Spending time outside relaxing or eating with pesky bugs flying and crawling around is annoying. It is hard to enjoy yourself when constantly bothered by bugs. Bug-repellent candles are special candles that keep annoying insects away. They use natural plant oils and smoke that bugs do not like so they avoid you. These candles make it nicer to host barbecues, read on the patio, dine outdoors, or do other activities without bugs ruining it. There are many good reasons to try using bug-repellent candles.

What are Bug Repellent Candles

Bug repellent candles use ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus oils that bugs dislike. When you light the candle, it gives off gentle smoke containing these oils so bugs stay away from that area. Many bug repellent candles also contain soy wax or beeswax as better burning materials than standard paraffin wax. They have cotton wicks instead of wire wicks too. The candles give off pleasant smoke rather than spraying messy chemicals to repel bugs.

How Bug Repellent wax Candles Work

The natural essential oils in the candle smoke smell bad to bugs. So when the wax candles are lit and the smoke moves around your deck or patio, bugs smell it in the air. They do not like the strong smell so they avoid going near that area. The smoke makes a zone around your space that bugs hesitate to enter, allowing you peace without them landing on you or buzzing in your face. The smoke tricks bugs into thinking your yard is not a nice place for them to be.

What Bug Repellent Candles Used For

People use bug repellent candles when spending time outdoors in spring through summer when annoying insects come around. They keep away various bugs like mosquitos, flies, wasps, gnats, ticks, and spiders. Good spots to use the candles include decks, gardens, patios, picnic areas, pools, outdoor kitchens, etc. The candles provide a bug-free space so you can relax outside without dealing with pests.

Ingredients in Bug Repellent Candles

Bug repellent candles contain:

• Essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint and geraniol oils
• Soy wax or beeswax as clean burning wax
• Cotton wicks instead of metal wicks
• Tin or glass containers suitable for outdoor use

These create pleasant smoke that repels insects when burned.

Benefits of Bug Repellent Candles

Avoid Bug Bites and Diseases

Mosquito bites often trigger itchy welts or fluid-filled blisters from injected saliva. Other bugs also deliver annoying bites leaving marks. Candles prevent bites helping avoid scratching and the risk of secondary skin infections. Fewer bites also lower the risk of contracting insect-borne diseases like West Nile, Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever from mosquitos and ticks.

Host Pest-Free Events

Guests become hesitant to return for backyard BBQs and reunions if they end up swatting flies and wasps all evening. Lit citronella candles create an invisible boundary keeping flying pests safely away from food platters and faces. Friends can focus on meaningful connections instead of just comparing itchy bite marks!

Natural Insecticides

Unlike the harsh smell and oily residue from chemical foggers and sprays that require extensive safety gear, essential oil wax candles provide gentle odor-based insect aversion free of toxic exposures. Their renewable soy and beeswax ingredients also align with eco-conscious lifestyles.

Enhance Ambiance

The warm glow cast just after sunset by flickering candle flames infuses patios with welcoming charm and sparked conversation energy lasting late into spectacular summer starry nights. Citronella aroma even adds a refreshing zest to the air. Who needs electric lighting when candlelight entertains so elegantly?

Budget Savings

Rather than expensive electric zappers requiring protective skin covers, a few strategically placed citronella oil candles effectively protect large yard spaces at pennies per hour. Their safety enables all ages to comfortably mingle worry-free all evening with minimal monitoring.

Easy Application

Simply positioning unlit candles around the patio takes a few minutes. Lighting their wicks requires just an extended match or lighter. No cumbersome cords, refill tanks, or safety equipment to maintain. Easy convenience makes candles a crowd-pleaser sure to get used regularly.

Pleasant Aromas

Many users find the lemony citronella scent complements outdoors fun rather than detracting like chemical odors. Customizable oils allow matching fragrances to preferences so everyone enjoys the experience.

Potential Side Effects

Bug repellent wax candles contain natural ingredients that are safe when used properly on non-flammable surfaces away from kids and pets. Very rarely people could discover scents too strong or candles may tip over if not placed correctly. Following basic safety steps minimizes any risks so you just benefit from reduced bugs.

DIY Bug Repellent Candles

For those wanting to create custom backyard bug protection, crafting homemade candles allows you to tweak your perfect botanical oil blends at a fraction of boutique pricing.

Ingredients – Beeswax or soy wax candle base, essential oils like citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, cotton or paper tabbed wicks, jar containers, or silicone molds.

Process – Set up a double boiler, gently melting wax avoiding scorching. Mix selected essential oils into melted wax, and stir thoroughly. Carefully pour just enough melted wax into containers to anchor wicks. Add remaining wax leaving 1⁄4 inch headspace. Allow candles to completely harden 48+ hours before burning. Consider pairing unscented wax layers with infused layers for a lighter aroma.

Tips – Soy wax holds scent oils better than paraffin or gel wax options. Infusing organic ingredients like dried flowers or spices boosts visual flair. For travel candles, pour into reusable silicone molds with lidded tins making transport clean and easy.

Safety – Work in well-ventilated spaces away from open flames. Use thermometers to avoid overheating wax. Carefully handle hot items. Supervise children and pets near melting containers.

Supplies – Candle-making websites offer starter kits with wax, wicks, jars, and dyes to simplify beginnings. As skills advance, explore purchasing components like premium oils and artisan wicks wholesale to increase savings on batches.

With some creativity and care infusing natural oils into candlewax, beautiful handmade bug repelling wax candles make inexpensive gifts and unique centerpieces sure to kindle conversations at your next garden party!

What to Expect from Bug Repellent wax Candles

Expect that within 5-10 minutes of lighting quality bug repellent candles:

• A noticeable decrease in bugs approaching protected areas as aroma disperses
• Botanical smoke scent spreads keeping flies, mosquitos, gnats, and wasps at bay
• Pleasant lemon-herbal smells to enhance the ambiance
• Effects last 6-10 hours per candle allowing enjoyment without frequent replenishing

How Long Does it Take to Work

Allow newly lit bug repellent candles for about 10 minutes to build sufficient botanical oil concentration in the smoke to effectively repel insects. For best results, let candles burn for 1-2 hours allowing the wax pool to fully liquify and diffuse all oils. Extinguish candles once finished outdoors so aromas quickly dissipate.

How to Get the Best Results

Position candles strategically around the perimeter of the space you want to protect rather than clustering in one spot. Choose spots upwind from seating areas so smoke flows across gathering spaces. Using more candles intensifies repellent effects for very large yards and party tents.

Where to Buy Bug Repellent Candles

Find quality pre-made bug repellent candles at:

• Hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s
• Online retailers like Amazon
• Outdoor and camping supply stores
• Seek candles made with real plant oils, not vague “essential oils” claims. Top brands include Cutter, Murphy’s Naturals, and Repel.

Pricing of Bug Repellent Candles

Pricing averages:

• $5 – $15 per individual 6-12 hour citronella candle
• $15 – $30 for multi-packs of 3-4 candle bundles

Higher prices typically signal better ingredients like concentrated citronella oil and pure beeswax.

Best Bug Repellent Candles

Among top-rated candles for repelling mosquitos, flies, wasps, and other pests are:

Cutter Natural Insect Repellent Citronella Candles

Introducing the Cutter 95783 Citronella Candle – the perfect solution for keeping pesky mosquitoes and other flying insects at bay while enjoying the outdoors!

Made with real citronella oil, this 17-ounce candle burns for up to 30 hours, providing a gentle glow that blends in perfectly with any outdoor décor. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, relaxing on the deck, or camping in the great outdoors, Cutter CitroGuard Candles create a perimeter of protection that repels mosquitoes and other flying insects, allowing you to enjoy your time outdoors without the annoyance of bugs.

To maximize the repellent barrier, use several Cutter CitroGuard Candles around your deck or patio area. Available in slate, silver, and tan colors, these bucket wax candles are perfect for outdoor use on your patio, porch, deck, or campsite.

Enjoy the outdoors without the annoyance of bugs with the Cutter 95783 Citronella Candle!

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Soy Candles

Introducing the Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle – the perfect solution for keeping mosquitoes at bay while enjoying the outdoors! Harnessing the power of nature, this candle uses a combination of plant-based repellent oils that other manufacturers tend to overlook to provide you with the best mosquito protection.

The citrusy blend of rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass oils smells great while allowing you to sit back and relax bite-free for up to 30 hours. With the help of five key plant-based repellent oils – rosemary oil, peppermint oil, citronella oil, lemongrass oil, and cedarwood oil, this candle keeps mosquitoes and other flying insects away, allowing you to enjoy your time outdoors without any annoyance.

Made with a 100% soy and beeswax blend, this wax candle features responsibly sourced natural waxes that provide an even and clean burn without the use of petroleum, palm wax, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. The result is an eco-friendly and safe way to keep mosquitoes at bay, making it perfect for families with kids and pets.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, relaxing on the patio, or camping in the great outdoors, the Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle provides you with 30 hours of mosquito protection, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your time outdoors comfortably.

Average Lifespan of Bug Repellent Candles

Many standard bug repellent candles provide 6-12 hours of effective insect repelling smoke output per candle. Smaller candles may only last 3-6 hours when burned continuously. Large outdoor bucket candles often endure 60-100 hours before the wax fully liquefies. Avoid blowing candles out during prime burning time as this can tunnel wax and waste oils. Let wax candles fully finish the burning cycle for maximum lifespan.

I hope this straightforward information on bug repellent candles helps explain if they might be useful for your outdoor activities this season! Let me know if you need any parts expanded more.