Citronella is well-known for keeping mosquitoes and other pests at bay. It works by covering our bodies with a smell that insects dislike. The main reason people use Citronella is because it’s a natural, non-toxic insect repellent.

While there are plenty of commercially available citronella products for home use, many of these candles and oils are mixed with cheap and harmful additives. Luckily, making your own citronella candles is simple and you can have a whole batch ready in about an hour.

How To Make Mosquito-Repelling Citronella Candles

Supplies Needed:
– Soy Wax Flakes
– Metal tins or glass jars
– Candle wicks
– Citronella essential oil or other bug-repellent oils like peppermint, sweet orange, and grapefruit
– Bamboo skewers
– Hot glue gun
– Candle pouring pot or empty tin can
– Large pot

First, glue the candle wicks to the bottom center of each tin.

Next, pour the soy wax flakes into the candle pouring pot or an empty tin can. You will need double the amount of soy flakes compared to your tin or jar’s volume. For instance, a four-ounce tin requires eight ounces of wax.

Place the candle pouring pot into a larger pot filled with enough water to reach up the sides of the candle pot. Heat the water until the wax starts to melt, but don’t let it boil. Stir the flakes with a bamboo skewer to help them melt faster.

Once the wax has melted, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add about 30-40 drops of citronella oil and stir.

Pour the wax into the tins, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Wrap the excess wick around a bamboo skewer and rest the skewer on the rim of the tin. Allow the wax to cool and harden.

After the wax has solidified, unwrap the wick from the skewer and trim it to just under 1/2 inch.

Now, light the candles and enjoy a bug-free environment!