DIY Citronella Outdoor Candle
If those pesky mosquitoes are driving you crazy when you try to sit outside and relax, this easy DIY candle is just what you need! This candle is incredibly easy to make, looks so pretty, and is so effective at keeping those bothersome bugs away!
Now that summer is finally here, it is so great to sit outside in your garden or on your balcony. But is your enjoyment always spoiled by bothersome bugs and mosquitoes?
Up until a few years ago we didn’t have a problem with mosquitoes and it was so lovely. But those terrible little bugs soon found us, and it is now such an issue sitting outside and enjoying our garden when the weather is good.
These DIY citronella candles are super effective at keeping all kinds of critters at bay. They look so pretty and decorative outdoors on tables too. They are great summer decorative centerpieces. But the best part – they are so easy to make. You only need a few supplies to make these candles.
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Supplies Needed to make the Citronella Candles
Glass Jars. The size can be of you choosing. If you want to make these candles portable also have lids available.
Slices of orange
Slices of lemon
Thyme sprigs
15-16 drops Essential Lemon Oil
10 or so drops Citronella Essential Oil
Water
The Ingredients of the Citronella Candles
The ingredients of these candles have been especially chosen for their anti-mosquito and bug-repellent properties.
Citronella is a naturally occurring oil that repels insects, especially mosquitoes. It is used extensively in anti-mosquito candles and oils. Citronella has the strongest smell of any mosquito repellent plants, therefore it is most used.
Thyme is a herb that is known for its insect repellent properties, and it also has a lovely scent.
Lemon is known to repel mosquitoes. Lemons and oranges also have a lovely citrus scent.
How to make the Citronella Candles
Taking the glass jar that you will use, place one slice of the orange, and two slices of lemon into the bottom of the jar.
Place a few sprigs of Thyme on top of the fruit slices.
Pour cold water into the glass jar. Level the water with the lower part of the top area of the jar, so that you have room to place the floating candle on top. Do not overfill.
Put the drops of essential lemon oil and citronella oil into the water.
Place the floating candle on the very top. Light the candle when you are ready to use the candles.
Each candle should give you several hours of bug protection. The more candles you use the more protection you will have!
These candles can be reused time and time again, but you will need to replace the fruit slices and thyme sprigs as they will deteroriate and rot eventually.
These candles can be portable too
If you are planning a picnic, or going somewhere where bugs will be an issue outdoors, you can easily make these candles portable.
Just remove the actual candle and put lids on the jars to transport them without spills. Once you get to where you are going and need to use the candles, just remove the kids, and place the candle part back on top of the opened jar.
Other Ingredients you can use in the Candles
You could also use great smelling herbs such as lavender in these candles. Dried lavender sprigs would also work well placed down inside the jar. Lavender is another natural mosquito-repellent too.
If you do not have thyme, you could also use Basil, which has great insect-repellent properties too. Lemon balm is also good, as is peppermint and mint too. Rosemary also has some anti-bug repellent properties.
If you have a particularly bad mosquito problem in your garden, one of the best and most effective tips is to get rid of any standing water that may be in your garden. This could be standing water in plant pots and other containers. By getting rid of that standing water you are not allowing a place for the mosquitoes to breed and multiply.
Enjoy your garden and outdoor space this summer with these easy to make, beautiful, Citronella Candles!
If those pesky mosquitoes are driving you crazy when you try to sit outside and relax, this easy DIY candle is just what you need! This candle is incredibly easy to make, looks so pretty, and is so effective at keeping those bothersome bugs away!
