Identification

• Lemongrass oil is sometimes used in all-natural insect repellents. Although the oil does show promise in warding off bugs, it is not as effective as chemical pesticides.
  
  

Benefits

• Lemongrass is used as an alternative for people who don't want to use or cannot tolerate DEET, a common commercial insect repellent. However, DEET is much more effective for keeping the bugs away.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Although lemongrass does show promise as an insect repellent, more tests are needed to establish efficacy, according to the Drugs website, as evidence is lacking.