If you are a bug magnet like I am, you are going to appreciate this (dare I say) life-changing project! Make these DIY citronella candles and experience for yourself how well an effective mosquito repellent candle can work! I especially appreciate that these candles are made with all-natural materials, with no toxic harmful ingredients included.
If you are anything like me, the summer months are the perfect season to spend time outside. In typically cooler climates like where I live, the long, warm summer days are perfect for gardening and soaking up the sun outside. There’s just one tiny problem: mosquitoes.
I don’t know what it is, but mosquitoes seem to absolutely love me (that love is not returned!).Mosquitoes leave me with large, itchy welts as they feast in morning and evening hours. Ugh!
Thankfully, after years of experimenting and lots of trial and error, I have developed a few methods for keeping these pests at bay naturally. One of my favorite methods is these DIY citronella candles.
Do citronella candles really work?
I originally published this post in 2016, and since then, there’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the topic of citronella candles and their effectiveness for repelling mosquitoes.
Lately, there’s been several articles published citing a study claiming citronella candles don’t work. However, that’snot what the study actually shows. The studies say if you are trying to protect yourself from Zika, Malaria, or other mosquito-borne illnesses, you should not rely upon a citronella candle. I completely agree with this! If you are going somewhere where those diseases are heavily present, or if you are higher-risk, I would not rely on citronella to keep you safe.
That being said, if you are out in your garden, or on your patio having a glass of wine, and you put a few of these candles around to protect your space, they can be effective. Not because mosquitoes are disgusted by the smell, but rather because it can help mask your scent. As you burn the candles, it consistently releases the oil into the air, which keeps your scent hidden.
The studies have shown that citronella candles work about 40% of the time. This means that 60% of the time, you may end up with bites. I’d still much rather use an all-natural bug spray in combination with citronella candles to reduce the chances of me getting bitten than dose myself in DEET and chemicals daily just to prevent bites. Is it 100% effective? No. But, when used in combination, I think it can be an effective ally in the fight against mosquitoes.
That’s why I arm myself with a combination of citronella candles, my mosquito-repelling container garden, and my DIY bug spray that uses natural essential oils. This combination is an effective one-two punch that keeps those pesky mosquitoes far, far away without exposing myself (and my garden!) to any harmful chemicals.
Other Scents to Use in Citronella Candles
Truth be told, I’m personally not overly crazy about the smell of citronella, but I’ll happily deal with it to avoid performing a constant ridiculous-looking dance of smacking myself to kill the flying pests.
While the most effective candles will still be primarily citronella, feel free to add a few other fragrances. To make the candles smell better to me (but still effective), I have played with adding a couple of additional scents to my latest batch of citronella candles such as:
You may have to experiment a bit and see which combination you like best, but that’s part of the fun of making DIY candles.
How to Make Citronella Candles
With a few simple, natural ingredients and just a little bit of time, you will have your own mosquito repellent candles to use all around your yard!
Materials Needed for DIY Citronella Candles
- Container – I used cans but you can also use glass jars (see more info below)
- A double boiler (or here is a handy candle making kit)
- Wax (soy wax, paraffin wax, old candles)
- Pre-waxed wicks with tabs (150mm / 6”)
- Citronella oil for candle making (use 1 oz per lb of wax)
- Optional – other scents to add in with the citronella
- Hot glue gun
Step by Step Directions for Making Citronella Candles at Home
1. Add the wicks to the center of your can or container. The best way I have found to use this is with a hot glue gun. Make sure to press the wick down firmly (and carefully as the hot glue can burn).
If you are using a larger container, you can add two or three wicks spaced apart around the center.
2. Assemble your double boiler and add wax or old candles in small pieces. Don’t worry so much about bits of wick or other specks in the wax as you won’t see them in the candles when they are done.
3. Heat the wax over medium heat until it is completely melted. This won’t take too long. Stir every once in a while to help it melt evenly.
4. When the wax is melted, it’s time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. If you prefer just citronella, you can use 1.5 oz per pound.
5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers. I can usually gently maneuver my wicks to stay in the center as the wax cools, but if you are having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin to keep them in line.
6. Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before you light it. Then, once it’s lit, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out. This is how you get an even burn for the life of the candle.
Citronella Candle-Making: Helpful Tips
If you are new to making candles (or making citronella candles), take a quick look at these helpful tips to ensure success with your efforts!
- Be careful not to disturb them too much and set them in a warm place to cool. Cooling slowly and completely will create the best looking candles.
- If you get a depressed area around the wick when cooled, warm up some more wax and pour it into the void.
- Decorate your citronella candles by wrapping them in burlap, twine, and/or yarn.
- Store them near the garden, deck, or patio so you can quickly light up when the pests start buzzing around.
Re-Use Old Supplies to Save Money
Even though this project is fairly inexpensive, there are costs involved – and ways to save a little bit of money. Here are some helpful tips to help you save a little when making your citronella candles.
Reuse Containers
You may notice from the pictures that these mosquito repellent candles are in cans. I love this project because making citronella candles in cans is not only a great, natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, but it’s also a great recycling project that reuses your cans. Plus, it’s a simple and inexpensive project, much like the Soy Beeswax Jar Candles I made not too long ago.
I love using old metal cans for this project. They don’t even have to be shiny. Rusty ones look amazing! However, if you don’t have any cans, you can also use glass jars.
My only caution for you when using glass is to not use very large glass jars. I recommend keeping them to pint-size or smaller so that the glass doesn’t break when the hot wax heats up the jar.
Don’t have any cans available? Try making your citronella candles in terracotta pots this summer.
Reuse Old Wax
The cost of wax is the most costly part of this project. If you want to cut down costs, scrape old wax out of previously used containers and melt it back down for your new candles.
Tip: If you want to try this, freeze your containers with old wax overnight, then the next morning, take a butter knife and carefully peel the wax away from the edges of the container. You’ll likely have chunks coming out at a time!
I hope that this guide helps you to make your own citronella candles easily!
More Candle-Making Posts To Read:
- Frozen Garden Candles Blend Fire And Ice
- Easy Ideas For Making Homemade Candles As Gifts
- Rosemary Pressed Herb Candles
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DIY Citronella Candles
My guide showing you how to makecitronella candlesfrom upcycled tin soup cans, recycled candle wax and naturalcitronella oil.
Cost $22
Supplies
- 2 Cans
- 1 lb Wax (soy wax, paraffin wax, old candles)
- 2 Pre-waxed wicks with tabs (150mm / 6”)
- 1 oz Citronella oil for candle making (use 1 oz per lb of wax)
- Other scents for candle making like pine, mandarin orange, eucalyptus, peppermint
Instructions
1. Using the hot glue gun, affix the wicks to the bottom of the cans and press it firmly into the center.If you are using a larger can, add two or three wicks spaced apart around the center.
2. Assemble your double boiler and add wax or old candles in small pieces. Don’t worry so much about bits of wick or other specks in the wax as you won’t see them in the candles when they are done.
3. Heat over medium heat until the wax is completely melted.
4. When the wax is melted, it’s time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound.
5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers. I can usually gently maneuver my wicks to stay in the center as the wax cools, but if you are having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin to keep them in line.
6. Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Then, when you fire it up, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out. It is said that candles have a memory, so it’s best to let the first burn set the tone for all the rest.
(Video) DIY Summer Citronella Candles | Southern Living
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FAQs
What are the ingredients in citronella candles? ›
Candles made of citronella have the active ingredient citronella oil. Citronella oil is derived from the drying of a grassy plant called Cymbopogon Nardus. It is a natural product as opposed to a chemical repellent such as is used in a bug spray repellent.
What can I put in homemade candles to keep mosquitoes away? ›You will need a lime, Lemon Eucalyptus 100% essential oil, fresh rosemary sprigs, a floating candle, a lemon, and a pint sized jar. Place two slices each of lemon and lime in your jar. Cut your rosemary sprigs to fit vertically in your jar. Pour about 10 drops of the Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil into your jar.
What wax is best for citronella candles? ›soy wax – Soy wax is the best wax for essential oil candles. I used Golden Brands 464 soy wax to create this citronella candle recipe. This soy wax burns cleanly, has a high fragrance load and will produce great looking candles.
What is the main ingredient in citronella? ›Citronellol and geraniol are major components of oil of citronella.
What percentage citronella should be in a candle? ›One of the essential factors to consider when purchasing the citronella candle is the percentage of its active ingredient. Most citronella candles contain a 3% concentration of citronella oil, which has become an industry standard.
How do you make citronella oil insect repellent? ›- Add citronella oil to water in a glass spray bottle. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water.
- Optional step: Essential oils don't dissolve in water. ...
- Shake the bottle well before spraying.
Stir in citronella oil, adding roughly three drops per cup of wax.
How do you make citronella oil candles from Mason jars? ›Fill the jars with water and citronella oil: Fill each jar 3/4 of the way full with tap water, then add in 10-20 drops of citronella essential oil. Add herbs and citrus: Add the herbs first, then top off with lemons and lime wedges.
What scents are in a citronella candle? ›- Lavender.
- Lemongrass.
- Rain.
- Peach.
- Mango.
- Sea Breeze.
- Mint.
- Amber Musk.
The main chemical constituents of Citronella Ceylon Oil, which is derived from the Cymbopogon nardus botanical, are Geraniol, Camphene, Limonene, Methyl isoeugenol, Geranyl acetate, Borneol, Citronellal, and Citronellol.
What scent repels mosquitoes the most? ›
Topping the list of scents mosquitoes hare are garlic, basil, peppermint, and lemongrass top the list. Not precisely the aromas one associates with perfume, though peppermint and lemongrass might be tertiary notes in a few fragrances.
What smells dont attract mosquitoes? ›Certain Natural Scents
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
Citronella
Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it's an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection.
Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. If you prefer just citronella, you can use 1.5 oz per pound. 5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers.
Why can't I burn citronella candles inside? ›It is generally recommended that you do not use citronella candles indoors for a few reasons. Although the scent is very pleasant for you as the candles burn, you may find that these oils work their way into interior fabrics. Also, the citronella candles tend to have a slight more smokey burn than ordinary candles.
How long should the wick be on a citronella candle? ›Trim wick to ½ inch or less before each lighting. Keep candle free of matches and all material. Do not burn on cold, wet, or unstable surface(s). Burn away from drafts.
What bugs does citronella get rid of? ›It is effective against a wide variety of pests, including but not limited to flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Its distinctive odor drives away some insects, while preventing others from identifying a host. Candles made of Citronella oil work effectively to repel mosquitoes and insects when burned in the immediate area.
Why do bugs hate citronella? ›“The way it works is that it interferes with the mosquito's olfactory receptor, masking the carbon dioxide and lactic acid scents that mosquitoes are searching for.” While the strong scent masks other scents that attract mosquitoes, how well it works is up for debate.
How long does citronella oil last? ›The length of burn time expected before you are out of fuel depends on the fuel type and on the source of that particular fuel. For instance, paraffin or citronella oil will last anywhere from 6 to 16 hours depending on the capacity of the fuel chamber (larger torches usually burn longer).
What works better than citronella candles? ›Products that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus, which comes from the gum eucalyptus tree, are a lot more effective than citronella, Hoffer said.
What essential oils mix is best for bug repellent? ›
HOMEMADE BUG REPELLENT AND BUG BITE RELIEF BLENDS
Add 30 drops geranium oil, 30 drops citronella oil, 20 drops lemon eucalyptus oil, 20 drops lavender oil and 10 drops rosemary oil into a dark blue or amber glass spray bottle. Add I tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol to the mix and shake well to combine.
A mixture of 50 percent thyme oil and 50 percent clove oil can repel mosquitoes for up to 2.5 hours. You can also make a DIY spray mixing 5 drops of oil with 2 oz of water.
What is the recipe for essential oil mosquito repellent? ›Instructions: In a 2 ounce bottle, add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of distilled water, 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, 1 teaspoon of vodka or witch hazel, and 15-25 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well and spray on skin.
How much oil do you need per candle? ›A: The industry standard is considered 0.5 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. For double-scenting, you would use 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. For triple-scenting your candles you can use 1.5 ounces of fragrance per pound of wax.
What percentage of essential oil should be in a candle? ›Determine what percentage of fragrance you want to start with, between 6-10% of fragrance oil is best. If using essential oils use a maximum of 6-7%.
How much essential oil do you need per candle? ›How Much Essential Oil for a Candle? While undiluted essential oils may throw a strong scent, you'll need to add quite a bit to soy or beeswax candles. We recommend using 30 to 40 drops of essential oils for a single eight-ounce candle.
Can you make candles with just essential oils? ›The answer is yes, essential oils can be used in candle making, but there are a few things you should know first. Essential oils are notorious for not playing nicely with candle wax. Unlike fragrance oils, essential oils oftentimes have very low flash points which cause them to evaporate when added to hot candle wax.
How do you make a mosquito killer candle? ›Mosquito Repellent Candles DIY
Light a plain, unscented candle and wait for it to melt a bit. Then, drop 3-4 drops of preferable essential oil. Be cautious while you do so as essential oils are flammable. Use scents that mosquitoes hate.
Citronella candles are a brilliant non-toxic method of repelling insects, especially during the summer months. Made using citronella oil, these clever candles have a distinctive odour (usually lemon or lavender) that drives away bugs when burned in the immediate area.
Can I add citronella oil to a candle? ›Stir in the citronella oil using roughly three drops per cup of melted wax (or about three drops per 8-oz. Mason jar candle). Artizen Citronella Essential Oil ($8, Amazon) is a good option for citronella candles, but any of your favorite essential oils will work.
What fragrance oil is good for mosquito repellent? ›
Citronella Oil
Citronella (Cymobopogon nardus) is an ingredient in many repellents. This oil is also high in citronellal and geraniol, both of which repel bugs. Products that have the right amount of citronella can be as effective as DEET when properly combined with other essential oils.
It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: Citronella oil is likely unsafe. Lung damage has been reported.
What happens if you inhale citronella oil? ›When you inhale (breathe in), air enters your lungs, and oxygen from that air moves to your blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide, a waste gas, moves from your blood to the lungs and is exhaled (breathed out). This process, called gas exchange, is essential to life.
How do you extract oil from citronella leaves? ›Hydro-distillation and steam distillation are the most common or conventional methods for extracting oil from citronella (Brugnera et al.
Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes? ›Although dryer sheets haven't been officially proven to repel mosquitoes, their effectiveness hasn't been disproven, either. It's possible these common household items are a successful mosquito-repellant.
Does Pine Sol keep mosquitoes away? ›Fortunately, I have learned two things that keep these critters away and you only need 4 simple items: 2 Spray Bottles, a bottle of Listerine Mint Mouthwash, and bottle of Pine-sol (or eucalyptus oil for a more natural spray). For starters, mosquitoes HATE mint! Pour the Listerine into a spray bottle and spray away!
What do mosquitoes absolutely hate? ›Mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass and rosemary. They also hate smells such as smoke, for further insight, see our exploration on, does smoke keep mosquitoes away?
What color do mosquitoes hate? ›Certain colors repel mosquitoes. If you don't want to become a mosquito's next meal, try wearing lighter, more subdued hues. White, beige, khaki, pastel yellow, and even soft gray are good options.
What skin do mosquitoes hate? ›Many natural scents that are appealing to humans actually repel mosquitoes, including lavender, peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus. Many of these scents can be worn as an essential oil on your skin to help keep these pesky pests from biting you.
What temperature do mosquitoes hate? ›Mosquitoes function best at 80 degrees F, become lethargic at 60 degrees F, and cannot function below 50 degrees F. In tropical areas, mosquitoes are active year round.
Do mosquitoes hate peppermint or lavender? ›
Mosquitoes hate the scent of lavender, which helps to limit further bites. Peppermint has benefits to repel mosquitoes as some researchers note the oil to have a strong repellent action against adult mosquitoes when applied to human skin.
What can I burn to get rid of mosquitoes? ›#3: Burn Incense In and Around Your Home
The one thing mosquitoes hate more than smoke is smelly smoke. Purchase some incense that contains eucalyptus, cloves, and citronella. Burn it inside (safely) or outside your home the next time you're outdoors, and they'll avoid you like the plague.
- Burning coffee grounds.
- Lighting lavender candles.
- Leaving plates of sliced lemons or cloves around the house.
- Setting out mosquito traps.
- Spraying with essential oils such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.
Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. If you prefer just citronella, you can use 1.5 oz per pound. 5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers.
What repels mosquitoes better than citronella? ›DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil best bets for repelling bloodsuckers.
What ingredient do mosquitoes hate? ›Citronella (Cymobopogon nardus) is an ingredient in many repellents. This oil is also high in citronellal and geraniol, both of which repel bugs. Products that have the right amount of citronella can be as effective as DEET when properly combined with other essential oils.
Can I add essential oil directly to candle? ›Method. While unlit, simply add a few drops of your preferred fragrance directly to the candle wax (near the base of the wick). Once lit, the candle will throw the aroma of the fragrance oil you added. Please Note: Never add oil to the candle while it is lit or burning.
What oils go well with citronella? ›The scent of Citronella Oil is known to blend well with all citrus essential oils, such as Lemon and Bergamot, as well as with Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Tea Tree essential oils.
How do you make homemade mosquito repellent? ›lemongrass or citronella oil, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. 1 cup isopropyl alcohol, 1 cup water, ½ tsp. catnip oil. 1 cup alcohol or witch hazel and 10-20 drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, or lemon eucalyptus.
How do you make citronella candles in Mason jars? ›Fill the jars with water and citronella oil: Fill each jar 3/4 of the way full with tap water, then add in 10-20 drops of citronella essential oil. Add herbs and citrus: Add the herbs first, then top off with lemons and lime wedges.