Keep pesky mosquitoes at bay with easy, homemade citronella candles. Learn how to make these natural bug repellents to enjoy summer evenings bite-free.
Repel Mosquitoes Naturally with Homemade Candles
Make your outdoor evenings more comfortable by crafting your own citronella candles using simple ingredients and a few basic tools.
Introduction
Summer nights are made for relaxing on the patio, hosting garden parties, or simply enjoying the breeze from your balcony. But nothing ruins a calm evening faster than a swarm of mosquitoes. Instead of reaching for chemical sprays, why not make your own natural bug-repelling citronella candles?
These DIY candles are easy to make, cost-effective, and add a charming, rustic touch to your outdoor decor. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create citronella candles step by step using essential oils and eco-friendly materials.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
This article will teach you how to:
- Choose the right containers and wax
- Add essential oils that repel insects
- Safely pour and set your candles
- Use your homemade candles effectively outdoors
By the end, you’ll have beautiful, handcrafted citronella candles that not only work but also look great on your patio or garden table.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Wax: Soy wax or beeswax (both burn clean and hold scent well)
- Wicks: Cotton wicks with metal tabs
- Citronella essential oil: Natural mosquito repellent
- Optional oils: Lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender (for added scent)
- Containers: Mason jars, recycled tins, teacups, or small glass jars
- Double boiler: Or a makeshift one using a pot and heatproof bowl
- Glue dots or hot glue gun: To secure wicks in place
- Wooden skewers or chopsticks: To hold wicks centered
- Thermometer (optional): To check wax temperature
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Containers
Clean your jars or tins thoroughly. Use a glue dot or hot glue to stick the metal tab of the wick to the bottom center of the container. Wrap the top of the wick around a skewer and rest it across the jar opening to keep the wick upright and centered.
2. Melt the Wax
Place wax in a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts. For soy wax, you’ll need about 2 cups of wax flakes for every 8 oz jar. Once fully melted, remove from heat.
3. Add Essential Oils
Let the wax cool slightly (to around 130–140°F / 54–60°C) before adding oils. Add about 15–20 drops of citronella oil per 8 oz of wax. If desired, add 5–10 drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil for a more pleasant scent.
4. Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the wax into your prepared containers. Hold the wick in place if needed, and leave a bit of space at the top of the jar.
5. Let the Candles Set
Allow the candles to cool and harden completely (about 2–4 hours). Once solid, trim the wick to about ¼ inch.
6. Decorate (Optional)
You can add a label, tie some twine around the jar, or place the candle inside a lantern for a stylish outdoor touch.
Final Tips & Conclusion
DIY citronella candles are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without being eaten alive by bugs. They’re natural, customizable, and perfect for summer evenings.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Burn candles in areas where people gather for best results
- Use multiple candles for larger spaces
- Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use
- Reuse the containers for your next batch
Now you’re ready to create a calm, bug-free zone on your porch, patio, or garden. Your summer nights just got a lot more enjoyable! 🌿🕯️
A Real-Life Experience: My First DIY Citronella Candle Project
Last summer, I hosted a small dinner on my balcony, and within minutes we were swatting away mosquitoes. I remembered a friend telling me about citronella candles, so the next day I decided to make my own. I used some old jam jars, soy wax I had left from a previous project, and a bottle of citronella oil I bought online.
The process was surprisingly easy and even a little therapeutic. My first batch turned out better than expected, and I was thrilled to see how effective they were. A few nights later, we lit them during a sunset hangout, and not a single mosquito showed up.
Since then, I’ve made more for friends and even used them as eco-friendly summer gifts. They’re practical, pretty, and make you feel like a total DIY pro—even if you’re just starting out.
