Citronella

[Tracy]

….Question….I have a screen door at the back of the house and to keep bugs at bay i was thinking of some Tiki tourches but some of the oil/citronella might get in the house. how will this affect Bluebella-Donna and Cleo?

[jerseygirl]

All I’ve heard about citronella is that it’s used as a animal deterrent, mainly dogs and cats.(but also squirrels, rodents, raccoons, reptiles, etc.)
  Some products are sold as a spray to deter strays and claim to be safe to use for animals.  I’ve never used citronella in this way.  My guess is if the smell drifts inside, the bun may avoid the area around the door but otherwise it seems okay as it’s not directly contacting their skin or eyes.

Lavender oil also repels bugs and personally I think it smells nicer ! Don’t know how that smell would affect bun either thou – sorry!

 

[skunklionshow]

I would think that anything that has a heavy smell or produces smoke would not be good for the bunnies.  One of the reasons that citronella is effective is that it creates a burning sensation in the nasal passages of bugs, it also irritates their feet…think hot pepper on your skin.  I have read that used dryer softener sheets can be used as insect repellent.  Just wipe your body down w/ one or even hang near your doorway.  I think these may be less of an issue w/ the bunnies.

[Scarlet_Rose]

I have to agree with skunklionshow, the smoke and whatnot is really not good for the rabbits, so if you do use them, close the doors or windows that would let any near your furballs. I also use and prefer lavender oil. I plant lavender (Spanish is my favorite) in many pots on the deck and swipe them with my hands and rub onto my arms legs etc. to help repel the nasty little skeeters and it works like a charm.

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