What Are The Best Candles To Keep Bugs Away?

Using candles to repel insects is a popular natural alternative to chemical insect repellents. When certain essential oils are burned in candles, they release a scent that helps deter mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and other biting insects. The aroma overwhelms the insect’s senses so they are less likely to be attracted to humans. Candle repellents provide a safer and non-toxic option compared to chemical sprays and lotions.

Chemical bug sprays often contain DEET or other harsh ingredients. There are concerns about these chemicals being absorbed into the skin and risks associated with overuse. People with sensitive skin may experience irritation from chemical repellents as well. Candles rely on plant-based essential oils, making them a gentler way to enjoy the outdoors without worries about bites or allergic reactions.

Candle repellents allow people to create an insect-free zone on their porch, patio, or campsite. The scented aroma provides ambient protection in a natural way. With some strategic placement, candles can be an easy, pleasantly scented deterrent for mosquitoes and other pests.

How Candle Repellents Work

Candle repellents rely on two key factors to help deter insects like mosquitoes – the scent of the candle and the smoke/heat it generates when lit. Certain scents that naturally repel bugs are commonly used in insect-repelling candles, like citronella and lemongrass. The oils from these plants contain compounds like geraniol and citronellal that bugs find unpleasant or overwhelming. According to Citronella scented candles work effectively to repel mosquitoes and insects when burned in the immediate area. The scent of the citronella oil in the tea tree wax candle helps overwhelm the mosquito’s senses so they are less likely to bite you. https://www.lumabase.com/blog/2020/05/candles-made-of-citronella-oil-work-effectively-to-repel-mosquitoes-and-insects/

When lit, insect repelling candles also generate smoke and heat which can deter bugs from entering the immediate vicinity. Mosquitoes and other flying insects tend to avoid smoke, as it impairs their ability to navigate the air currents and detect hosts. The heat from the candle flame also makes the area uncomfortable for bugs.

Best Candle Scents

Certain essential oils and fragrances used in candles have natural bug repelling properties. The most effective scents for keeping insects at bay include:

Citronella

Citronella oil, which comes from lemongrass, is one of the most well-known bug repelling scents. Citronella candles have been used for decades to help keep mosquitoes away at outdoor gatherings and events. According to The New York Times, while citronella may not be as effective at repelling mosquitoes as DEET, it does provide some repellent effects, especially when concentrated in candle form (Source).

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is known for its pleasant floral aroma that humans enjoy, but bugs find unappealing. Lavender oil has been used as an insect repellent for centuries. Suffolk Candles states that lavender oil deters mosquitoes, flies, and moths (Source).

Peppermint

The strong minty smell of peppermint oil can mask human scents that attract mosquitoes and other bugs. Peppermint candles can create a bubble of bug protection. According to The Melt Co., peppermint oil repels spiders, ants, mosquitoes, and flies when burned in a candle (Source).

Eucalyptus

Like peppermint, the pronounced smell of eucalyptus oil covers up odors that draw in mosquitoes. Eucalyptus also has natural repellent effects against flies and gnats when used in candles.

Candle Features

To be most effective at repelling mosquitoes and other bugs, candles should have certain features. Long burn times allow the candle to provide bug protection for an extended period, typically 6-12 hours per candle. Look for products that advertise long burn times, often 8 hours or more per candle. Natural materials like essential oils tend to work better than synthetic ingredients, providing pleasant scents that bugs dislike. Tight-fitting lids help the candle remain lit outdoors while also preventing bugs from getting into the candle when not lit. Other useful features include being citronella-free, made in the USA, having recyclable materials, and being smokeless.

Placement Tips

Strategically placing citronella candles around your home or outdoor space can help maximize their effectiveness at repelling mosquitoes and other bugs. Here are some key placement tips to consider:

Near seating areas: Position citronella candles near where people will be sitting outside, such as on a patio, porch, or deck. The candles will help create a protective zone around you while you relax or dine outdoors. Place citronella candles on tables, railings, or hanging lanterns near chairs.

Doorways and windows: Put citronella candles near exterior doors, garage doors, screened patios, and open windows. These access points to your home are areas bugs often try to fly or crawl through, so placing candles there can deter them from entering.

Areas bugs tend to gather: Think about problem spots where you notice mosquitoes and other flying insects clustering. Place citronella candles around these bug hot spots to help break up swarms and drive the pests away. Target areas like flower beds, bushes, and trees.

Safety Considerations

When using candles to repel mosquitoes and other bugs, it’s important to keep safety in mind. According to The New York Times, you should always supervise burning candles and keep them away from flammable items like curtains or paper. Citronella and other essential oil candles can get very hot, so it’s critical to place them on a stable, nonflammable surface. Never leave a lit candle unattended. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Read and follow all safety warnings from the manufacturer. With proper precautions, using candles to repel bugs can be done safely.

Top Picks

When looking for the best candles to keep bugs away, these top-rated products rise above the rest:

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candles

Murphy’s Naturals repellent candles contain citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary oils to naturally deter mosquitoes and other bugs. Reviewers say these candles are highly effective for creating outdoor bug-free zones. They come in both citronella and lemongrass scents. According to Food & Wine, these are the best repellent candles for mosquito magnets.

Cutter CitroGuard Candles

Cutter’s CitroGuard candles contain 5% citronella oil and can repel mosquitoes for up to 20 feet. The lemon-scented candles burn for up to 35 hours. Reviewers on Amazon say these citronella candles work well for small outdoor spaces like patios. Place 3-4 candles around your seating area for optimal bug protection.

Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candles

Repel makes insect repellent candles that contain a high concentration of citronella oil. They are meant to repel mosquitos and other flying insects from areas up to 225 square feet. According to reviews on Home Depot’s site, these candles are most effective when there is no wind. Use several candles at once to cover a larger area.

LiBa Bug Repellent Citronella Candles

LiBa’s citronella candles are made with a proprietary blend of essential oils including citronella, lemongrass, and geraniol. Reviewers say these candles effectively keep mosquitos at bay and have a pleasant scent. Place them around patios, decks, gardens, and other outdoor areas to create a 15 x 15 feet bug-free zone.

Paraffin Wax Citronella Candles by MegaGood

MegaGood makes 100% paraffin wax candles blended with citronella essential oil to naturally repel insects. Reviewers say these candles emit a strong lemony scent and work well for creating a bug barrier on patios and decks. Place several around seating areas for optimal mosquito protection.

DIY Options

For a natural and cost effective alternative, many people opt to make their own candles using essential oils that help repel insects. Some of the most popular oils to use include:

• Citronella oil – This oil has a strong, lemon-like scent that masks human odors. It’s commonly used in commercial insect repellent candles. Add about 3 drops per ounce of wax (source).



• Eucalyptus oil – This has a strong herbal scent. Mix in several drops per candle (source).
• Lemon, lemongrass, and orange oils – The citrus scents help disguise human smells and repel insects (source).
• Basil, lavender, peppermint, and rosemary oils – These have natural repellent properties against certain insects (source).

Many DIY recipes suggest combining a few complementary scents like citronella and lemongrass. It’s best to avoid overwhelming smells. Test out oil mixes to find the right balance for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about using candles to repel bugs:

Do citronella candles really keep mosquitoes away?

According to research, citronella candles are not very effective at repelling mosquitoes. The citronella oil does not evaporate and spread efficiently enough when burned in a candle. Citronella candles are better for providing light and ambient fragrance rather than insect repellency. For effective protection, use an EPA-registered insect repellent like DEET instead.

What scent candle works best to repel mosquitoes?

Look for candles made with essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Some candles combine these scents to create a more potent bug repellent effect. The Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle contains a blend of citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and other oils.

Can I use a regular scented candle to keep bugs away?

Most regular scented candles like vanilla or apple cinnamon do not contain special oils or ingredients to repel mosquitoes. However, some strong scents like peppermint or eucalyptus may provide minimal bug repelling benefits.

Where should I place bug repelling candles?

For best results, place candle lanterns or torches near outdoor gathering areas like patios, decks, or campsites. Position candles upwind from where you’ll be sitting so the fragrance can flow towards you. Avoid placing candles directly on wood surfaces or near flammable materials.

Are citronella candles safe to use indoors?

It’s not recommended to use citronella candles or other bug repelling candles inside your home. The smoke released can be irritating and the strong scents can be overpowering in enclosed spaces.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several effective scented candle options for repelling bugs, with citronella and lemongrass being two of the most popular. When choosing your candle, look for high concentrations of essential oils like these that bugs find unpleasant. Opt for longer burn times, candles with multiple wicks, and strategic placement either outdoors or near doors and windows where bugs tend to enter. While very effective, always be mindful of fire safety with open flame candles.

For the best results, choose a reputable brand of candle with reviews that cite bug repelling success. Test different scents and candle features to determine what works best for your space. Place candles out of reach from children and pets and never leave burning candles unattended. With the right candle, you can create an enjoyable, bug-free environment.