For generations, cedarwood has been associated with protecting belongings from various pests. The distinct aroma of cedar is widely believed to keep insects at bay, leading to its widespread use in closets, chests, and other storage solutions. This article clarifies cedar’s actual effectiveness as a natural deterrent and which specific pests it might affect.
How Cedar Deters Insects
The insect-deterring properties of cedar come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) naturally present in the wood. These compounds, such as cedrol, thujone, and other terpenes, create cedar’s characteristic scent. When these VOCs evaporate, they interact with insects by disrupting their sensory systems. These chemicals act as a repellent, making an environment undesirable. For instance, cedrol can interfere with an insect’s nervous system, causing disorientation or avoidance.
Insects Cedar Can Repel
Cedar is most effective as a deterrent against fabric-damaging pests, particularly clothes moths and carpet beetles. The volatile compounds from Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) create an unappealing environment, discouraging them from laying eggs on natural fibers. While cedar can deter these specific pests, its effectiveness varies against other insects. It offers less reliable repellent properties against certain ants or cockroaches, and its action is not strong enough to deter common household pests like mosquitoes, flies, or termites. It functions as a deterrent, not as a pesticide.
Using Cedar for Insect Control and Its Effectiveness
Cedar can be incorporated into insect control strategies through various products like cedar blocks, cedar-lined chests, cedar oil, and cedar mulch. For products like cedar blocks or hangers, their effectiveness relies on the continuous release of volatile compounds. To maintain their potency, these items often require light sanding periodically to expose fresh wood and release more of the active compounds.
The efficacy of cedar as an insect repellent depends on several factors, including the concentration of volatile compounds, the specific type of cedar used, and the size of the area being treated. Eastern Red Cedar is generally preferred due to its higher content of cedrol. Cedar’s repellent action is most noticeable in enclosed spaces, such as closets, drawers, or storage containers, where the concentration of its VOCs can build up. It may not be sufficient for severe infestations or large, open areas, and its repellent effect tends to diminish over time as the compounds dissipate.