The summer months are filled with so many great things, like picnics, barbecues, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for one of my least favorite things…mosquitoes! If you are a fellow mosquito magnet, these homemade citronella candles are an absolute must-make!!
As a busy mom, finding ways to keep our families safe from pesky insects can be a daunting task. Mosquitoes and other bugs not only leave itchy bites, but they bring the risk of diseases, too.
With summer right around the corner, you might be dreading spending endless amounts of money on bug repellents that can irritate your children’s sensitive skin. Thankfully, there is an all-natural and affordable solution—homemade citronella candles!
These candles not only provide added protection against insects but also add a warm and inviting ambiance to your backyard or patio.
If you are intimidated by the idea of making homemade candles, don’t be! These DIY candles with citronella are surprisingly easy to make using only all-natural ingredients (and they smell great, too!). Plus, they’re also surprisingly affordable!
Get ready to learn how to whip up a batch of citronella candles in just a few simple steps.
Benefits of Citronella Candles
There are many benefits to using citronella candles – and this is especially true if you make them yourself with essential oils and other natural ingredients.
First of all, citronella oil itself is a natural mosquito repellent. Most people know this, but did you know that it’s also effective against other flying insects like gnats and flies?
Candles made with citronella oil can help keep your outdoor space bug-free, allowing you to enjoy the summer months without worry (and without potentially harmful bug sprays).
Another benefit of citronella candles is that they can help create a relaxing and pleasant ambiance. While bugs can’t stand the scent, most humans find that the citrusy smell of citronella oil is refreshing and invigorating, making it the perfect addition to any outdoor gathering.
They also happen to look beautiful, flickering in the dark, and add some pretty ambiance to your garden!
Lastly, DIY citronella candles are much cheaper than store-bought options, and they’re also an eco-friendly way to upcycle old containers in your home, such as mason jars or old tin containers.
Now that you know some of the benefits of using citronella candles, let’s take a look at how to make them and keep the bugs at bay for good.
Supplies
- Candle wax for candle making – I recommend soy wax
- Natural candle wick tabs
- Geranium essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Popsicle sticks
- 8 oz glass jelly jars or other small jars
- Glass measuring cup
or other small jars
How to Make Citronella Candles
The first step in making a homemade citronella candle is to melt your soy wax in a double boiler. You can simply put your glass measuring cup in the saucepan with a couple of inches of boiling water.
One note on your jars: you don’t have to only use mason jars. I had a few different glass jars at my house, so I made a variety of sizes. However, I did find the 8oz size is the easiest for placing your wick (read down a couple of steps) and for lighting your candle later.
Go ahead and use empty glass jars you have at home. But if you don’t have any, or you want to make a bunch and use them as gifts, then I totally recommend getting a dozen 8 oz glass jelly jars.
For each 8 oz candle you make, you will need about 2 cups of soy wax chips. The 3 lb bag of soy wax chips should get you at least (8) 8oz glass jar candles.
Tip: I suggest using disposable popsicle sticks to stir your wax while it is melting. This wooden “handle” won’t get hot while you stir. Plus, you don’t have to worry about cleaning it (cleaning wax is a huge pain!)
Use citronella and geranium essential oils for your homemade citronella candles. This bonus oil really helps get rid of the biting horseflies. It’s not a magic wand that makes the flies completely disappear, but they are way less likely to land and bite when the geranium is nearby.
Want more info? Read this post here about the 5 must-have essential oils you need for camping and why I suggest using geranium with your citronella.
Use a 2:1 ratio for the citronella and geranium oils. For the 8 oz jars, add 16 drops of citronella and 8 drops of geranium.
It can be a little tricky to ensure that your wick stays straight and in the center when you pour your melted wax into your 8-oz glass jar. One tip is to put a few drops of wax at the bottom of the jar, then place the wick in it. You can also use a hot glue gun to hold it in place.
Make sure the wick is centered, and let it cool and harden. This will help it stay in place when you pour in the rest of the melted wax.
When your wax is melted, use a pot holder to pull out your glass measuring cup from the saucepan and pour the melted wax into your jar.
I used 2 more popsicle sticks to hold the wick in the center while I waited for the wax to harden.
It will take a couple of hours for your wax to cool and harden. When it does, you can then go ahead and trim the wick.
Now, your homemade citronella candles are ready to use! You can bring them camping, keep them outside on your deck or patio area, or have one on a nearby table when you weed the garden!
There are noticeably fewer mosquitoes and flies around when I have my homemade citronella candle lit!
FAQs
Do citronella candles really work?
Yes, but they often aren’t enough on their own, especially if mosquitos seem to be extra fond of you.
The scent that citronella gives off masks other scents that insects are attracted to, making it harder for them to find their target (aka you!). While citronella candles won’t provide complete protection against mosquitoes and other bugs, they can certainly help reduce the number of bites you receive.
For complete mosquito protection, I recommend adding two other things:
First, wear lightweight long sleeves and pants to keep the biting at bay. Secondly, make a batch of this homemade mosquito spray. It works very well and is made with all-natural ingredients!
How long will these candles last?
The exact length of time depends heavily on the size of the candle you make. Like store-bought candles, tealights last for a few hours, while larger candles can last for days, making either a perfect option for an evening barbecue or outdoor dinner party with friends.
I always recommend making multiple batches to have plenty on hand throughout the summer!
For the best longevity, make sure to store your homemade citronella candles in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This will help the candle last longer and maintain its effectiveness. You’ll also need to keep the wick trimmed each time you light it to give an even burn.
Bug Repelling Essential Oils↓
More Ways to Repel Bugs with Essential Oils
- DIY Mosquito Repellent Bracelet with Essential Oils
- 12 Essential Oils for Repelling Bugs
- Homemade Itch Stick: Natural Bug Bite Stick Made with Essential Oils
- Homemade Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent Spray
Allison says
This is great! I didn’t think that making candles could be doable. I need to make this for my backyard to help keep the bugs away while we have cookouts.
Jennifer says
This sounds like a really fun project. I’ve been kicking around the idea of making candles, and I HATE mosquitoes. This seems like the perfect way to give it a try.
diane says
Wonderful project! I love essential oils but haven’t tried any candle making yet. Will have to give this a try!
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
This looks like a great project! It seems super fun, and anything that can keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay is always great!
Sarah says
My husband and i LOVE candels. it would be col to home make our own!
Juanita says
Blue Cyprus oil would also be an excellent addition. This essential oil is extracted from the wood and bark of the tree. The tree’s name that the Australia aboriginals from its native area called it translates to mosquito tree. They have burned the wood for thousands of years to drive away mosquitoes. This oil also has many benefits to the skin, is licensed as a perfume addition, a great essential oil blend fixative, and unlike other wood extracted oils is a pretty natural cobalt blue colour.
Erika says
Fascinating – thanks for sharing!