Citronella repels bees too

Yes, citronella affects bees and other beneficial insects — mostly by repelling them, not killing them outright.

Citronella oil works by masking the scents that insects follow, including the floral scents bees use to find food. That’s why lighting a citronella candle near your patio might keep mosquitoes away, but it will also keep bees away from any flowers or feeders nearby. Not ideal if you’re trying to support pollinators.

The bigger concern is concentration. That light citronella candle? Probably fine for bees passing through. But concentrated citronella sprays or oils (especially undiluted essential oils) can be toxic to bees if applied directly or in high doses. Same goes for ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficials — they’ll steer clear, and at high enough levels, it can kill them.

Bottom line: If you’re using citronella to keep mosquitoes off your deck, it’s not a bee genocide. But don’t spray it on your garden or near blooming plants. The bees will thank you by not vanishing.