12 DIY Outdoor Candles to Keep Bugs Away
Are you ready to try DIY outdoor candles? Find the best gathered here made with essentials that repel mosquitoes.
DIY outdoor candles can make all the difference! Having a relaxing evening on the patio, in your backyard, or by the pool can seem impossible if you are constantly getting bitten by mosquitoes. Especially if you are more sensitive to mosquito bites or worse if you are allergic (yep that’s a real allergy).
My daughter and I happen to be a part of the sensitive crowd with itchy bites that swell up to the size of half a dollar and last for days. Maybe that’s why I have been known to compare mosquitoes to blood-sucking vampires from popular blockbuster movies who soar the skies in search of their next victim.
No matter how you look at them, mosquitoes are a pain! DIY outdoor candles can go a long way in preventing mosquito bites.
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How do you keep mosquitoes away outdoors using candles?
Making bug-repellent candles for outdoors is a fairly simple process. But, it is only effective when the star ingredient is an essential oil that’s proven to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Thankfully, the herbalist in me has learned how to repel mosquitoes naturally by using essential oils derived from herbs, so my family and I spend as much time as we like outdoors without worrying about mosquito bites.
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What essential oils repel mosquitoes?
There are a handful of essential oils derived from herbs that contain the unique ability to attract and repel insects, including mosquitoes. I explain how this works here in my article for The Herbal Academy. The herbarium and self-paced courses at the Academy are a great way to study herbs.
Citronella, Cymbopogon nardus a.k.a. citronella grass, and its relative Lemongrass, Cymbopogon spp. are the most popular essential oils used for bug-repelling candles. Others include:
- Lemon Eucalyptus Corymbia Citriodora
- Lavender Lavandula spp.
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. Myrtaceae
- Sage Salvia officinalis
- Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
- Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis
- Peppermint Mentha × Piperita
And the majority of these can be found in essential oil form. So you can choose one or more to create bug repellent outdoor candles that are effective and pleasing to your nose!
Related To: How to Make Multi Wick Candles
What are the best outdoor candles?
The best outdoor candles are those that include an essential oil that’s proven to keep mosquitoes at bay. If you are ready to try some DIY outdoor candle recipes, you’ll find the best gathered below. Keep in mind that you can always modify the recipes to include your favorite essential oils.
If this is your first time making DIY candles, don’t miss our beginner candle making guide. Use our candle wax type charts from the Simple Living Library and our candle wax calculator to help you craft your first candles in any container of your choosing!
12 DIY Outdoor Candles to Keep Bugs Away
Are you ready to try DIY outdoor candles? Find the best gathered here made with essential oils and plants that repel mosquitoes!
1. How To Make Citronella Candles
If you haven’t made your own candles before or if you are a beginner candle maker this recipe to make citronella candles is pretty straightforward. It is explained in detail making it a great place to start on your homemade candle quest!
2. DIY Insect-Repellent Citronella Diffusers
This is an interesting alternative to a citronella candle. The diffuser heats a DIY mixture of beeswax, coconut oil, and bug-repelling essential oils. What’s interesting is that the beeswax mixture doesn’t evaporate and is reusable. It’s also an easy way to diffuse other essential oils in your home, not just outdoors.
3. Herbal DIY Citronella Candles
For these mosquito repellent outdoor candles, I choose wood wicks harvested from sustainable sources because I love their crackling sound! Not only are citronella candles effective as an outdoor mosquito repellent, but they also have a rich, crisp lemony aroma thanks to citronella and lemongrass. The candles smell fresh, clean, and happy which is fitting for the summer season!
4. DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles
Melting and pouring hot wax can be intimidating for some but there is no need for that if you want to make these mosquito-repellent jar candles. The jars are filled with lemon and lime slices, a few sprigs of basil, lemongrass, and a bug-repelling essential oil and water. Then, a floating candle is added and all you have left to do is to light it up!
5. DIY Terracotta Candles
You’ll agree these DIY terracotta candles are just the thing for a bohemian-style gathering. Hand-poured beeswax into rustic terracotta candle pots, they have all the charm of bohemian style. A sublime pairing of natural textures and colors defines the carefree vibe of relaxed, boho style. And each is perfect for entertaining all year, indoors or out. Maybe that’s why I’m obsessed with making these!
6. DIY Citronella Candle With Lavender
If you’re not a fan of the scent of citronella but you still want to use it because of its effectiveness you can always pair it with another oil such as lavender to soften its scent. Both essential oils are really good at keeping bugs at bay and this recipe is quick and simple.
7. Citronella Lemon Bowl Candles
“Is there anything more satisfying than an end-of-summer get-together under the stars sharing stories and a farm-to-table meal?” This recipe for DIY citronella lemon bowl candles came about with summertime outdoor meals in mind. Each lemon candle naturally repels insects with essential oils and dried herbs.
Together they make a beautiful centerpiece or small arrangements on outdoor tables. Make an extra dozen to send home with guests for an evening you won’t soon forget.
8. Balloon Dipped DIY Citronella Candle
Who says homemade candles can’t look amazing? Add a pop of color to your patio with these colorful balloon-dipped citronella candles. The creative gals at Sugar and Cloth say, “These DIY Citronella Candles are the perfect way to impress guests and keep those pesky mosquitoes away!”
9. DIY Natural Insect Repellent Jars
Here is another easy idea to create insect repellent jars perfect for the outdoors. Lemons, limes, fresh rosemary, and a few of your favorite mosquito-repelling essential oils do the trick with a floating votive on top!
10. Anti-Mosquitoes Scented Candles DIY
I don’t think there’s a more adorable recipe for making DIY outdoor candles with insect-repelling properties. I love how Sarah repurposed vintage teacups and dainty mugs to make these candles to enjoy her garden without biting insects.
11. Easy Outdoor Citronella Tea Light Candles
Making outdoor citronella tea light candles to repel bugs is easy and quick with this candle hack. These citronella candle tea lights are perfect for not just the patio, but the beach and camping too because their lightweight design allows you to carry them along.
12. Lemon Rosemary Floating Mosquito Repellent Candles
A summer evening outdoors is nothing but bliss, until the mosquito slapping begins. These lemon rosemary floating mosquito repellent candles are just the thing to keep bugs at bay and enjoy the outdoors without their relentless attention.
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If you are eager to spend more time outdoors this year too without biting insects swarming around, turn to these excellent bug-repelling DIY outdoor candles made with effective essential oils.
P.S. Find everything you need to make candles in our handy DIY candle supply index!
Which of these outdoor candle recipes are you going to make first? I’d love to hear – leave a comment or tag #lifenreflection on Instagram to share. Don’t forget to Pin this list of the best candles for outdoors now!