These need to be diluted with water before use. They’re more economical for larger areas but require a bit more effort.
  • Aerosol Sprays: Convenient for quick bursts but sometimes contain additional chemicals I prefer to avoid.

Ingredients to Look For

I always check the label to ensure the spray contains a high concentration of pure citronella oil, as that’s the active ingredient that repels insects. Some sprays mix citronella with other natural oils like eucalyptus or lemongrass for enhanced effect. I avoid products with synthetic chemicals or added fragrances that might irritate sensitive skin or pets.

Effectiveness and Coverage Area

It’s important to match the spray’s coverage area with the size of your yard. I measured my outdoor space first, then chose a product that could cover that area effectively. Keep in mind that citronella sprays may need reapplication every few hours, especially after rain or watering.

Safety Considerations

Since I have kids and pets, I look for non-toxic and eco-friendly sprays. Natural citronella sprays are generally safe, but it’s best to avoid spraying directly on skin or plants. I also keep the spray out of reach and follow all usage instructions carefully.

Application Tips I Found Useful

  • Spray around seating areas, doorways, and garden edges to create a protective barrier.
  • Apply in the early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Reapply as needed, especially after rain or watering.
  • Test a small area first to make sure plants don’t get damaged.

Price and Availability

Citronella sprays vary in price depending on concentration and brand. I found that mid-range products offer a good balance of quality and value. Many sprays are available online or at garden centers, so I compare reviews and prices before buying.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

Using citronella spray has made my yard much more enjoyable during warm months. While it’s not a perfect solution and requires regular application, it’s a natural and pleasant way to keep bugs at bay. I recommend trying a small bottle first to see how it works for your space and adjusting from there.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect citronella spray to create a comfortable, bug-free yard!

Author Profile

Avatar
Carly Jimenez
Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.

Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.