While the primary purpose of a candle is not to prevent pests from entering your home, there are ways in which you can use it to do so. There are no candles made specifically for getting rid of bugs but some prevent them from entering due to their smell.
If you wondered what candles get rid of flies, gnats, mosquitos, and wasps, then the most efficient way would be to make a candle yourself by using certain specific ingredients. Citronella essential oil, for instance, is very good against flies and mosquitos.
Here, we will take a look at how certain oils help to get rid of bugs while still being all-natural and chemical-free.
In a hurry? The best candle for deterring most flying insects is citronella. Here is one on Amazon that burns for over 30 hours and has excellent reviews!
Table of Contents
What Candles Get Rid of Flies, Gnats, Mosquitos and Wasps?
One of the best candles to use to get rid of flies, gnats, mosquitos, and wasps is the Citronella candle.
They are easily available in supermarkets as well as hardware stores and come in a wide variety of containers.
If your looking for a great candle choice, here is one from Amazon the is specifically made for camping and keeps many flying bugs away with citronella.
Their scent might be too strong for some though and so you might want to keep them at a good distance.
The strong fragrance will keep flies, mosquitos, and wasps away and act as a deterrent as long as you use it frequently.
Moreover, these candles work only within a small area and so if you have a big bug problem, it won’t work as efficiently. In this case, it would be better to call a professional.
Tips for Getting Rid of Gnats with a Candle
Getting rid of gnats with a candle can get a little messy sometimes. Sometimes, the scent itself might not keep them away. So, you will have to place a long candlestick with the candle in a pan of water. You will then need to turn OFF the lights so that gnats will come flying towards the light.
Do keep in mind that this works only at nighttime. The gnats will either fly into the flame or they will fall into the water and drown. When doing this, it is very important that you attend to the flame and put it out later. Do not under any circumstance leave the candle on when you go to sleep as it is a fire hazard.
Creating a Bug Repellant Candle
Ingredients
To make a bug repellant candle, you will need the following ingredients:
- Mason jars
- Water
- One lemon
- One lime
- Few sprigs of rosemary
- Essential oil
- Tea lights or floating candles (remove metal casing)
Some of the essential oils that keep bugs like flies, gnats, mosquitos, and wasps away are citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, geranium, spearmint eucalyptus, and peppermint.
Recipe
You can create a variety of blends such as:
- 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil with 10 drops of geranium
- 15 drops of lemongrass with 7 drops each of lavender and geranium oil
- 15 drops of citronella with 7 drops of lavender oil
- 12 drops of eucalyptus and lavender oil each with 6 drops of spearmint or peppermint oil
Once you have your blend, follow these steps:
- Place one or two sprigs of rosemary in the jar and put two slices of lime and lemon each. Some of the slices must be kept flat inside the jar while others must be kept upright.
- Fill the jar with water but keep at least 1-inch empty at the top for the candle.
- Keep the candle on the water and you are good to go.
If you have a consistent bug problem in your home or garden, then it would be better to make two or three candles at a time. Always make sure you follow all safety precautions and that you never let a candle burn throughout the night. These candles will last up to 3 days after which you can create a new one.
Conclusion
Keeping bugs away such as flies, gnats, mosquitos, and wasps, is easily achievable with a store-bought or homemade candle. The best essential oil for getting rid of bugs is citronella oil, it is a natural deterrent.
If you follow the step-by-step guide in this article, you will find it’s super easy to create your own bug repellent candle and is very affordable and effective.
I hope this helps you solve your bug problem, and if not, you may wish to speak with a professional to come up with a better solution than simply using a candle. It’s worth a shot though!