DIY Citronella Candles with GreenHealth Essential Oils
Level: Beginner
Nothing ruins a summer outing more than pesky bugs. When the idea of hanging out on the deck with friends, camping with family or even taking the kids to the park is hampered by having to deal with biting insects the entire time, our summer activities become so much less enjoyable.
GreenHealth Essential Oils comes to the rescue with this easy to follow DIY for Citronella candles!
In addition to bug spray, keeping citronella candles burning near a gathering is believed to assist in repelling mosquitos.
To make these DIY candles, you will need the following:
A small jar or can (if using glass keep the jar to between 4”- 6”)
Wicks & Wick Clips (available at craft stores)
Glue/Glue Gun
1lb Yellow Beeswax
5ml Citronella Oil
Scissors
Directions:
- Secure wick and clip to bottom of container with glue gun. A waxed wick should stand on its own, however, a non-waxed one can be attached to a pen that is placed over the jar opening to help it hang straight
- Using a double boiler (if you do not have one, you can fill a pot with water and place a bowl that fits so it floats on top) - melt wax
- Once wax is melted, allow to cool for about 1 min
- Add 75 drops (ratio is 75 drops per pound of wax) of Citronella Oil
- Pour into jars carefully so as not to disturb the wick
- Allow to solidify (4hrs. minimum)
- Trim wick to ¼” above wax
We at GreenHealth hope you enjoy your bug-free summer!
Citronella is registered with the EPA as a biochemical pesticide with a non-toxic mode of action (EPA-738-F-02). This allows it to be registered as an insect repellent. It is important to note however, that Citronella does not kill mosquitos, rather it acts as a block to the scents that attract them, leaving them disoriented (Akhila, A., Essential Oil-Bearing Grasses - The genus Cymbopogon, p.19). The time of coverage from Citronella Oil for the purpose of repelling mosquitos is approximately a duration of 2hrs.