Amazon

5 Best Mosquito Repellent Candles for Home & Outdoor Use

Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Spaces are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Why Do You Need A Mosquito Repellant Candle?

Mosquitoes are the worst. Feeling itchy is the last thing you want to feel when you're supposed to be enjoying the outdoors — but since they're always going to be around, you have to be proactive and stock up on protective clothing and insect repellent.

Hats with nets, long-sleeve tees, and bug repellent are always at the top of the list for camping trips, but there's another product some of you might be overlooking. Mosquito repellent candles are a blessing, y'all — and offer an extra layer of protection for your next outdoor gathering. There are plenty of good reasons to purchase a mosquito repellent candle. Just using DEET sprays, mosquito repellent bracelets, and even protective clothing can fall short when a mosquito is determined to bite you, and a citronella candle will add an additional barrier. Think about it: we use sunscreen when outdoors, but adding things like UV guards or hats offer even more protection from burns.  Just think of a mosquito repellant candle as extra insect bite insurance. And since it shouldn't be the only product you use to avoid bug bites, we recommend adding mosquito repellent bracelets or repellent spray before you sit outside. Plus, while studies find mosquito repellent candles effective, they aren't 100% effective alone — so arm yourself with all the tools.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

You likely won't get through summer completely bite-free, but you can reduce the chances of bites with the addition of a mosquito repellent candle. Plus, the pleasant scent of lemon and citronella on the patio will be calming — and candles will offer some serious ambience at your next gathering. Here are five of the best mosquito repellent candles that mosquitoes will absolutely hate:

 

1. Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle

Best Overall Candle

Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle - Amazon, $12 

This $12 Murphy's Naturals candle burns up to 30 hours. It's also made from cedarwood, lemongrass, and citronella oil — plus a pleasant citrusy blend of rosemary and peppermint smells, great while allowing you to sit back and relax! It also comes in a recyclable tin — and the candle is free of petroleum, palm wax, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Plus, you'll get a clean burn from the soy and beeswax blend. Bonus: They're all made in-house in Raleigh, North Carolina.

2. Mosquito Guard Tealight Candles

Best Tealight Option 

Mosquito Guard Tealight Candles - Amazon, $12.95 

This outdoor candle bundle by Mosquito Guard is made from natural ingredients like peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass oil, and citronella. The pack comes with 16 tea light candles (great for travel), and each one burns for over an hour — plus, they even help keep away other annoying bugs like gnats. Place them all over the patio or campsite area for a mosquito-free evening — reviewers say the smell is pleasant, too.

3. TIKI Bitefighter Citronella Candle

Best for Large Gatherings

.                                                            Amazon

TIKI Bitefighter Galvanized Citronella Wax Candle - Amazon, $5.28

This large, 20-ounce candle can burn up to 35 hours and the manufacturer says it has a throw of around six feet — making it the best choice for big parties and gatherings. Buy two or three and put them around your patio — the bucket is filled halfway to withstand wind and the high flame. We also love TIKI because they're already a leading brand in outdoor products — plus, not only can you repel insects with this candle, but it will add a rustic look to your next party.

4. Mason Jar Citronella Candles (Set of 2)

Best Indoor Option

Set of 2 Large Citronella Candles - Amazon, $17.99

If you have a mosquito issue indoors (hey, it happens when kids leave the door open), consider citronella mason jar candles. They're stylish and won't kill the relaxing ambiance of the living room. The two-pack of citronella candles are made from soy wax (which releases fewer toxins than paraffin) and contains essential oils from the citronella plant. These candles are smokeless and vaporize a fresh citronella scent into homes. It has a 75-hour burn time, perfect for those who can't relax each evening until a candle is burning. These mason jar candles are so cute and would look adorable in your farmhouse.

5. Murphy's Naturals Green Ceramic Mosquito Repellent Candle

Best Multi-Wick Candle

Murphy's Naturals Green Ceramic Mosquito Repellent Candle - Amazon, $30

This candle from a top-rated brand, Murphy's Naturals— and they managed to make a multi-wick candle that repels mosquitoes and also happens to cater to those who love an 'Instagramable' aesthetic moment. Harness the power of nature while this green ceramic jar sits pretty on your patio table. The candle has five plant-based essential oils: rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood oils. It's also free of petroleum, dyes, synthetic fragrances, fillers, and harsh chemicals. All natural! Choose between green and beige, and enjoy up to 30 hours of burntime.

This post was originally published on July 30, 2020. 

NEXT: TICK SEASON 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW + TICK REPELLENT