Did you know that you can make your own DIY mosquito repellent candles right at home? And it is actually easy y’all! Just follow along below to get the instructions, use this recipe all summer long, and say goodbye to pricy citronella candles.
These DIY mosquito repellent candles are part of Summer in Jars Week, where we are sharing jar ideas all summer long! If you have missed any of the fun, be sure to catch up with day 1 and day 2. You will also want to scroll down to the bottom of this post to see the jar craft ideas for today from the other bloggers in this series.
Ready for more summertime crafts? You’ll love this DIY string art and my cute handprint dragonflies!
DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles Video Tutorial
All you need for this DIY candle project is a few basic supplies and 10 minutes of your day. To make things even easier, I decided to make a quick video showing exactly how to make mosquito repellent candles. Watch below!
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? I’ve got you covered. You can follow the instructions below.
DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles
Did you know you probably have most of the ingredients for these mosquito repellent candles already in your home? Yep! Not only are these candles super easy to make, but the supplies and ingredients are also pretty simple.
Supplies Needed For DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles
- Pint mason jars
- Floating candles
- Lemons
- Limes
- Basil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Water
How to Make DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles
Step 1: Slice Lemon And Lime
Slice one lemon and one lime (this will be enough for two candles).
Step 2: Add Lemon And Lime To Jar
Add a couple of slices of lemon and lime to the jar.
Step 3: Add Basil
Add a couple of sprigs of basil on top of your lemon and lime slices.
Step 4: Fill Jar With Water
Fill the jar with water up to the threads.
Step 5: Add Lemongrass Oil
Add 10 – 15 drops of lemongrass oil to your jar.
Step 6: Stir
Stir everything together.
Step 7: Add Floating Candle
Add a floating candle to your jar.
Step 8: Light Candle
Light the candle and enjoy a pest-free summer!
Why Make DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles?
Not only do these easy homemade mosquito repellent candles make beautiful outdoor decorations, but they are also super functional! I don’t know about you, but as much as I love spending time outdoors, I also hate mosquitos just as much.
Making your own DIY mosquito repellent candles will save you dollars on citronella products (that may or may not work). Instead, just make your own! They’re pretty, quick, and will keep away the mosquitoes and other bugs from your summer parties. You have to love that!
FAQs About DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles
If you have questions about these DIY mosquito repellent candles, I have answers for you! Please leave your question for me in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below.
What’s The Purpose Of The Floating Candle And How Does The Candle Work?
The floating candle is just for ambiance and the smell is mainly what keeps the mosqutios away!
How Long Will These DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles Last?
When being used the candle will last approximately 3-5 days.
After the 3-5 days, I would change the water, fruit, and basil to keep it fresh. Then, when not in use, I would put the lid on the jar and store in the refrigerator.
Will Other Herbs Work In Place Of The Basil?
I have not used other herbs, but you can definitely try them!
Can These Candles Be Made Up Ahead Of Time And Stored?
I haven’t tried making them ahead. However, if you do, I would refrigerate the candles and use them as soon as possible. This is because they are only good for 3-5 days.
If I Make These DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles As Gifts, When Should I Assemble Them?
Since the candles only last a few days, I would assemble them either the night before or on the day of when you are gifting them. Also, when you assemble the candles, I would refrigerate them until you are ready to gift them.
The Esstienal Oil Turned My Basil Brown. What Am I Doing Wrong?
I had one do that too! I would recommend squeezeing the lemon a little for more citrus.
Where Can I Find Floating Candles?
You can find floating candles at the Dollar Store or online.
Can I Use LED Candles Instead Of Regular Candles?
I don’t think the LED candles can be put in water but there may be some I don’t know about!
Can I Add Orange Slices For More Color?
Absolutely! You can definitely make these candles your own and add in other fruit slices to go with the lemon and lime.
More Summer In A Jar Ideas
Now, I promised you even more summer in a jar ideas! To see all the other ideas, click the links below!
Mason Jar Quiz
Just in case you are curious, I have also created a quiz so you can find out what type of mason jar you are! This is just for fun but might give you some great ideas for jars to use in your own crafts. Take the quiz below!
5 More Candle Crafts
Do you love these DIY mosquito repellent candles, and are looking for more candle crafts? Then check out the projects below!
Oh how fun! I love mason jar crafts, and these do look easy, and I bet they smell wonderful. Better then the citronella candles. Thanks for sharing! Pinning!
Aww these jars look so cute, and I’m excited to try it! I also really love be mason jar quiz:) thank you a bunch for sharing!
This is a super smart idea.
This is BRILLIANT Angie! Love it! Hugs…
How does it work with the candle above said ingredients?
The aroma is what repels mosquitos. The candle helps to warm the mixture and emit more smell.
If we make these candles how long will they keep with a lid lid on the jar? How should they be stored? Thank you for the awesome post!
I would change the water, fruit, and basil two to three times a week to keep it fresh. Put the lid on the jars when not in use. Hope that helps!
👍🏼
I love this all natural way to fight off bugs! Thanks for sharing!
I love this idea. Citronella is very cloying and I bet that these natural mason jar candles smell much cleaner and fresher. Thanks for sharing.
What a great idea! Thank you…. I will share this.
This is such a fun idea and they are very pretty too! I saw your link at Inspire Me Monday and wanted to just pop by and tell you I think it’s great!
I love how this is a beautiful and functional decoration. Thanks for the tutorial! I am excited to try it.
I’ve got to try this! I’ve got a 3 month old and I hate the idea of putting bug spray on her. We live in central Texas, so summertime mosquito repellent is a must.
Thank you for providing this because my family wants to have some outdoor events this summer and needed something natural to repel mosquito!
The bug repellent idea is fabulous. I’m pinning for this summer. Thanks
These look so perfect for summer! Strangely I actually have a whole box of floating candles from our wedding three years ago because I just haven’t been able to throw them out. This would be the perfect way to finally use them!
Thanks for sharing this! Can’t wait to make some.
I love this project! My kiddos and husband are magnets for mosquitos, so fingers crossed this will help. Plus, it will be an adorable decoration for my outside tables. Thank you for sharing!
Cheers,
Lisa at Dreams and Caffeine
Not only are these great they are pretty! Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party @DearCreatives Pinned & shared.
Sure hope this works as well as they look. Mosquitos here even during day in back yard are awful this summer. Hate those citronella candles, think squiters are immune to them. Can’t wear bug spray, am allergic to it, makes me so sick, terrible headache, same as with citronella candles. Love how pretty these look. Where does a person find floating candles these days? Have the jars so will be making as soon as I get other supplies. Angie to the rescue as always, so clever and know so much. Enjoy rest of weekend
I think our dollar tree still has floating candles Jane!
Walmart has the floating candles, also. If you have a Hobby Lobby or Michael’s store in your area you may find them there.
I bought some on Amazon
Hobby Lobby sells floating candles and all sorts of other candles! Love Hobby Lobby!
I marigolds fight off mosquitoes
too.
How cool is this!? Keep mosquitoes away and looks pretty!
Can I use LED candles instead of regular candles or will it not have the same effect? Also what about adding orange slices for more color?
Orange slices definitely! I don’t think the LED candles can be put in water but there may be some I don’t know about!
Do you know how long these candles last before you have to dump the contents out?
I have used them two days without issue.
Mosquito Repellent Candle is awesome.
Can you please tell me how to make Mosquito Repellent Room freshnar?
Sorry! I don’t have a recipe for that!