Are cedar oil-based repellants effective?

Here's an article that might help - https://www.peststrategies.com/pest-guides/chemicals/cedar-oil/

I don't know that there is a reliable study out there yet... I looked and couldn't find anything but I do think it helps. I've used cedar wood of some shape in my closets to repel moths etc. after I had 1 bad incident many years ago. I have never had an issue since then, so that's as much proof as I have. Here is a post I wrote when I lined a closet with simple cedar boards.

I found this on the web about it: Cedarwood Oil Concentrate is an essential oil from cedar trees. Natural Cedarwood Oil is effective

at both killing and repelling insects (cedar trees produce the oil to protect themselves from bugs

and other pests). Cedar oil is even safe enough that the FDA has approved it as a food

preservative, used to kill bacteria and fungus in foods.

Cedar Oil comes from nature and is safe for people, pets, wildlife and birds, when used as

directed. It's even safe for beneficial insects like ladybugs, butterflies, and praying mantis.

Cedar lined chests and closets work so well at repelling moths because of their cedar oil fragrance etc. Great idea to sprinkle some in closets etc.

Yes it does work.

Cedar oil, which is extracted from the bark of cedar trees, is a safe and natural insect repellent that is particularly effective against fleas. By mixing pure cedar oil with other types of natural oils, such as citronella and lemongrass oil, you can repel mosquitoes as well.

Add a few drops of cedar oil to your pet's shampoo for a natural way to combat fleas and other parasites from spreading in your home. Cedar oil, when used in moderation, is a very safe and natural way to keep insects away from your pets, and to hide odors as well. You can also place a few drops of cedar oil underneath the cushions of your pet's bed for extra protection against fleas and mosquitoes.

Use your spray bottle of cedar oil to apply the solution on your clothing just before you go outside. While diluted cedar oil is generally safe to use on most fabrics, you may want to test a small area of clothing first to find out whether the cedar oil will cause a stain. Squirting a drop or two into pockets might be effective as well.

Hi Kathy, sorry but this research says it does not repel mosquitoes etc. Sorry, I would love a product like that. You can give it a try and let us know if it works for you.

mosquitoreviews.com › mosquito-repellents › cedar-oil

We looked at the hard evidence behind cedar oil as a natural mosquito repellent to find out just how effective it is at keeping mosquitoes away.

Hi Kathy - If you are interested in making your own, this is the most effective all-natural mosquito and bug spray DIY that we use. Hope this helps! Hugs, Holly

https://pinkfortitude.com/mosquito/

PS - We have a FREE eBook with recipes for all of my homemade and all-natural cleaners. You can download it here --> https://pinkfortitude.com/thank#GreenClean

Your best bet is pure essential oils. Cedar is not a good repellent for mosquitoes. I would try essential oils. Here is some info for you

https://organicaromas.com/blogs/aromatherapy-and-essential-oils/diy-natural-mosquito-repellent-using-essential-oils

Hi Kathy,

My only experience is having an old Cedar chest used for keeping linen without problems. It is traditional to use Cedar wood if you don't want bug problems etc..............

The answer is actually more nuanced. A chemical found in a particular type of cedar tree oil (and grapefruit) has been approved by the EPA as a mosquito repellant this past August.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/10/health/tick-mosquito-repellant-nootkatone.html