Summer is here and that means more time is spent outdoors in the sun. But that also means that the pesky biting insects are also getting ready for their next meal. Some people naturally repel insects as mosquitoes love to pick on one person who gets all the bites. While mosquito bites usually heal up in a few days, they can lead to more troublesome issues, such as skin infections.

Many people who enjoy the outdoors want to find ways of keeping these annoying pests away while they enjoy their BBQ or outdoor time. One of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes from entering your outdoor spaces is by burning Citronella candles. Citronella candles have been proven to be effective at keeping mosquitoes away. They also look attractive, particularly when you burn them at night, and they also smell good.

How Citronella Candles Repel Mosquitoes

Citronella candles are made with wax and a special type of citronella oil. The oil has a strong lemony or citrusy scent to it that is disliked by mosquitoes and other types of flying insects. Citronella oil is in the class of essential oils.

Citronella oil is made from the leaves and stems of the Cymbopogon plant. This plant is a type of grass that is commonly grown in southern Asia. Within the oils are various chemicals. These include citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, all chemicals that mosquitoes will find noxious. They’ll try to avoid these spaces by staying away from the vicinity of a burning candle that emits the citronella smell.

Citronella is a natural insect repellant that is safe to use around adults, children, pets, and other plants. It can be set up near food as long as it’s not so overwhelming that it’ll impact the taste of the food. Better yet, keep the food covered so that it doesn’t attract the bugs.

Citronella is also used in the soap, cosmetics, and perfume industries. People who are particularly susceptible to mosquito bites may also consider shopping for personal care products containing citronella, or its related chemicals, as an additional layer of protection.

While setting the candles or the plant on your patio or balcony may give you some help in preventing mosquitoes from entering the vicinity, it’s recommended that the candles actually be burned to help emit the chemicals to keep away the bugs.

5 Best Citronella Candles to Repel Mosquitoes

You can make your own candles and add in the citronella essential oil, but it’s much simpler to purchase them online. Candles can be purchased in tea light form, but are more effective in votive size which can be placed in your candle holders. You can also buy larger candles. These candles can look as simple or as attractive as you wish. There are plenty of different options.

You can purchase candles for your patio, balcony, or interior spaces. Here are 5 of the best citronella candles to help you to repel mosquitoes and avoid bites.

1. Natural Lemongrass Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candle

This candle set has been made in small mason-style jars and is scented with a natural citronella and lemongrass scent. These candles can be used both indoors and outdoors. Each candle will last for 88 hours. The candles are made with natural essential oils and have a soy wax base. They’ve been poured into real glass Ball mason jars and have been made in the USA.

These candles will keep your yard, garden, patio, balcony, or home fly- and mosquito-free. Besides the citronella and the lemongrass, the candles also contain other bug-repelling essential oils, including geranium and lemon. These candles have a fresh and natural smell that will be pleasant for most people’s noses. The scent isn’t overpowering.

The burn time on these candles is considerably longer than other similar candles. The candles also have a screw top lid. This not only keeps your candles dust-free, clean, and dry, but it also preserves the efficacy of the essential oils. You can also use the lid to extinguish the flame and stop smoking. The lid can be left on until you’re ready to burn the candles again.

These candles are also Deet-free and free of pesticides and insecticides. They offer a safe but effective way to keep your home fly-free throughout the warm and hot months of the summer ahead.

2. La Jolie Muse Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles in Soy Wax

The La Jolie Muse Candles are made from citronella and soy wax. Soy wax burns at a much lower temperature than regular wax does, making your candles last longer. This candle set comes in attractive blue and white tin containers with lids, so you don’t need to place the candles in your own candle holders.

These tins can also be used as travel tins so you can bring them with you when you’re camping, or travelling. The tins are lightweight and won’t take up much space in your luggage. You’ll be able to keep your balcony, patio, or outdoor spaces free from mosquitoes. Each candle is also separately boxed, so you can give one or two as a gift.

These candles have a fresh top note of green citrus, and a bottom note of clean camphor. Combined together, these smells keep the bugs away. The scent is fresh but not overwhelming. You’ll keep the mosquitoes away and freshen your home at the same time. These candles work both inside and outside.

You can also use the candles for other home purposes, including freshening up the kitchen after cooking oniony or garlicky foods, or place it in the bathroom. Once the candle has been all burned up you can clean out the container and use it for another purpose.

3. Votive Citronella Summer Scented Citronella Candles

You can use your own candle holders with this set of votive citronella candles. The candles are in a bright yellow colour. Each has a lengthy ten hour burn time and has been made in the USA. These candles will naturally repel insects, including mosquitoes.

These candles need to be added to a small glass candle holder, as they melt thoroughly. They’re made from a high-quality paraffin wax. These candles will fit in your standard votive holders, mason jars, lanterns, or other decorative holders.

You can use these candles both indoors and out. These candles have been made in the USA. They have a 100% lead-free wick for those who may be concerned. Since these candles are smaller, they’re perfect to be set up in displays around your patio table at night. One candle placed every few feet will provide additional protection for your guests to keep them from being bit by mosquitoes.

The wax melts evenly, so that it leaves little residue behind in the candleholder after burning. This makes cleanup much simpler. The holder should be wiped out with a paper towel before adding a new one.

4. Cutter Citro Guard Candles in Tan Bucket

Cutter Citro Guard Candles are sold in a basic plastic tan-coloured bucket. You don’t need to buy candleholders for this set. The buckets are made from sturdy plastic that’s suitable for outdoor usage. You won’t have to worry about your glass candleholders becoming damaged outside when you buy these candles.

These candles will repel mosquitoes and other flying insects for up to 30 hours each. The candles have been made with real citronella essential oil. The candles have a wide stable base that will prevent them from tipping over. They have a removable lid that will keep the citronella from evaporating before they’re used. The lids will also protect the candles from moisture and the outdoor elements in between usage.

These candles have been made for outdoor use only. It’s also recommended that they only be used in open spaces, not garages, tents, or basements. In order to get the best results, place your candles within three feet of people. If you use multiple candles, place them at least 18 inches apart.

The more candles you use, the larger the perimeter of protection. You and your family can have better enjoyment of the outdoors by using these candles. They’re also perfect for BBQs or summer parties. They have been made with real citronella oil.

5. Coleman Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick

The Coleman Scented Citronella Candle has been made with a 100% natural crackle wick, free of lead and chemicals. This candle is sold in a square tin with rounded corners and a lid. It’s been designed for outdoor use only.

One candle will burn for up to 25 hours. The candle has a fresh pine scent that mingles well with the citrus smell. There are also two other scents, one in Campfire, and one in S’mores, for those people who don’t like the smell of citrus. The scents mask the fragrance of citronella.

The tin has been designed in a nostalgic design. It’s suitable for outdoor parties, BBQs, picnics, or camping. After the candle has been burned, the tin can be cleaned up and repurposed to hold nails, screws, or other household items.

The tin of the candle naturally holds the heat in to protect surfaces. The candles are a safe and easy way to protect from bugs and to provide the perfect ambiance for later at night. The wicks are bigger too, so the candle burns bigger and stronger.

Most Effective Locations to Place Citronella Candles for Mosquito Control

You may wish to light your citronella candles first, before you spend any time outdoors. The candles are especially effective at nighttime, or after it rains, as these are times that the mosquitoes love to come out and feed.

Candles can be placed in the centre of a large table, or on smaller tables around your outdoor space. If you have a food buffet set up, you’ll want to set the candles well away from the food, just to avoid food contamination.

Keep the candles spaced at least two feet from other objects. If you’ve ordered candles in the mail, they should have some instructions with them on how to use them too.

Things to Remember When Using Candles

Even though the citronella in the candles is relatively safe to use, you should remember that the candles are flammable and if they tip over, they can cause fire and burns. You’ll want to practice a few safety measures and precautions before setting them up.

Safety Measures When Using Candles

• Never leave a lit candle unattended.
• Store your matches and lighters away from children’s reach.
• Keep candles away from combustibles, such as books, magazines, and papers.
• Burn your candle for no longer than three hours.
• If your candle is smoking, most likely the wick has grown too long. Extinguish the flame and wait for it to cool down.
• After burning the candle and allowing it to cool, trim the wick down to less than 8 mm. This prevents it from smoking.
• Keep your candles away from the reach of pets or young children.
• If you experience allergies when using the candles, discontinue usage.
• Never remove the candle from the container and place it in a random household dish.
• Place a heat-proof coaster or dish beneath your candles, as the container can get hot and cause damage to surfaces.
• If the candle came with a lid, use that to extinguish the flame and leave it on to prevent smoking.
• Extinguish the candle when it’s down to its last few millimetres.
• Never go to sleep leaving a candle burning.

Closing Thoughts on How Citronella Candles Repel Mosquitoes

Citronella candles not only make your home smell fresh, but they’ll do an effective job of keeping mosquitoes and other small insects away from your outdoor space. They’re inexpensive and simple to set up in all your outdoor spaces. There are certain types of citronella candles that can also be used indoors if you don’t have screens on your windows or doors.

Your family will spend the upcoming summer in comfort knowing that they aren’t going to get itchy or irritated mosquito bites. Now everyone will be able to spend more time enjoying the hot summer weather outside!

The post Choosing the Best Citronella Candles for Mosquito Control appeared first on Complete Homemaker.