I doubt lemongrass would do much to repel pests...I do grow it for cooking purposes however. My lemongrass has much wider leaf blades than yours, and the leaves smell heavily of lemon when rubbed. Next time you want to grow lemongrass, go buy some from the grocery store. Put it in a bit of water and it will root in no time.

I agree; it should smell like lemon when you rub it in your hands. It does look like lemon grass to me; albeit a small one and I don't believe it repels anything. Is it possible to move it to another sunny location away from the bugs? Keep in mind, it is a tender perennial.

Lemongrass is what citronella is derived from.......and citronella has a very good reputation for a natural insect repellant. At least for mosquitos :-)).

All species of Cymbopogon are considered "lemon grass" and used by various cuisines depending on the species native to that locale. It should have a distinct citrusy scent, ribbed blades and a fattish swelling at the root end, often tinted pink. Very easy to grow indoors over winter.

AFAIK, all the 'pest repelling' aromatic plants must be crushed to release their essential oils to be effective - they do nothing just left alone & growing...