DEET is far more effective than citronella

Not even close.

DEET-based products work for hours. Citronella works for maybe 20–30 minutes before you need to reapply, and even then it’s more of a suggestion than a force field. The science is clear: DEET blocks mosquitoes’ ability to detect you by confusing their odor receptors. Citronella just masks your scent a bit, and it evaporates fast.

If you’re hanging out on a patio with a candle, citronella can help a little. But if you’re hiking, camping, or standing anywhere near standing water, you want DEET (or picaridin). Citronella isn’t worthless, but it’s like comparing a squirt gun to a fire hose.

If you hate the feel of DEET, try a 20% picaridin lotion. It lasts almost as long and smells better. But don’t fool yourself into thinking citronella is a real alternative when the bugs are bad.