Citronella Candles

Citronella candles strategically placed around your home, patio or camping area can be used to ward off mosquitoes.

To be effective they may only be used on calm days with little or no breeze. Use at least 2 or 3 candles to cover a larger area, while citronella does repel mosquitoes it's not the most powerful repeller and your success may vary. In areas with high numbers of mosquitoes consider a more potent repeller device.

A Citronella torch which burns a Citronella oil based fuel is generally more potent than a Citronella candle. Some people do not find that a citronella candle is any more effective than a candle that is made from regular wax. The biggest drawback about using a citronella candle is that the citronella scent is the most effective when in close contact with the skin. In order for a citronella candle to work the best, people must be very close to it or else the mosquitoes and other biting insects will not notice the repelling scent and could still bite.

Make your own Citronella Candle

Citronella candles can be purchased at a retail store or they can be made by hand. All of the supplies to make citronella candles can be purchased at any craft supply store.

1. Secure Wicks

   You can use glass jars as your candle holder, start by fixing the wicks to the bottom of each jar using tape or hot glue.

2. Warm Jars

   Warm your jars in your oven at the lowest temperature so that when you pour wax into them it cools evenly and also so there is no risk of them cracking from the pouring very hot wax into them.

3. Measure Wax

   Measure enough wax to fill your chosen number of jars, use a little too much than too little as you can always reuse excess wax another time.

4. Melt Wax

   Place the wax into a mixing bowl placed in boiling water, stir the wax as it melts.

5. Add Citronella Oil

   Add your citronella oil, at least 10 drops per cup of wax to make an effective candle.

6. Add Color

   To color your candles add some drawing crayons and stir in to mix.

7. Pour Wax

   Carefully pour the wax into the warmed jars - keeping the wicks upright using pencils or even chopsticks.

8. Cut Wicks

   When the wax is solidified you can trim excess wicks down to an inch or so.

9. Light Up

   Place your new citronella candles around your deck or backyard and enjoy the evening hopefully mosquito free.