The hypothesis posited that Citronella extract combined with Lemongrass in scented candles is effective in repelling mosquitoes aligns well with previous studies' findings, which have demonstrated both plants' individual and combined repellent capabilities . Previous research highlighted that Lemongrass kills mosquitoes rapidly and serves as an effective repellent . Similarly, Citronella, especially when combined with Vanilla, extends the protection duration comparable to chemical DEET, albeit safer for allergy-prone individuals . The hypothesis aligns with empirical evidence suggesting that these natural substances can provide an effective, non-toxic alternative to existing repellents, underpinning further study to refine application methods like scented candles for optimal indoor use .

Combining Citronella and Lemongrass in consumer products is both practical and feasible, according to recent studies. These combinations leverage the individual strengths of each plant to create a product that effectively repels mosquitoes while mitigating concerns associated with chemical repellents like DEET . Studies show Citronella and Lemongrass as effective repellents independently and suggest that their combination in products like candles can enhance protection and user safety, especially for those with sensitive skin. The simplicity of integration into products like candles or sprays makes them accessible to consumers, aligning with both health and market demand for eco-friendly alternatives . Thus, commercializing such combinations presents a viable pathway for expanding natural repellent options within the consumer market .

Lemongrass and Citronella offer several benefits compared to DEET, primarily in terms of safety and side effects. Citronella is as effective as DEET in disorienting mosquitoes but does not kill them as DEET does . Its safety profile is notably advantageous, causing fewer allergic reactions and skin irritations, making it suitable for sensitive skin . However, Citronella has a shorter protection span, which can be improved when combined with Vanilla . In contrast, DEET provides longer-lasting protection but can cause skin irritation and triggers allergic responses in some users . Therefore, while DEET is superior in duration of protection, the natural alternatives present a safer option for prolonged use and for individuals prone to skin sensitivity .

Lemongrass and Citronella differ primarily in their mechanism and impact when used as mosquito repellents. Citronella acts by disorienting mosquitoes, whereas Lemongrass also kills both adult mosquitoes and their larvae within a short period, as demonstrated by Musa (2015). Citronella is effective as the chemical DEET but is safer for individuals with sensitive skin . However, Citronella's protection span is less compared to DEET, although it can be extended with the addition of Vanilla . Despite these differences, both are considered effective, safe, and a cost-effective alternative to chemical repellents, suitable even for individuals with allergic tendencies .

The theoretical framework developed suggests that Citronella and Lemongrass, when used in candles, form a potent repellent with significant potential as an alternative to chemical insect repellents like DEET in indoor environments. Future research can focus on optimizing the concentration for maximum efficacy without causing skin irritation, testing in diverse environmental conditions, and assessing long-term health impacts . Additionally, combining these with other natural enhancers, such as Vanilla, could extend protection duration, making them viable replacements for chemical repellents while promoting safer indoor environments . Such studies could further validate these natural combinations as sustainable and health-conscious solutions for controlling mosquito-borne diseases indoors .

Incorporating Lemongrass and Citronella into public health campaigns could have profound implications for reducing vector-borne diseases in Southeast Asia. These plants offer safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives to chemical repellents, addressing public health concerns related to mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Malaria . By promoting the plant cultivation and use of their extracts in household products such as candles, health campaigns can foster widespread adoption that minimizes disease vectors while reducing chemical exposure risks . This strategy dovetails with environmental goals by encouraging cultivation practices that are both pest-repellent and non-detrimental to crops, fostering community health and agricultural sustainability .

The combination of Lemongrass and Citronella enhances effectiveness as a mosquito repellent by leveraging the unique repelling properties of each component. Lemongrass, with its ability to kill mosquitoes and larvae , complements Citronella's property of disorienting mosquitoes . The synergy offers a potent solution that maximizes repellent effectiveness while minimizing skin irritation risks, making it an optimal public health strategy for areas plagued by mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Malaria . This combination, when used in products like candles, can offer a safer and broader-span protection than standalone use of Citronella or chemical repellents .

Public health policies in tropical regions should indeed advocate for large-scale Lemongrass cultivation due to its proven efficacy as a mosquito repellent and its added benefits as an agricultural pest deterrent . Coordinated efforts can lead to reduced incidences of vector-borne diseases like Dengue, by disrupting mosquito breeding and reducing vector populations at a community level. Moreover, Lemongrass cultivation is an environmentally sustainable tactic that offers economic benefits to farmers by providing a dual-purpose crop—serving as both a repellant and a pest control measure without harming crops . Thus, its large-scale cultivation aligns with public health, economic, and environmental objectives, providing a multifaceted advantage to tropical regions prone to mosquito-borne illnesses .

The addition of Vanilla to Citronella increases the latter's repellent duration, providing a more sustained protective effect . This combination, as tested, prolongs the period of mosquito protection beyond what Citronella can achieve alone, bridging the effectiveness gap when compared to DEET . This enhancement has important implications for product formulation; it enables the development of more competitive natural repellents that offer longer-lasting protection, appealing to users seeking prolonged efficacy without resorting to chemical solutions. Vanilla's use in formulations extends the usability of Citronella, positioning it as a more practical solution in diverse climatic conditions where extended protection is critical . This strategic combination not only increases consumer satisfaction but also expands the market for natural mosquito repellent products.

The use of Lemongrass and Citronella as mosquito repellents can significantly influence environmental and agricultural practices, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where these plants are native. Lemongrass can serve as a border plant to ward off insect pests, providing an affordable and eco-friendly strategy without harming crops, thus supporting sustainable agricultural practices . Furthermore, the safety profile of these natural repellents supports their integration into holistic pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical insecticides, which can harm the environment and pose health risks. Such practices not only enhance agricultural productivity but also promote biodiversity by minimizing the ecological footprint associated with chemical alternatives .