Summer brings picnics, barbecues and long evenings outside with family and friends — and, unfortunately, mosquitoes. If you tend to attract bites, these homemade citronella candles are an easy, natural, and affordable way to help keep bugs away while adding a cozy glow to your outdoor space.
As a busy parent, protecting loved ones from itchy bites and the illnesses mosquitoes can carry is important. Store-bought repellents sometimes irritate sensitive skin and can be costly. Making your own citronella candles gives you control over ingredients and scent while being gentler and budget-friendly.
These DIY candles use all-natural ingredients, are simple to make, and double as attractive decor for patios, decks, and camping trips. Below you’ll find the benefits, supplies, and step-by-step instructions to make effective citronella candles at home.
Benefits of Citronella Candles
Citronella oil is a well-known natural mosquito repellent and is also effective against other flying pests like gnats and flies. Candles infused with citronella can reduce the number of insects in your outdoor area, helping you enjoy summer evenings with fewer bites.
Beyond pest control, citronella has a bright, citrusy aroma that many people find refreshing. The scent creates a pleasant ambiance while keeping bugs at bay, and the flicker of candlelight adds charm to gardens and patios.
Making candles at home is also economical and eco-friendly. You can reuse glass jars, mason jars, or other containers you already have, reducing waste and saving money compared to store-bought options.
Now that you know the advantages, here’s what you need and how to make your own citronella candles.
Supplies
- Candle wax suitable for candle making — soy wax is a great choice
- Natural candle wick tabs
- Citronella essential oil
- Geranium essential oil (helps deter biting flies)
- Disposable popsicle sticks for stirring
- 8 oz glass jars or similar small containers
- Glass measuring cup for melting wax
How to Make Citronella Candles
1. Melt the wax: Use a double boiler or set a glass measuring cup in a saucepan with a couple of inches of simmering water. Stir the wax as it melts.
2. Prepare jars and wicks: Any clean glass jar will work, but 8 oz jars are convenient for placing the wick and for later use. For each jar, anchor the wick by melting a few drops of wax at the jar’s base and pressing the wick tab into it, or secure the tab with a small dab of hot glue. Make sure the wick is centered.
3. Add essential oils: For an 8 oz candle use a 2:1 ratio of citronella to geranium oil — about 16 drops of citronella and 8 drops of geranium. Stir the oils into the melted wax thoroughly so the scent disperses evenly.
4. Pour and center the wick: Carefully remove the heated measuring cup with a pot holder and pour the scented wax into the prepared jar. Use popsicle sticks or a similar tool across the jar top to hold the wick centered while the wax sets.
5. Cool and trim: Allow the wax to cool and harden completely — this can take a couple of hours. Once solid, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch for a clean, even burn.
Your citronella candles are now ready. Use them on the patio, deck, in the garden, or take a few along on camping trips for added insect protection and atmosphere.
I notice fewer mosquitoes and flies when a citronella candle is lit — they won’t eliminate every insect, but they do make a difference and improve comfort outdoors.
FAQs
Do citronella candles really work?
Yes — citronella helps mask the scents that attract insects, making it harder for them to locate people. However, citronella candles are not a guaranteed complete defense, especially if you are highly attractive to mosquitoes. They are best used as part of a layered approach to protection.
For better protection, consider wearing lightweight long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours and using additional all-natural repellents as needed.
How long will these candles last?
Burn time depends on candle size. Small tealights burn for a few hours, while larger 8 oz jars will last much longer. Store unused candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures to preserve scent and performance. Trim the wick before each use for an even, longer-lasting burn.
Bug Repelling Essential Oils
More Ways to Repel Bugs with Essential Oils
- DIY mosquito repellent bracelets using essential oils
- A guide to essential oils that repel bugs
- Natural bug-bite relief made with essential oils
- Recipes for homemade essential oil mosquito repellent spray
