Enjoying the outdoors without the buzz of bugs is a dream! Creating your own citronella candles is a fantastic way to keep pesky insects at bay while adding a lovely ambiance to your space.
These DIY recipes are simple, budget-friendly, and a natural alternative to chemical repellents.
Get ready to make your summer evenings more enjoyable!.
Table of Contents
1. Soy Wax Citronella Candle
This easy DIY citronella candle uses soy wax for a cleaner burn and is infused with citronella essential oil to naturally repel mosquitoes.
It offers a fresh, lemony scent perfect for patios or camping trips.
Making your own is cost-effective, customizable, and a great eco-friendly option..
Key Ingredients:
- Soy wax
- Citronella essential oil
- Wick
- Glass jar
Benefits:
- Natural insect repellent
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- Customizable scent
Pro Tip: Consider adding lemongrass or eucalyptus essential oils along with citronella for an even stronger bug-repelling blend.
Get the Recipe: Soy Wax Citronella Candle
2. Lemon Bowl Citronella Candles
Add a charming touch to your outdoor gatherings with these adorable lemon bowl citronella candles! Made by hollowing out lemons and filling them with a soy wax and essential oil blend, they offer a natural insect repellent with a bright, citrusy aroma.
These are visually stunning and delightfully functional..
Key Ingredients:
- Lemons
- Soy wax
- Citronella essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Wood wicks
- Lemon balm
Benefits:
- Natural insect repellent
- Beautiful centerpiece
- Citrus aroma
Pro Tip: For a stronger scent and more potent repellent, let the candles cure for three days before using them.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bowl Citronella Candles
3. Paraffin Wax Citronella Candles
Create effective citronella candles with this tutorial using paraffin wax, known for its excellent fragrance dispersal.
These homemade candles are a more affordable and attractive alternative to store-bought options.
They offer a strong bug-repelling scent, perfect for keeping your outdoor spaces enjoyable..
Key Ingredients:
- Paraffin wax
- Citronella fragrance oil
- Candle dye (optional)
- Cotton wicks
- Containers
Benefits:
- Effective bug repellent
- Cost-effective
- Attractive design
Pro Tip: Allow your finished candles to cure for at least 48 hours before burning for the best fragrance release.
Get the Recipe: Paraffin Wax Citronella Candles
4. Dollar Tree Citronella Candles
Looking for a super budget-friendly way to make citronella candles? This guide shows you how to transform Dollar Tree finds into effective, attractive insect repellents.
They smell great and work wonders to keep mosquitoes away from your gatherings..
Key Ingredients:
- Dollar Tree candles
- Citronella essential oil
- Wax dye chips
- Dollar Tree glasses
Benefits:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to make
- Effective mosquito repellent
Pro Tip: Use plenty of citronella essential oil (4 droppers per candle is a good start) for maximum mosquito-repelling power.
Get the Recipe: Dollar Tree Citronella Candles
5. Soy Wax Citronella Candles with Essential Oils
Enjoy your summer evenings outdoors with these delightful DIY citronella candles made with soy wax and essential oils.
They're a non-toxic, natural way to ward off mosquitoes and other insects, offering a pleasant aroma and effective protection..
Key Ingredients:
- Soy wax
- Citronella essential oil
- Wicks
- Jars
Benefits:
- Natural insect repellent
- Non-toxic
- Pleasant aroma
Pro Tip: Combine citronella essential oil with lemon eucalyptus oil for an even more potent mosquito-repelling blend.
Get the Recipe: Soy Wax Citronella Candles with Essential Oils
6. All-Natural Mosquito Repellent Candles
Create a magical ambiance and keep pesky mosquitoes away with these all-natural DIY repellent candles.
Using beeswax or soy wax, coconut oil, and a blend of essential oils, these candles are a healthy, customizable, and budget-friendly way to enjoy your evenings..
Key Ingredients:
- Beeswax or soy wax
- Coconut oil
- Essential oils (citronella, lavender, eucalyptus)
- Wick
- Container
Benefits:
- All-natural ingredients
- Customizable scent
- Budget-friendly
- Eco-friendly
Pro Tip: For outdoor use, consider using citronella oil as it's particularly effective against mosquitoes.
Get the Recipe: All-Natural Mosquito Repellent Candles
7. Bug Repellent Citronella Candle Jars
These beautiful citronella candle jars are a simple and effective way to keep bugs at bay while adding a decorative touch to your outdoor space.
Using potent citronella essential oil, floating candles, and natural elements like herbs and citrus, you can create a cozy and bug-free ambiance..
Key Ingredients:
- Jars
- Fresh herbs
- Citrus slices
- Citronella oil
- Floating candles
- Water
Benefits:
- Repels bugs naturally
- Decorative
- Easy to assemble
Pro Tip: Add fresh herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary to enhance the aroma and effectiveness of your citronella candle jars.
Get the Recipe: Bug Repellent Citronella Candle Jars
8. Beeswax Citronella Candles
Create a safe, non-toxic bug-free zone with these homemade beeswax citronella candles.
Combining beeswax, coconut oil, and effective essential oils like citronella and lemon eucalyptus, these candles add ambiance while repelling mosquitos and other flying insects..
Key Ingredients:
- Pure beeswax
- Coconut oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Lemon eucalyptus essential oil
- Cotton wicks
Benefits:
- Safe and non-toxic
- Effective insect repellent
- Adds ambiance
Pro Tip: To prevent tunneling, ensure the wax pool reaches the edges of the container when burning the candle for the first time.
Get the Recipe: Beeswax Citronella Candles
9. DIY Citronella Candles with Lemon and Rosemary
Enjoy your outdoor entertaining without the mosquito menace! These DIY citronella candles combine the repellent powers of citronella oil and rosemary with the fresh zest of lemon and lime for a beautiful and effective solution.
They're easy to assemble and can be made ahead..
Key Ingredients:
- Lemon
- Lime
- Rosemary sprig
- Citronella essential oil
- Floating candles
- Water
- Mason jar
Benefits:
- Repels mosquitoes
- Pretty and decorative
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: Making these candles the day before allows the rosemary to infuse into the water, strengthening the anti-mosquito scent.
Get the Recipe: DIY Citronella Candles with Lemon and Rosemary
10. DIY Citronella Candles with Beeswax and Lemongrass
Create your own effective outdoor mosquito repellent with these charming DIY citronella candles.
Made with natural beeswax and a blend of citronella and lemongrass essential oils, they offer a fresh, lemony aroma that helps mask scents attractive to insects.
They burn slowly and beautifully, creating a wonderful ambiance for your outdoor gatherings..
Key Ingredients:
- Beeswax
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Coconut Oil
Benefits:
- Natural Mosquito Repellent
- Pleasant Lemony Aroma
- Longer Burn Time
Pro Tip: For a more consistent burn and better scent throw, consider adding a small amount of coconut oil or coconut wax to your beeswax blend.
Get the Recipe: DIY Citronella Candles with Beeswax and Lemongrass
11. Easy Mason Jar Citronella Candles
Whip up your own batch of effective citronella candles using simple mason jars! These homemade candles offer a fantastic natural mosquito repellent and a lovely scent, making them perfect for any outdoor gathering.
They're a cost-effective and creative way to enjoy your evenings bug-free..
Key Ingredients:
- Mason Jars
- Citronella Torch Fuel
- Lamp Wicks
Benefits:
- Effective Mosquito Deterrent
- Customizable Scents
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: Enhance your repellent power by blending citronella with complementary essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, sweet orange, or rosemary for added protection and aroma.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mason Jar Citronella Candles
12. Wine Bottle Citronella Candles
Transform empty wine bottles into elegant and functional citronella candles! These DIY torches add a touch of class to your outdoor entertaining while effectively keeping pesky mosquitoes away.
They're quick to make and a beautiful alternative to traditional tiki torches..
Key Ingredients:
- Glass Wine Bottles
- Replacement Torch Wicks
- Copper Coupling
- Citronella Torch Fuel
Benefits:
- Elegant Outdoor Decor
- Natural Insect Repellent
- Easy Upcycling Project
Pro Tip: Use marbles or small rocks at the bottom of the bottle to add weight for stability and to reduce the amount of torch fluid needed.
Get the Recipe: Wine Bottle Citronella Candles
13. Upcycled Jar Citronella Torch Lamp
Keep your summer barbecues and gatherings going longer with this adorable DIY citronella torch lamp! Made from recycled jars, it's a simple and quick project that effectively deters mosquitoes.
Enjoy your evenings outdoors without the worry of bug bites..
Key Ingredients:
- Glass Jars
- Brass Coupling
- Citronella Oil
- Wick
Benefits:
- Mosquito Repelling
- Upcycled Design
- Extended Outdoor Enjoyment
Pro Tip: To extinguish the flame safely and easily, simply place a pint-sized mason jar over it.
Get the Recipe: Upcycled Jar Citronella Torch Lamp
14. Natural Citronella Candle with Soy or Beeswax
Learn to make your own natural citronella candles using clean-burning soy or beeswax.
These non-toxic alternatives are perfect for burning on your deck or patio, providing a pleasant fragrance while actively repelling mosquitoes and other bugs.
It’s a rewarding and simple way to enjoy the outdoors..
Key Ingredients:
- Soy Wax or Beeswax
- Candle Wick
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Non-Toxic Bug Repellent
- Clean Burning
- Natural Fragrance
Pro Tip: For a clean burn and to prevent soot, use undyed wax and opt for essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.
Get the Recipe: Natural Citronella Candle with Soy or Beeswax
15. DIY Citronella Candles in Repurposed Jars
Create budget-friendly and charming citronella candles by repurposing your favorite jars! This DIY project is incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to make multiple candles for less than store-bought options.
Customize them with different jars and enjoy mosquito-free evenings on your patio..
Key Ingredients:
- Soy Wax
- Candle Wicks
- Citronella Oil
- Glass Jars (repurposed)
Benefits:
- Affordable
- Customizable
- Effective Mosquito Repellent
Pro Tip: To keep wicks straight while the wax cools, wrap the long part of the wick around skewers placed across the top of the jar.
Get the Recipe: DIY Citronella Candles in Repurposed Jars
16. DIY Citronella & Purification Essential Oil Candles
Create your own powerfully scented citronella candles using pure essential oils for an effective mosquito repellent.
This recipe combines citronella and purification oils to not only ward off bugs but also cleanse the air, leaving your space smelling fresh and inviting.
They're a fantastic way to enjoy your outdoor time without the annoyance of buzzing insects..
Key Ingredients:
- Candle Wax
- Candle Wicks
- Glass Jars
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Purification Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Mosquito Repellent
- Air Cleansing
- Natural Fragrance
Pro Tip: Warm your glass jars in the oven at a low temperature before pouring the wax. This helps the wax cool more evenly and reduces the risk of glass cracking.
Get the Recipe: DIY Citronella & Purification Essential Oil Candles
17. Upcycled Outdoor Citronella Candles
Transform everyday containers into effective outdoor citronella candles! These DIY candles are simple to make and offer a much more pleasant scent than store-bought versions, thanks to the pure citronella essential oil.
They're a great companion for camping trips, helping to mask your scent from mosquitoes and letting you enjoy the great outdoors bite-free..
Key Ingredients:
- Upcycled Containers
- Soy Wax or Old Candles
- Pre-waxed Wicks
- Citronella Oil
Benefits:
- Bug Repellent
- Pleasant Aroma
- Eco-Friendly
Pro Tip: Consider using a blend of bug-repelling herbs like mint, lavender, or sage along with citronella for a layered aromatic defense against insects.
Get the Recipe: Upcycled Outdoor Citronella Candles
18. Natural Mosquito Repellent Essential Oil Candles
Whip up your own natural mosquito repellent candles with a powerful blend of essential oils.
These DIY candles offer a cost-effective and safer alternative to commercial options, allowing you to customize the scent while effectively keeping mosquitoes away.
They're a fun and rewarding project that yields immediate results for your outdoor enjoyment..
Key Ingredients:
- Soy Wax Flakes
- Cotton Wicks
- Glass Jars or Tins
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Lavender Oil
Benefits:
- Natural Ingredients
- Money-Saving
- Customizable Scent
Pro Tip: For maximum effectiveness, light your candles about 30 minutes before outdoor activities begin to create a protective zone.
Get the Recipe: Natural Mosquito Repellent Essential Oil Candles
19. Easy DIY Bug Repellent Candles with Recycled Cans
Repurpose old candles and kitty food cans into charming bug repellent candles.
This simple DIY project uses citronella or lavender essential oils to create a pleasant aroma that also keeps pesky insects away.
They're perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm to your outdoor gatherings while ensuring a bite-free experience..
Key Ingredients:
- Recycled Cans
- Candle Wicks
- Unscented Candles or Wax
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Bug Deterrent
- Recycled Materials
- Homemade Charm
Pro Tip: When adding essential oils, aim for 8-10% of the wax weight for a strong, effective scent. Multiply your wax weight in ounces by 0.08 or 0.10 to get the correct oil amount.
Get the Recipe: Easy DIY Bug Repellent Candles with Recycled Cans
20. Natural Mosquito Repellent Citronella Candles
Create effective, natural mosquito repellent candles using citronella and lemongrass essential oils.
These DIY candles are quick to make and provide hours of bug-free enjoyment for your backyard, patio, or even fishing trips.
They offer a wonderful aromatherapy benefit too, uplifting your mood and relaxing your mind..
Key Ingredients:
- Candle Jars (Mason jars suggested)
- Candle Wax (Soy wax recommended)
- Candle Wicks
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Mosquito Repellent
- Aromatherapy Benefits
- Clean Burning
Pro Tip: Always trim your candle wick to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch before burning to ensure a clean burn and prevent fire hazards.
Get the Recipe: Natural Mosquito Repellent Citronella Candles
21. Fruit & Rosemary Bug Repellent Mason Jar Candles
These beautiful DIY bug repellent candles are a stunning way to keep insects away.
By combining fresh fruit slices, rosemary, and essential oils in a mason jar with a floating candle, you create a natural, chemical-free defense against mosquitoes and other bugs.
They add a lovely ambiance to any outdoor setting..
Key Ingredients:
- Mason Jars
- Water
- Lemon
- Lime
- Rosemary Sprigs
- Bug-Repelling Essential Oils
- Floating Candles
Benefits:
- Bug Deterrent
- Beautiful Ambiance
- Natural & Chemical-Free
Pro Tip: Refresh the bug-repelling power by adding a few more drops of essential oil to the water each day you reuse the jar's contents.
Get the Recipe: Fruit & Rosemary Bug Repellent Mason Jar Candles
22. Simple Lemon, Lime & Rosemary Bug Repellent Jars
Create charming and effective bug repellent jars with just a few simple ingredients! These easy-to-make creations use fresh lemon, lime, rosemary, and essential oils to naturally deter biting bugs.
They're not only functional but also add a lovely, natural decoration to your summer picnic table or patio..
Key Ingredients:
- Glass Jars
- Lemon
- Lime
- Rosemary Sprigs
- Water
- Lemongrass or Citronella Essential Oil
- Tea Light or Floating Candles
Benefits:
- Natural Bug Repellent
- Pretty Decoration
- Cost-Effective
Pro Tip: Change out the jar ingredients (fruit, rosemary, water) every 2-3 days to keep them fresh and maximally effective.
Get the Recipe: Simple Lemon, Lime & Rosemary Bug Repellent Jars
23. Floating Citronella Candles with Rosemary and Lemon
These delightful floating candles use the natural power of citronella, rosemary, and lemon to create a bug-free ambiance.
Simply fill a pretty glass jar with water, add fresh ingredients, and top with a floating candle.
They look so elegant and smell wonderfully refreshing, making them perfect for any outdoor gathering..
Key Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Fruit
- Herbs
Benefits:
- Natural Mosquito Repellent
- Refreshing Scent
- Charming Ambiance
Pro Tip: Stirring gently helps distribute the essential oils and infusions throughout the water for maximum bug-repelling power.
Get the Recipe: Floating Citronella Candles with Rosemary and Lemon
24. DIY Citronella Soy Wax Candles in Mason Jars
Create your own natural mosquito repellent with these easy-to-make soy wax candles in mason jars.
They offer a safer alternative to commercial candles, using quality citronella essential oil to keep bugs at bay.
These beautiful, homemade candles are perfect for enjoying your patio in the evening..
Key Ingredients:
- Mason Jars
- Soy Wax
- Candle Wicks
- Citronella Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Bug Repellent
- Natural Ingredients
- Customizable Scent
Pro Tip: Ensure your candle wicks are long enough and secured in the center of the jar for an even burn.
Get the Recipe: DIY Citronella Soy Wax Candles in Mason Jars
25. Pretty Mason Jar Citronella Candles with Lemon, Lime, and Rosemary
These visually appealing DIY citronella candles combine the bug-repelling power of citronella and rosemary with fresh lemon and lime.
They're an inexpensive and pretty way to keep mosquitoes away while entertaining outdoors.
Plus, you can store them in the fridge to keep the ingredients fresh!.
Key Ingredients:
- Lemon
- Lime
- Rosemary Sprig
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Floating Candles
- Water
- Mason Jar
Benefits:
- Mosquito Repellent
- Decorative
- Easy to Make
Pro Tip: For longer-lasting freshness, store your assembled candles in the refrigerator between uses.
Get the Recipe: Pretty Mason Jar Citronella Candles with Lemon, Lime, and Rosemary
26. Citronella Candles in Blue Mason Jars with Torch Fuel
These DIY citronella candles offer a stylish alternative to typical bug repellents, using blue mason jars for a prettier look.
They're made with torch fuel and citronella essential oil to effectively keep bugs away.
Remember to use these outdoors and keep an eye on them due to the higher flame..
Key Ingredients:
- Mason Jars
- Torch Fuel
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Fiberglass Wicks
Benefits:
- Bug Deterrent
- Attractive Design
- Refillable
Pro Tip: The beauty of these is that you can easily refill them with torch fuel and more essential oil when they run out.
Get the Recipe: Citronella Candles in Blue Mason Jars with Torch Fuel
27. Floating Citronella Candles with Rosemary, Lavender, and Lemon
Enjoy your outdoor space without pesky bugs with these simple floating citronella candles.
They combine natural repellents like citronella, lavender, and rosemary with refreshing lemon.
The elegant floating candles add a beautiful touch while fending off mosquitoes..
Key Ingredients:
- Glass Jars
- Floating Candles
- Water
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Lemon Slices
- Rosemary Sprigs
- Lavender Sprigs
Benefits:
- Natural Mosquito Repellent
- Aromatic
- Elegant Decor
Pro Tip: Using glass jars with a neck wide enough for a floating candle makes this project super simple.
Get the Recipe: Floating Citronella Candles with Rosemary, Lavender, and Lemon
28. DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles with Lemongrass, Citrus, and Basil
Harnessing nature's power, these DIY mason jar candles use lemongrass, citrus, and basil to create an effective barrier against mosquitoes.
They're a non-toxic and eco-friendly way to protect your outdoor space, doubling as beautiful centerpieces.
Enjoy longer protection compared to many commercial options..
Key Ingredients:
- Pint Mason Jars
- Floating Candles
- Lemons
- Limes
- Fresh Basil Sprigs
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Water
Benefits:
- Natural Mosquito Repellent
- Non-Toxic
- Long-Lasting Protection
Pro Tip: Place multiple candles around your seating area, about 6-8 feet apart, for maximum coverage.
Get the Recipe: DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles with Lemongrass, Citrus, and Basil
29. Citronella Lavender Mason Jar Candle with Essential Oils
Create a pleasant outdoor scent that bugs dislike with this DIY citronella and lavender mason jar candle.
It's a safer and often better-smelling alternative to store-bought options, combining citronella with lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass essential oils.
Perfect for adding a beautiful, bug-free touch to your patio..
Key Ingredients:
- Soy Wax Flakes
- Pint Size Mason Jars
- Waxed Wicks
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Bug Repellent
- Pleasant Aroma
- Customizable
Pro Tip: Decorate your finished candle with ribbon or twine for an extra special touch.
Get the Recipe: Citronella Lavender Mason Jar Candle with Essential Oils
30. DIY Mosquito Repellent Candle with Citronella and Lemongrass
Keep annoying mosquitos away this summer with this simple DIY candle recipe.
Using soy wax, citronella, and lemongrass essential oils, you can create an effective repellent that's also easy to make.
It’s a great way to enjoy your outdoor evenings without constant bug bites..
Key Ingredients:
- Soy Wax Candle Flakes
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Glass Jar
- Candle Wicks
Benefits:
- Mosquito Repellent
- Easy to Make
- Natural Ingredients
Pro Tip: Allow the candle to harden for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, before trimming the wick.
Get the Recipe: DIY Mosquito Repellent Candle with Citronella and Lemongrass