You can accept this claim for citronella as a half-truth. Citronella is a natural mosquito repellent that does work to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella oils and lotions can keep mosquitoes away from you, but they do not work as well as DEET. The most common DEET-based repellents that you can buy will protect you from mosquitoes for five hours, whereas the citronella products should work for one to two hours. What about citronella candles? One study tested how citronella candles stack up against ordinary candles or no candles at all. Those within a few feet of the citronella candle had 42 per cent fewer bites than those who were not near a candle at all. Those near ordinary candles had 23 per cent fewer bites. Candles may protect you from mosquitoes to some extent, especially if you stay very close and use a citronella candle. But the most effective way to protect you and your children from mosquitoes is still to use a repellent that contains DEET.