Did you know that you can make your own mosquito repellent candles right at home? And it is actually easy y’all! Just follow along below to get the instructions, use this recipe all summer long, and say goodbye to pricy citronella candles.
These mosquito repellent candles are part of Summer in Jars Week, where we are sharing jar ideas all summer long! If you have missed any of the fun, be sure to catch up with day 1 and day 2. You will also want to scroll down to the bottom of this post to see the jar craft ideas for today from the other bloggers in this series.
Ready for more summertime crafts? You’ll love this DIY string art and my cute handprint dragonflies!
Make Your Own Mosquito Repellent Candles
Did you know you probably have most of the ingredients for these mosquito repellent candles already in your home? Yep! Not only are these candles super easy to make, but the supplies and ingredients are also pretty simple.
Supplies Needed:
- Pint mason jars
- Floating candles
- Lemons
- Limes
- Basil
- Lemongrass essential oil
Some links above may be affiliate links, which means you do not pay any more.
How to Make Mosquito Repellent Candles
All you need for this DIY candle project is a few basic supplies and 10 minutes of your day. To make things even easier, I decided to make a quick video showing exactly how to make mosquito repellent candles. Watch below!
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? I’ve got you covered. You can follow these instructions below or scroll to the bottom of the post for a printable how-to card.
- First slice one lemon and one lime (this will be enough for two candles).
- Then add a couple of slices of lemon and lime to the jar.
- Next add a couple of sprigs of basil.
- Then fill jar with water up to threads.
- After that, add in 10 – 15 drops of lemongrass oil.
- Now stir.
- Then add in floating candle.
- Finally, light the candle and enjoy a pest free summer!
Why make mosquito repellent candles?
Not only do these easy homemade mosquito repellent candles make beautiful outdoor decorations, but they are also super functional! I don’t know about you, but as much as I love spending time outdoors, I also hate mosquitos just as much. Making your own mosquito repellent candles will save you dollars on citronella products (that may or may not work). Instead, just make your own! They’re pretty, quick, and will keep away the mosquitoes and other bugs from your summer parties. You have to love that!
Now I promised you even more summer in a jar ideas. You just have to click the links below to be taken to those!
Just in case you are curious, I have also created a quiz so you can find out what type of mason jar you are! This is just for fun but might give you some great ideas for jars to use in your own crafts. Take the quiz below!
Love this idea for DIY candles and want more? Try the links below as well!
- How to Make Beeswax Candles in a Jar
- Photo Transfer Candles
- Marbling with Acrylic Paint on Candles
- DIY Candle Holders that Look Like Pottery Barn
- Easy Paper Candle Wraps
Want to print the instructions for making mosquito repellent candles? You can use the card below!
Supplies
- Pint mason jars
- Floating candles
- Lemons
- Limes
- Basil
- Lemongrass essential oil
Instructions
- Slice one lemon and one lime (this will be enough for two candles).
- Add a couple of slices of lemon and lime to the jar.
- Add a couple of sprigs of basil.
- Fill jar with water up to threads.
- Add in 10-15 drops of lemongrass oil.
- Stir.
- Add in floating candle.
- Light the candle and enjoy a pest-free summer!
Hello! This is really amazing and can’t wait to try it. Please would like to ask if the lemongrass oil can be substituted for fresh lemongrass, just added along with the basil?
I have not tried it but I am sure that would work!
Hi,
Can you use Citronella oil instead?
Probably? Not sure!
Will other herbs (rosemary, lemon balm, sage?) work in place of the basil?
You can definitely try them!
How long does one last?
Several days. Maybe 4 – 5.
Store in refrigerator when not in use?
I would so that they don’t go bad but I wouldn’t keep them for too long 🙂
How long will this last? How often will I need change the lemons, limes, and basil?
Usually 3 – 4 days.
How long would these candles last? I was thinking of making some as gifts but didn’t want everything to rot before I give them.
They do only last a few days so I would assemble before you give them.
Do you have to use the candle?
The smell would probably detract them on its own but I do think the slight heat intensifies the smell.
Are the floating candles that have a very thin metal backing underneath and up to the rim acceptable or does the floating candle have to free of any adornment? There are 2 types of floating candles on the market, and was wondering if the 1st type are ok.
I have never seen a floating one have the metal. Only tea lights. So I am not sure.
Thanks for the idea! I like lemongrass, but do not like citronella (even though they come from same plant). I will have to try these!!
once the candle has been blown out and cooled, can you take it out of the jar, seal the jar with a lid, can you put it in the refrigerator to make it last longer?
I have not tried that.
Can I substitute green tea EO in place of lemongrass EO?
You can try it. Not sure it would work.
Does this also work for no see-ums? (I don’t know their official name) but I am in central Florida, and can spend any time outside in the afternoon/evenings. Should this work for these too?
I am not sure, I haven’t tried it there. Maybe someone else will know 🙂
I get a products from Ace Hardware on the west coast of FL called No Seeums in a small spray bottle. All natural geranium oil and another type of essential oil. ALL bugs hate it. It’s wonderful! Good for your skin too!
How long will a jar of this keep?
When being used these will last approximately 3-5 days. I would assemble them right before use because the fresh lemon and lime would not last stored.
Can these be made up ahead of time and stored at room temp or refrigerated. With/without candle in them
I haven’t tried that. If you do I would refrigerate it and use them as soon as possible.
Can I use grounded up basil, like the ones you buy in th store for seasoning, instead of the leaves?
You would have to test it. I haven’t tried that yet so I’m not totally sure. Let me know if it works 🙂