How to Make an Essential Oil Candle that Repels Insects

Being well prepared for a camping trip or day spent outdoors in the summer means packing plenty of sun protection and also, depending on where you live or where you’re going, something to help combat mosquitos. In addition to a natural insect repellent for the body such as Coqui Coqui’s citrus perfume, Santa Maria Novella’s citronella lotion, or Burt’s Bees herbal spray, a repellant candle is also wise measure. You can find candles that are free of DEET and other harmful chemicals from many natural brands.

If you have time, you can also make the candles yourself using beeswax and essentials oils that are known to repel insects, such as rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, or the classic citronella. Here’s a recipe that couldn’t be easier—feel free to experiment with the essential oils based on your preferred scents or what you happen to have on hand. I love to use simple glass Weck jars for these as they look great on the table or alighting a walkway and really help to set the mood! XXJKE