DIY Citronella Candles to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Use these homemade citronella candles to naturally repel mosquitoes and other flying insects on warm summer evenings. Making your own bug-repellent tea lights is simple, affordable, and effective when made with quality ingredients like citronella essential oil and a clean-burning wax.

Citronella oil has long been used to deter insects outdoors. These homemade citronella candles require only a few ingredients—wax, a small amount of carrier oil, and citronella essential oil—and they can be tailored with additional essential oils to broaden their repellent properties. Because you control the ingredients, you can avoid synthetic fragrances and unwanted additives.

HOMEMADE BUG REPELLENT CANDLES

Citronella essential oil is the primary scent that helps keep many insects away. You can make effective candles using only citronella oil, or enhance them by blending other essential oils known for insect-repellent qualities. Start with small containers like tea lights so the scent remains concentrated and effective in the immediate area.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR NATURAL BUG REPELLENT

• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Cedarwood
• Rosemary
• Tea tree
• Peppermint

Blending citronella with eucalyptus or lemongrass may improve repellency against mosquitoes and wasps, while cedarwood is commonly used for deterring ticks. When mixing oils for a candle, be mindful of scent strength and safety—some oils are potent and should be used sparingly.

CITRONELLA OIL CANDLES

To make citronella candles you need a wax, a carrier oil for a smoother burn, wicks, and your chosen essential oils. Soy wax and beeswax are both excellent options; each has slightly different burn characteristics and appearance.

WAX FOR CANDLE MAKING

Beeswax and soy wax both work well for citronella candles. Beeswax is denser and typically burns longer, while soy wax produces a lighter-colored candle and melts at a lower temperature. If you prefer a neutral look, choose white beeswax or refined soy wax. For tea light-style candles, soy wax is a convenient and clean-burning choice.

Adding a small amount of a carrier oil such as coconut oil can help the candle burn a bit more slowly and evenly, extending the burn time for small tea lights.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BUG REPELLENT CANDLES

It takes a noticeable amount of essential oil to scent candle wax sufficiently for outdoor repellent use. I recommend making tea light-sized candles first to determine the right oil volume, then scaling up if you prefer larger containers. Add oils when the melted wax has cooled slightly to preserve the aroma and active properties of the oils.

CANDLE MAKING KIT

You don’t need an elaborate kit to get started—wax, wicks, and a heat-safe pitcher or can are the essentials. Kits can be handy because they often include containers and wick-holding tools, but household items like mason jars, small tins, mugs, or silicone molds also work well for candle-making. For this citronella recipe, small tea light containers are ideal for placement around patios and seating areas.

HOMEMADE CITRONELLA CANDLES

Making these candles is straightforward: melt the wax in a double boiler, stir in a small amount of carrier oil, add citronella (and optional blend oils), secure the wick, pour into molds, and allow to harden. Below is a clear ingredient list and step-by-step method to produce tea light candles that help keep insects at bay while you enjoy evenings outdoors.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ pound soy wax or beeswax
• ¼ cup coconut oil (or another carrier oil)
• Tea light containers or small silicone molds
• Candle wicks
• Metal pitcher, tin, or heat-safe pouring container
• Large pot for use as a double boiler
• Bamboo skewers or pencils to center the wick
• Citronella essential oil (30–50 drops per ½ pound wax as a starting point)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the wax in a metal pitcher or heat-safe can. Use a double boiler: set the container inside a large pot with a few inches of water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and stir occasionally until the wax fully melts. Be careful to avoid splashing water into the wax.
2. Remove the melted wax from heat and stir in the coconut oil to help the candle burn more slowly and evenly.
3. Allow the wax to cool slightly, then add 30–50 drops of citronella essential oil. Stir thoroughly to distribute the oil.
4. Secure a wick to the bottom of each tea light container using a dot of glue or a small piece of wax. Fill each container with the scented wax.
5. Lay a pencil or bamboo skewer across the top of the container and wrap the wick around it to keep the wick centered while the wax hardens.
6. When the wax is fully set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch and your candle is ready for use.

Note: Do not pour melted wax down the sink—let excess wax solidify and dispose of it in the trash to avoid clogging drains.

HOW TO USE CITRONELLA CANDLES AS INSECT REPELLENT?

These candles are intended for outdoor use to help reduce flying insect activity around seating areas. For better coverage, place several tea lights around the perimeter of the space where people will be sitting—on tables, along steps, or around the edge of a patio. Multiple candles create a stronger scent barrier and improve effectiveness.

Always follow candle safety: never leave a burning candle unattended, keep them away from flammable materials, and place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface. If using near plants or fabrics, ensure good ventilation and sufficient distance.

With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, homemade citronella tea lights provide a pleasant, natural way to enjoy evenings outdoors while keeping many common insects at a manageable distance.