There is a variety of citronella candles available on the market and it is not easy to make the right choice. Different options have different area coverage and burning duration. In addition to being a pest repellent, it will also become part of your outdoor decoration. For this reason, choosing a stylish candle with efficacy is essential. So let’s see how they work, whether they actually work and what conditions affect their effectiveness.
Citronella candles work by keeping away biting insects like mosquitoes due to its ability to mask human scents. The major reasons for using citronella candles is that they are 100% natural, safe, and easy-to-use. That said, much depends on where and when you use them. These repellents are less effective in windy and rainy weather, nor do they work well in humid environments.
What is the best citronella candle? The Candle by the Hour Citronella Candle comes with an adjustable clip and can burn for up to 80 hours.
How Do Citronella Candles Work?
Citronella has been proven to deter mosquitoes. While some may believe that it is the scent of citronella itself that mosquitoes are averse to, the truth is actually a bit more interesting. Mosquitoes are naturally attracted to human scents such as skin and blood, also warmth and our breathing(Co2) and utilize these scents in order to locate humans.
Citronella actually works to mask human scents, thereby keeping these irritants away. While citronella has been proven to work in this way, the conditions in which citronella is most effective have to be just right.
Are Citronella Candles Effective?
As most of the time citronella candles are utilized for outdoor use, they must contend with other outdoor elements in order to remain effective. Weather elements such as rain, humidity, and wind can all impact the way citronella interacts with your scent. It is likely any of the aforementioned elements will whisk away the scent of the citronella, while your human scent will likely persist through said elements.
This means that, depending on the outdoor conditions under which you will be using the candles, they are more effective at certain times than others. However, they are simple to use and convenient for keeping pests away when they are operating at maximum efficiency.
What’s more, these repellents are relatively inexpensive and not unpleasant to smell. Overall, it won’t hurt to keep citronella candles around and will likely do more good than not.
Citronella works to deter dangerous pests such as wasps, as well as disease-carrying mosquitoes. If you find yourself with some of these unpleasant pests in the comfort of your own home, utilizing a citronella candle will likely prove to be extremely effective. The confined space will eliminate the adverse effects weather may have on the candles and will help to rid your home of the pests.
Best Citronella Candles Reviews
Below, you will find a review of the six most popular citronella candles for $6-$32. Depending on the model, their burning capacity ranges from 30 to 80 hours. Besides, the candles differ by design and the materials they are made from. So you can pick a candle shaped like a bucket or a lantern. Also, they have different coverage, with some options being more suitable for creating mosquito barriers than others.
1. Cutter Citronella Candle | Best for Perimeter Protection
This bucket candle is easily re-positioned around your home in order to protect the areas you need it most. This 17-ounce option has the capacity to burn for up to 30 hours, providing you with long-term protection from nearby pests.
This product is designed for outdoor use only and is not suitable for those looking for an indoor citronella candle. Cutter advises using multiple candles to guard your perimeter.
Cutter 95783: Check the current price
2. Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle | Best Coverage
This triple-wick option provides extended coverage for your patio and outdoor areas. Able to burn for up to 40 hours, the Repel is ideal for those conducting outdoor activities.
Those hoping to protect a large area from pests will likely wish to utilize multiple 20-ounce candles. For best results, keep the Repel within 3 feet of the area which you are looking to protect. This product is ideal for areas such as campsites.
Repel Citronella Candle: Check the current price
3. Candle by the Hour 80-Hour Citronella Candle | Best Long-Lasting
Those looking for an aesthetically pleasing option will likely appreciate this glass candle. Made from beeswax and a cotton wick, while being housed in an elegant metal stand, it is both eco-friendly as well as a pleasant part of any decor.
What’s more, this thing can burn for a whopping 80 hours. The clip can be adjusted, with every three inches of candle representing approximately one hour of burn time.
Candle by the Hour: Check the current price
4. Coleman 70+ Hour Outdoor Citronella Candle | Best Transportable
This outdoor lantern is easily transportable and is able to burn for over 70 hours. This 6.7-oz candle is ideal for repelling nearby pests, ideally within a 3-foot radius, while still retaining a sense of ambiance.
Those looking for a mosquito repellent they can keep with them while camping or hiking will appreciate the transportable design of this lantern. Its reusable cap protects it from rain and debris.
Coleman: Check the current price
5. Cutter 95784 Citro Guard Citronella Candle | Best Copper Design
This item is designed with a unique container that works to maximize the area of effectiveness. Reach more pests with this unique citronella candle than you would with a typical one.
This candle is ideal for use on a deck or other small outdoor area, although it will be powerful in larger spaces if multiplied. With infrequent burnings, it is likely to last for several years, although it should be stored indoors in extreme weather conditions.
Cutter 95784: Check the current price
6. Repel HG-64090 | Best Candle with Real Citronella Oil
This 10-ounce candle is capable of burning for up to 20 hours. While this item is smaller than others, its pest protection is still powerful. It is ideal for protecting a single person. For example, this option is ideal for use next to those who are fishing in order to repel mosquitoes while staying in one place for an extended period of time. Extinguishing the candle is easy with the tin lid provided.
Repel HG-64090: Check the current price
Competitors: Alternatives to Citronella Candles
7. Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller from Thermacell
This electric mosquito repellent is rechargeable and reusable. Perfect for usage for up to 6.5 hours at a time, the Thermacell repellent should be replaced every 12 or 40 hours, depending on the refill pack purchased. Complete with a charger cord and a USB battery charger, this repellent box is perfect for traveling, camping, and more.
At the push of a button, the repellent begins to work its magic within 15 minutes and protects within a 15-foot radius. The product is scent-free and eco-friendly.
Thermacell Radius Zone: Check the current price
8. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern
This shield lantern works to repel mosquitoes and other pests within a 15-foot radius. This product’s design makes it the perfect consistent centerpiece to keep on your table at all times. Both efficient and aesthetically pleasing, you’ll be able to keep your patio guests safe from bugs without them even realizing the lantern is emitting any sort of protection.
The lantern works by releasing allethrin, which mimics the scent of chrysanthemum flowers, a natural mosquito repellent. EPA approved, this is a near-natural solution for keeping mosquitoes away from you and your family while enjoying the great outdoors. Lightweight and portable, with no spray and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, this is a product worth trying.
Thermacell Cambridge: Check the current price
