Citronella has a long reputation for repelling mosquitoes and other pests. It works by masking our bodies with a distinctive aroma that bugs hate. The top use for Citronella is as an insect repellent due to its natural non-toxic repellent properties. There are loads of commercially produced citronella products available for home use, but most of the time the candles and oils are mixed with cheap and harmful additives. The good news is that making your own citronella candles is easy and you can have a whole stash of them made within an hour.
How To Make Mosquito Repelling Citronella Candles
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Supplies:
- Soy Wax Flakes
- Metal tins or glass jars
- Candle wicks
- Plant Therapy citronella essential oil or other *bug repellent oils such as peppermint, sweet orange, and grapefruit
- Bamboo skewers
- Hot glue gun
- Candle pouring pot or empty tin can
- Large pot
*Mint and citrus are good bug repellents as well, especially if you are not a fan of the smell of citronella.
Glue the candle wicks to the bottom center of each tin.
Pour the soy wax flakes into the candle pouring pot or empty tin. You will need twice as much soy flakes than the volume of your candle tin or jar. For example, if you have a four-ounce tin, you will need eight ounces of wax. Place the candle pouring pot into a larger pot with enough water that will go up the sides of the candle pot. Heat the water (not to a boil) until the wax starts to melt. Use a bamboo skewer to mix the flakes to expedite the melting.
Once the wax has melted, let it cool down for a few minutes. Then, add in about 30-40 drops of citronella oil to the wax and stir.
Pour the wax into the tins leaving a 1/4 inch headspace.
Wrap the excess wick around a bamboo skewer. Rest the skewer on the rim of the tin. Let the wax cool and solidify.
Once the wax has thoroughly hardened, unwrap the wick from the skewer.
Trim the wick to just a tad less than 1/2 inch.
Light the candles and scare away the bugs!
