5 Candle Scents That Keep Mosquitoes Away And How To Use Them

As summer nights arrive, many people search for natural ways to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay, and one popular option is scented candles. The use of specially designed candles with particular scents has gained attention as a means to repel these unwanted guests.

This article will explore the effectiveness of candle scents in keeping mosquitoes away and offer a closer look at the reasons behind their repellent properties.

Understanding how mosquitoes are attracted to humans is essential for creating effective repellents. Various factors, such as body heat, odor, and CO2, play a role in making us attractive to these insects. By targeting these attractions, we can deter mosquitoes and reduce their presence in our outdoor spaces.

Candle scents are believed to be a natural mosquito deterrent as they mask the odors that lure mosquitoes towards us.

Why Mosquitoes Are Attracted To Us

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain factors that make you a more appetizing target. One of the main aspects they find alluring is the carbon dioxide you exhale. Water is another essential element for mosquitoes, as they lay their eggs in stagnant water and need moisture to survive.

Furthermore, mosquitoes are attracted to specific odors. Have you ever felt like a magnet to mosquitoes on those warm summer nights? It might be due to the odor your skin gives off! Don’t worry, it’s nothing you can control, but rather in your genetics. An article in the Cell Journal found that humans who produce high levels of carboxylic acid are highly attractive to mosquitoes.

6 Ways To Use Candles To Repel Mosquitoes

Candle scents can offer a natural method to repel mosquitoes from your space. They work by masking the attractive odors you emit, thus confusing the mosquitoes and keeping them at bay.

But why do mosquitoes hate these scents?

It’s a combination of their olfactory receptors responding negatively to the smell and the compounds present in particular scents that can have repellent properties. Here are six creative ways to use candle scents to keep mosquitoes away:

1. Place scented candles around your outdoor seating area to create a mosquito-repelling barrier. It’ll protect you and your guests while setting a pleasant ambiance! Haoson’s Citronella Candles are a classic scent to keep mosquitoes away.
2. Incorporate candle scents into your landscaping by adding lanterns or torches filled with mosquito-repelling candles. They will not only brighten your garden but also help deter those unwanted bloodsuckers. Juvale Store’s Black Decorative Candle Lantern is a great way to put your candles to use while also making your yard look decorative and stylish.
3. Combine different scents to create a customized aroma that mosquitoes will find unattractive. You can use essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, or lavender to enhance your candles’ effectiveness.
4. Put candles in strategic locations like entryways, windows, and porches to create a mosquito-repelling barrier around your home.
5. Use scented candles during your evening gatherings, complementing the aroma with mosquito-repellent plants like marigolds, basil, or lemon balm. This dynamic duo will keep your space mosquito-free and smelling fantastic!
6. Get crafty and make your homemade mosquito-repelling candles using beeswax or soy, infused with your chosen essential oils. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to keep mosquitoes away! Hearth & Harbor DIY Making Supply Kit can help you get started.

To make the most of candle scents, be sure to choose wisely, avoiding any that might be attractive to mosquitoes, such as sweet or fruity fragrances. Stick to the natural, mosquito-repelling scents, and you’ll transform your home into a bite-free oasis!

Other Natural Mosquito Repellents

Essential Oils

You may not know, but some essential oils can act as natural mosquito repellents. Not only do they work great, but they also smell wonderful. Some popular ones include:

Essential Oil	Why Mosquitoes are Repelled
Citronella	Masks the scent of carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which are attractants for mosquitoes
Lemon Eucalyptus	Contains a compound called PMD that disrupts the mosquito’s sense of smell
Peppermint	Contains menthol, which mosquitoes find overwhelming and unpleasant
Lavender	Masks the scent of carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which are attractants for mosquitoes
Tea Tree	Contains terpinen-4-ol, which has been shown to repel mosquitoes
Lemongrass	Contains citral, which has been shown to repel mosquitoes
Cedarwood	Contains sesquiterpenes, which repel mosquitoes
Rosemary	Contains camphor and 1,8-cineole, which have been shown to repel mosquitoes

One might wonder, how do you incorporate these oils into candles? Simply mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil into melted wax before pouring it into a candle mold. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made candles infused with these oils. EORISH Store Eucalyptus Lemon Candles combine two strong mosquito-repelling scents. Just light them up, and mosquitoes will buzz away!

Plants

Mother Nature is always one step ahead, providing us with plants to help ward off pesky mosquitoes. Plant these in your garden, or place potted versions near your doors and windows.

Among the plant-based repellents, you’ll find:

• Catnip: Surprisingly, catnip is more than just a feline favorite—mosquitoes loathe it!
• Lavender: This aromatic plant does double duty, as its oil and flowers both repel mosquitoes.
• Lemongrass: Thanks to its high citronella oil content, this plant is a natural mosquito repellent.
• Peppermint: Plant this around your home and enjoy a mosquito-free environment.

Soap

Believe it or not, soap can be more than just a cleaning agent—it can also help keep mosquitoes at bay! By creating your very own mosquito-repelling soap, you’re tackling two birds with one stone.

Here’s how: Simply melt a base soap, add a few drops of essential oils mentioned earlier (lavender, citronella, peppermint, or lemongrass oil), and pour into a mold. Let it harden, and voilà! Now you can cleanse your hands while warding off those pesky critters.

Candle Scents That Deter Mosquitoes

Citronella Candles

Looking for a classic scent to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay? Look no further than citronella candles. Derived from citronella oil, these candles have long been thought to deter mosquitoes.

Lemon or Lemongrass Candles

A fan of citrus scents? Both lemon and lemongrass candles can help in your quest to stay bite-free. Mosquitoes are not fans of these scents, and they can act as natural deterrents. A great way to keep mosquitoes away is to use a lemon or lemongrass-scented oil diffuser instead of a candle for an even better repelling effect.

Mint Scented Candles

Looking for a refreshing alternative to classic insect repellents? Peppermint and other mint-scented candles can help keep mosquitoes at bay. These flavorsome scents are generally disliked by these tiny troublemakers, making mint-based candles another suitable choice for warding off the dreaded insect bites.

Eucalyptus Candles

A fresh and earthy-smelling alternative, eucalyptus candles can help in deterring mosquitoes as well. The natural chemical found in lemon eucalyptus, called p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), is one of the five chemicals recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency as a mosquito repellent.

So, it’s not just your imagination that those lovely eucalyptus candles seem to keep the mosquitoes away!

Floral Scented Candles

For those who prefer a sweeter scent, floral options such as lavender or rose geranium candles can also keep mosquitoes at bay. Dianne’s Custom Candles Lavender has a strong lavender scent that smells pleasant to us but keeps those winged nuisances away.

These fragrances may not be as commonly known for their mosquito-repelling properties, but they can effectively help in minimizing the number of mosquitoes buzzing around.

Creative Ways to Use Candle Scents

Here are six ways you can use these scented candles to keep mosquitoes away:

1. Place candle hurricanes or lanterns on outdoor tables
2. Line your walkway or steps with scented candles
3. Hang dangling candle holders from tree branches or pergolas
4. Utilize floating candles in water features, like small ponds
5. Place scented candles in wall sconces around seating areas
6. Combine different scents for a more powerful mosquito-repellent effect

Remember, using these scented candles can add a layer of protection against mosquitoes. However, they should not be considered your sole method of repelling these pesky insects. Complementing their use with other methods may be necessary for ultimate protection.

How To Use Mosquito Repellent Candles Outdoors

Mosquito-repelling candles, especially those containing citronella, can be a helpful tool in making your outdoor spaces more pleasant and mosquito-free. These candles come in various scents and sizes, providing a natural way to keep backyards and patios pest-free.

Backyard Use

Using mosquito-repellent candles in your backyard can make a significant difference in reducing mosquito activity. Citronella candles, for example, release a scent that confuses and repels mosquitoes, thus making it harder for them to find and bother you.

To maximize their effectiveness in your backyard, follow these tips:

• Even distribution: Place numerous smaller candles around the area or use a few larger ones to create a barrier of scent.
• Coverage: Ensure coverage of the entire space by positioning candles on tables, railings, or other elevated surfaces, so their scent is better dispersed.
• Wind direction: Keep in mind the direction of the wind and place the candles upwind, so the scent is dispersed across the area where you want to repel mosquitoes.

Keep in mind that mosquito-repellent candles work best in combination with other environmentally friendly methods like removing standing water and encouraging natural predators like birds and bats.

Patio Placement

To make the most of mosquito-repelling candles on your patio, consider the following steps:

1. Perimeter: Place the candles around the perimeter of your patio space to create a scent barrier between you and the mosquitoes.
2. Height: Use candle holders or elevated surfaces to position the candles at least a couple of feet above the ground for the most effective scent dispersion.
3. Complement with plants: Incorporate mosquito-repelling plants, such as lavender or basil, to enhance the overall effectiveness of your outdoor mosquito control strategy.
4. Long-lasting: Opt for candles with a slow burn time, ensuring they will last throughout the evening, providing continuous protection.

Keep in mind that no single method, including mosquito-repellent candles, can completely eliminate mosquitoes from your backyard or patio. Using these candles in conjunction with other natural approaches will ensure a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

How To Make A DIY Anti-Mosquito Candles

Materials Required

To make your own anti-mosquito candles, gather the following items:

• Wax (preferably soy or beeswax)
• Cotton wicks
• Essential oils: cinnamon, citronella, and coconut
• A double boiler or a glass container and pot
• A candle mold or heat-proof container
• A stirring spoon
• A thermometer

Creating the Blend

To create an effective blend that keeps mosquitoes at bay, you’ll need to mix essential oils derived from cinnamon, citronella, and/or coconut. Research suggests that these scents can provide a natural repellent against mosquitoes.

1. Measure 1 oz of each essential oil for 4 oz of wax.
2. Mix the chosen essential oils together in a small container.
3. Check the suggested blending ratios provided by the essential oil manufacturers for a balanced and harmonious scent.

Here are six creative blends of essential oils you might consider:

• Cinnamon and coconut
• Citronella and cinnamon
• Coconut and citronella
• Cinnamon, coconut, and citronella
• Cinnamon, eucalyptus, and coconut
• Citronella, lavender, and coconut

Infusing the Candle

Now, you’re ready to create the candles that repel those pesky mosquitoes:

1. Heat the wax in a double boiler or glass container in a pot of boiling water. Ensure the water doesn’t mix with the wax.
2. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer, and heat the wax until it reaches its melting point.
3. Once the wax is completely melted, add the essential oil blend you created earlier. Stir well to ensure even distribution throughout the wax.
4. Place the cotton wicks in the candle molds or heat-proof containers. You can use a wick holder or tie the wick around a pencil to keep it centered.
5. Pour the infused wax into the molds or containers, ensuring the wick remains in the center.
6. Allow the candles to cool and harden completely before removing them from the molds, or trim the wick if using a heat-proof container.

Now, your DIY anti-mosquito candles are ready! Light them up in your outdoor living area or near open windows and enjoy a mosquito-free space.

Effectiveness of Scented Anti-Mosquito Candles

Research has shown that citronella candles alone may not be very effective at keeping mosquitoes away.

That being said, scented candles can work well as a complementary measure in combination with other prevention methods. For instance, along with the use of candles, you can apply repellent spray and lotions on your skin to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Besides, you can also implement some physical preventative measures like installing screens on windows and doors, and using air conditioning to deter mosquitoes from entering your space.

It’s essential to keep in mind that factors such as wind, the strength of the scent, and the proximity of the candle to the person can influence the effectiveness of scented candles in repelling mosquitoes.

By employing these measures alongside your scented candles, you can significantly improve their effectiveness in making outdoor living areas less attractive to mosquitoes. However, if it seems like you have in infestation of mosquitoes, it might be time to call in the professionals.

Our nationwide pest control finder can connect you with a local pest professional. They can identify what is attracting mosquitoes to your property and how to fix it to keep them away.

That’s A Wrap!

Candle scents can be effective in keeping mosquitoes away, but it’s essential to choose the right ones! Some scents, like citronella, have a minor repellent effect, while others may be more potent.

Let’s review six creative ways to use candle scents to keep these pesky bloodsuckers at bay:

1. Lavender – These little purple flowers give off a sweet aroma that mosquitoes detest. Place lavender-scented candles near windows and doors to create a mosquito barrier.
2. Lemongrass – The natural lemon-citrus scent of lemongrass can serve as a fantastic mosquito repellent. Combine lemongrass-scented candles with other citrusy options for maximum impact.
3. Eucalyptus – The strong, refreshing scent of eucalyptus is unappealing to mosquitoes. Light up eucalyptus-scented candles, especially on warm, humid nights when mosquitoes are most active.
4. Peppermint – Say goodbye to pesky mosquitoes by adding peppermint-scented candles to your arsenal! The cool, minty scent confuses their sense of smell, making it hard for them to track you down.
5. Rosemary – Known for its culinary and medicinal properties, rosemary also serves as an excellent mosquito repellent due to its pungent aroma. Scatter rosemary-scented candles around your outdoor space when hosting a gathering.
6. Cinnamon – The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon is not only inviting to humans but repulsive to mosquitoes. Place cinnamon-scented candles strategically to keep these unwelcome guests away.

Remember, the potency of candle scents can vary, so it’s essential to use them in conjunction with other mosquito-repelling tactics such as eliminating standing water and using screens on windows. By incorporating various strategies, you can create an effective barrier against these annoying insects and enjoy your outdoor space mosquito-free!