You know what my least favorite part of summer is?  The mosquitoes, by far!  When I get a mosquito bite, it swells up to the size of a goose egg, which is totally lovely.

We have a big beautiful porch on our historic bungalow, and we are hoping to spend lots of time out there this spring and summer!  We bought some pretty cafe lights, and I made these citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away from us!

Candles are so simple to make at home.  You can use this basic recipe and adapt it for different sized containers, and of course you can use different essential oils to fragrance the candles!  The oils used in these candles smell very distinct.  If you’ve burned citronella candles before, they smell like that, but less chemically and a little more lemony and fresh.  

DIY Citronella Candles {Keep Mosquitoes at Bay!}

 

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DIY Citronella Candles to keep mosquitoes away from your picnics and outdoor gatherings in the summer! Easy to make using soy wax and essential oils.

Author: Aliesha @ Feathers in Our Nest

Serves: 3 half-pint candles

Ingredients

• approx. 6 cups soy wax flakes
• 3 half-pint mason jars
• 3 large candle wicks
• popsicle sticks
• 16 drops citronella essential oil
• 8 drops Purify essential oil blend

Instructions

1. Place a large glass mason jar (quart size) or a glass measuring cup in a saucepan of water on the stove.
2. Add 4 cups soy wax flakes (fill to top of mason jar).
3. Heat over medium/low heat.
4. As wax melts, stir with a wooden popsicle stick and add more wax flakes. The goal is to end up with 3 cups of MELTED wax.
5. Set out half-pint mason jars and place a wick in each one.
6. When wax is melted completely (will look like olive oil), remove from heat and add essential oils, stirring well.
7. Pour wax into mason jars. Adjust wicks so they are in the center of the jars. Use 3-4 popsicle sticks laid flat across each jar to "prop up" the wicks so they don't move around.
8. Allow candles to cool (they will turn opaque as they cool).
9. Trim wicks. Enjoy!

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Disclosure: This post contains links to the essential oil company I use and love. If you choose to make a purchase through my links, it will help support my family and this blog. Thanks!

ALIESHA CALDWELL IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.