Skip to content

5 Best Citronella Candles to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay This Summer in 2024

As you prepare for summer gatherings and outdoor adventures, you’re probably thinking about how to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay. You’ve likely tried various repellents, but have you considered the natural, ambiance-boosting power of citronella candles? With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you out. From long-burning lanterns to portable packs, we’ve narrowed down the top 5 citronella candles that’ll keep mosquitoes buzzing away. Want to know which ones made the cut?

Murphys Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle

Murphys Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle  Get it now on Amazon.com

For those seeking a DEET-free, plant-based solution to repel mosquitoes, Murphys Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle is an excellent choice, boasting a 30-hour burn time and a natural wax blend for a clean, effective, and pleasant burning experience.

You’ll appreciate the candle’s natural formula, which harnesses the power of plant-based essential oils to repel mosquitoes.

This candle’s soy/beeswax blend promotes a clean burn, and its 6.6 x 3.3 x 3-inch size makes it easy to take on-the-go.

With over 7,400 customer reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it’s clear that this candle is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.

Give it a try and enjoy a mosquito-free summer!

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and individuals seeking a DEET-free, natural solution to repel mosquitoes.

Pros:

  • DEET-free and plant-based, making it a natural and safe solution for repelling mosquitoes.
  • Has a 30-hour burn time, providing long-lasting protection against mosquitoes.
  • Comes with a pleasant scent and a clean-burning natural wax blend.

Cons:

  • Some users have reported issues with the wick breaking off prematurely, rendering the candle unusable.
  • May not be as effective in extremely mosquito-dense areas.
  • No specific information is provided about the warranty or return policy.

Mosquito Guard Citronella Candles Outdoor Mosquito Repellent

Mosquito Guard Citronella Candles Outdoor Mosquito Repellent  Get it now on Amazon.com

If you’re looking for a natural, DEET-free way to repel mosquitoes in outdoor and indoor settings, Mosquito Guard Citronella Candles are an excellent choice, thanks to their potent blend of citronella, lemongrass, and other essential oils.

These portable tealight candles are compact, travel-friendly, and come in a 16-pack. You’ll appreciate their effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes, wasps, and spiders for several hours, even in tropical destinations.

Users rave about the pleasant, invigorating aroma that’s not overpowering. While some users mentioned issues with the wick or wished for a stronger scent, most are satisfied with the product’s performance and would recommend it.

With Mosquito Guard Citronella Candles, you can enjoy the outdoors or indoor spaces without those pesky mosquitoes ruining your fun.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and individuals who want a natural, DEET-free way to repel mosquitoes in outdoor and indoor settings.

Pros:

  • Repels mosquitoes, wasps, and spiders effectively for several hours
  • Portable, compact, and travel-friendly design
  • Pleasant, refreshing, and not overpowering aroma from the natural essential oils

Cons:

  • Some users reported issues with the wick leaning too close to the plastic holder, causing it to burn or crack
  • May not be effective in very large or heavily infested areas
  • Some users wished for a stronger scent

Coleman Outdoor Candle Lantern

Coleman Outdoor Candle Lantern  Get it now on Amazon.com

With its 70+ hour burn time, the Coleman Outdoor Candle Lantern is the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and long-lasting citronella candle solution for their camping trips or backyard gatherings.

You’ll appreciate the classic lantern design with an easy-grip handle, making it easy to carry and hang.

The natural citronella oil not only adds ambiance to your outdoor space but also helps keep mosquitoes at bay.

The reusable cap protects the lantern from rain and debris, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about your candle.

With its compact size (4 x 4 x 6.25 inches) and lightweight design (1.31 pounds), you can take it anywhere.

Plus, the Coleman Outdoor Candle Lantern has a 4.3-star rating from over 656 customers, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts like you.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and long-lasting citronella candle solution for their camping trips or backyard gatherings.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting 70+ hour burn time
  • Classic lantern design with easy-grip handle for carrying and hanging
  • Natural citronella oil adds ambiance and helps repel mosquitoes

Cons:

  • Difficult to light
  • Cheap feel and build quality
  • Misleading burn time claim and broken wick issues reported by some customers

Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick – 6 oz Tin

Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick - 6 oz Tin  Get it now on Amazon.com

You’ll love the Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick – 6 oz Tin, which offers a unique crackling sound and a pine scent that lasts up to 25 hours, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and patio party hosts.

This outdoor citronella candle is safe and easy to use, providing a pleasant ambiance to your outdoor gatherings. With its wooden crackle wick, you’ll enjoy a cozy, fireside-like atmosphere without the hassle of an open flame.

Weighing in at 7.8 ounces, this compact candle is perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings.

As a #1 bestseller in Jar Candles, with over 6,600 ratings and a 4.5-star rating, you can trust that this Coleman candle will keep mosquitoes at bay while providing a warm, inviting ambiance to your outdoor spaces.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, patio party hosts, and campers who want a safe and easy-to-use citronella candle that provides a pleasant ambiance and keeps mosquitoes at bay.

Pros:

  • Offers a unique crackling sound and a pine scent that lasts up to 25 hours
  • Provides a cozy, fireside-like atmosphere without the hassle of an open flame
  • Compact and lightweight, making it perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings

Cons:

  • No batteries are included, and batteries are not required for use
  • The product dimensions are relatively small (3W x 2.5H)
  • The warranty description is not provided

LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles Outdoor

LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles Outdoor  Get it now on Amazon.com

Those seeking candles that combine a natural, fresh fragrance with eco-friendly features will find the LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles Outdoor to be an excellent choice.

You’ll appreciate the 100% natural citronella oil, extracted from the citronella plant, which provides a revitalizing green citrus scent.

These candles are perfect for outdoor activities like camping, gardening, or picnics, as they effectively repel mosquitoes and other buzzing insects.

With a set of three candles, each with a 35-45 hour burn time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air without the nuisance of bugs.

The pure soy wax and cotton wick guarantee a clean, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free experience.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, campers, gardeners, and individuals who enjoy spending time outside and want a natural and eco-friendly way to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Pros:

  • 100% natural citronella oil provides a refreshing and bug-repelling scent
  • Eco-friendly features, including pure soy wax and cotton wick, ensure a clean and sustainable experience
  • Long-lasting burn time of 35-45 hours per candle ensures extended use and value

Cons:

  • Limited information available on the manufacturer’s return and refund policies
  • No information provided on the durability or weather resistance of the glass containers
  • May not be effective in extremely windy or rainy conditions

Factors to Consider When Choosing Citronella Candles

When choosing citronella candles, you’ll want to guarantee several key factors to verify you get the right one for your needs.

You’ll need to ponder how long the candle will burn, how strong you like the scent, and what type of wax is used.

Burn Time Importance

As you prepare for a comfortable outdoor experience, selecting a citronella candle with an adequate burn time is essential to maintaining a mosquito-free zone. You’ll want a candle that can provide extended protection against those pesky mosquitoes.

Look for candles with a minimum burn time of 25-30 hours, like the Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick. However, if you want even longer protection, some candles can offer up to 70+ hours of burn time, like the Coleman Outdoor Candle Lantern.

The burn time can vary depending on the size and type of candle, as well as external factors like wind, temperature, and humidity.

For instance, the LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles Outdoor offers 35-45 hours of burn time per 6.5oz candle.

Choosing a citronella candle with a longer burn time can reduce the need for frequent replacements, making it a more convenient and cost-effective option for outdoor use.

Scent Strength Matters

You’ll want to verify the citronella candle you choose has a scent strength that’s potent enough to effectively repel mosquitoes, especially if you’re planning an extended outdoor stay. The last thing you want is to be bothered by those pesky insects while trying to enjoy the great outdoors.

When checking the scent strength, look for candles with a high concentration of citronella oil, usually indicated on the label. A higher concentration typically means a stronger scent that’s more effective at repelling mosquitoes.

You may also want to take into account the specific type of citronella oil used. Some candles may use a blend of citronella oils, which can be more effective than a single type.

Additionally, some candles may have an adjustable wick, allowing you to control the strength of the scent. By choosing a candle with a potent scent, you’ll be better equipped to keep those unwanted mosquitoes at bay.

Wax Type Differences

The type of wax used in citronella candles greatly impacts their performance, safety, and environmental footprint, making it essential to understand the differences between soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, and blended waxes.

Soy wax is a popular choice, offering a biodegradable, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free experience. It provides a cleaner and longer-burning experience, making it an attractive option.

Beeswax, on the other hand, offers a natural, pleasant aroma and a warm, soft glow. However, it may produce black smoke and is less eco-friendly than soy wax.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, paraffin wax might seem like a good choice. But beware – it can produce black smoke, soot, and toxic fumes, making it a less desirable option.

Blended waxes, which combine different types of waxes, can offer a balance between performance, cost, and eco-friendliness. However, they may not provide the same benefits as a single, high-quality wax.

When selecting a citronella candle, it’s vital to take into account the wax type, as it profoundly impacts the candle’s performance, safety, and environmental impact.

Portability Considerations

When choosing a citronella candle for on-the-go use, consider portability factors that facilitate convenience and ease of transportation.

You’ll want a candle that’s lightweight, compact, and easy to pack. Look for candles with compact designs, like the Mosquito Guard Citronella Candles, which are specifically marketed as ‘portable’ and ‘travel-friendly’.

The weight of the candle is also vital – lighter options like the Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle (7.8 ounces) are more suitable for transportation.

The dimensions of the candle are also important – smaller candles like the LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles (3.62W x 2.83H) are easier to pack and transport.

Another key consideration is the material of the candle. Soy wax candles like the LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles are a more eco-friendly and biodegradable option for outdoor use.

Finally, consider the number of candles included in a set – multi-packs like the Mosquito Guard Citronella Candles (16-pack) provide more convenience for users who need to transport multiple candles.

Safety First Always

Before lighting your citronella candle, make sure you’ve taken every precaution to guarantee a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

You’ll want to place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials and overhanging branches. This will minimize the risk of accidental fires.

It’s also vital to keep citronella candles out of reach of children and pets to avoid burns or other accidents.

When positioning your candle, confirm it’s at a safe distance from open windows, doors, or vents. This will prevent the flame from being extinguished or the citronella scent from being dispersed.

Never leave a burning citronella candle unattended or near combustible materials, as it can cause a fire hazard.

Finally, remember to trim the wick of your citronella candle to 1/4 inch before each use. This will ensure a clean and even burn, reducing the risk of soot buildup and fires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Citronella Candles Be Used Indoors Safely?

You’re wondering if citronella candles can be used indoors safely. The answer is yes, but you’ll need to take precautions like ensuring good ventilation, keeping them away from flammable materials, and monitoring their burning time.

How Long Does a Citronella Candle Typically Last?

Did you know that citronella candles can burn for up to 80 hours? On average, a citronella candle typically lasts around 4-6 hours, depending on the size and quality of the candle you’re using.

Are Citronella Candles Effective Against All Types of Mosquitoes?

You’re wondering if citronella candles repel all mosquito types. While they’re effective against most, including Aedes and Culex species, they may not deter all types, like the Asian tiger mosquito.

Can I Use Citronella Candles in Windy Outdoor Conditions?

As the wind whispers secrets to the trees, you wonder if citronella candles can brave the gusty outdoors. Unfortunately, you’ll find they’re not the most effective choice for windy conditions, as the flames flicker and the scent gets swept away.

Do Citronella Candles Have Any Adverse Effects on Pets?

You wonder if citronella candles harm your furry friends. Fortunately, they’re generally pet-friendly, but you should still keep them out of reach, as curious pets might ingest the wax or get burned by the flame.

Conclusion

As you prepare to slay the mosquitoes this summer, remember that citronella candles are your trusty Excalibur.

With the right one, you’ll be the master of your outdoor domain, just like King Arthur ruling Camelot.

So, pick your favorite from our top 5 list and get ready to enjoy the warm weather without those pesky mosquitoes ruining the party.

With a flicker of light and a whiff of citronella, you’ll be saying ‘hasta la vista’ to those unwanted guests in no time!