Citronella is well-known for keeping mosquitoes and other pests at bay. It works by covering our scent with a smell that bugs can’t stand. The main reason people use citronella is because it’s a natural and non-toxic way to repel insects. While there are many citronella products you can buy, they often contain harmful additives. The good news is that making your own citronella candles is simple, and you can make a bunch in about an hour.

How To Make Mosquito-Repelling Citronella Candles

Here’s what you’ll need:
– Soy Wax Flakes
– Metal tins or glass jars
– Candle wicks
– Plant Therapy citronella essential oil or other bug-repellent oils like peppermint, sweet orange, and grapefruit
– Bamboo skewers
– Hot glue gun
– Candle pouring pot or an empty tin can
– Large pot

Mint and citrus oils are also good at repelling bugs if you don’t like the smell of citronella.

Steps:
1. Glue the candle wicks to the bottom center of each tin.
2. Pour the soy wax flakes into the candle pouring pot or empty tin. Use twice as much soy flakes as the volume of your candle tin or jar. For example, if you have a four-ounce tin, use eight ounces of wax.
3. Place the candle pouring pot into a larger pot filled with enough water to cover the sides of the candle pot.
4. Heat the water (but don’t let it boil) until the wax starts to melt. Stir the flakes with a bamboo skewer to help them melt faster.
5. Once the wax is melted, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add about 30-40 drops of citronella oil and stir.
6. Pour the wax into the tins, leaving a 1/4 inch space at the top.
7. Wrap the extra wick around a bamboo skewer and rest the skewer on the rim of the tin. Let the wax cool and harden.
8. Once the wax is solid, unwrap the wick from the skewer.
9. Trim the wick to just under 1/2 inch.
10. Light the candles and enjoy a bug-free environment!