As summer evenings stretch out, inviting us to spend time in our gardens or on the patio, the last thing we want is to be swarmed by pesky bugs. If you’re tired of chemical-laden repellents or just looking for a more natural alternative, why not try making your own DIY bug repellant candles? Not only are they effective, but they also add a charming, aromatic touch to your outdoor space. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make. Let’s dive into this refreshing project that combines natural ingredients and essential oils to keep those insects at bay.
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- Mason Jars: These are the perfect vessel for our candles and provide a rustic charm.
- Water: Forms the base of our candle mixture.
- Witch Hazel: Helps the essential oils disperse evenly in the water.
- 9 Lemon Slices: Adds a zesty, fresh scent.
- 9 Lime Slices: Brings a citrusy kick.
- 9 Stalks of Rosemary: Provides a fragrant, herbaceous aroma.
- Essential Oils: For the key bug-repelling properties:
- 15 drops Citronella
- 15 drops Lemongrass
- 15 drops Lavender
- 15 drops Eucalyptus
Assembling the DIY Bug Repellant Jars
Prepare Your Jars: Start by slicing your lemons and limes into thin pieces and gather your rosemary stalks. Place three lemon slices, three lime slices, and two rosemary stalks into each mason jar. These not only add a pleasing aesthetic but also infuse the candles with delightful natural fragrances.
Mix Your Liquids: Pour 1/4 cup of witch hazel into each jar. This will help your essential oils mix well with the water. Next, fill the jars almost to the top with water, leaving a small space at the top. This gap is essential to allow the candle to float properly.
Add Essential Oils: To each jar, add 15 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils. These oils are your secret weapon against bugs, and their combined scent is incredibly effective.
Stir and Set: Use a large spoon or the handle of a wooden spoon to gently stir the mixture, making sure to keep the fruit and herbs submerged under the water. This ensures that the oils are well distributed.
Insert the Candle: Place a floating candle on top of the water in each jar. The candle should sit comfortably on the surface of the water without overflowing.
Final Touch: Light the candle and place the jar in the area where you want to repel bugs. The candlelight combined with the aromatic oils will create a pleasant atmosphere while keeping those unwelcome insects away.
Benefits of Essential Oils to Fight Bugs
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and aromatic properties. When it comes to repelling bugs, certain oils stand out for their effectiveness. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of the essential oils used in this recipe:
Citronella: Citronella is well-known for its bug-repelling properties. Its strong, lemony scent effectively masks the scents that attract insects, particularly mosquitoes. This oil is a staple in many natural insect repellents and is highly effective when combined with other essential oils.
Lemongrass: Similar to citronella, lemongrass has a potent lemon-like fragrance that insects find repulsive. It is particularly effective against mosquitoes and flies. Lemongrass also has antibacterial properties, adding an extra layer of protection.
Lavender: Lavender’s soothing and calming scent isn’t just pleasant for humans—it’s also a deterrent for mosquitoes and other insects. Lavender’s natural compounds can repel insects while promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil is renowned for its ability to repel mosquitoes and other bugs. Its strong, fresh scent disrupts the sensory receptors of insects, making it difficult for them to locate their targets. Additionally, eucalyptus has antiseptic properties that can help to soothe bug bites and skin irritations.
Essential Oil Substitutes
If you’re looking to experiment with different scents or have a limited selection of essential oils, there are several effective substitutions you can use while still keeping bugs at bay. For instance, if you don’t have citronella, you can substitute it with lemongrass alone or bay leaf oil, which also has strong insect-repelling properties. If you’re out of eucalyptus, tea tree oil is a robust alternative with its natural ability to deter mosquitoes and other pests. Peppermint oil is another excellent substitute, offering a strong, invigorating scent that repels ants, spiders, and mosquitoes. For a more woody note, cedarwood oil can replace lavender and provide a different but effective bug-repelling aroma. These substitutions can be used in similar quantities to maintain the effectiveness of your bug repellant candles, allowing you to enjoy a custom blend that suits your preferences and what you have on hand.
Creating your own DIY bug repellant candles is a fun and effective way to enjoy your outdoor spaces without the annoyance of pesky insects. By combining fresh ingredients like lemon, lime, and rosemary with a carefully chosen blend of essential oils, you can craft beautiful and functional candles that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the senses. Not only do these candles help keep bugs away, but they also enhance your outdoor environment with delightful scents and a cozy ambiance.
DIY Bug Repellant Candles
Equipment
- 3 mason jars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup witch hazel
- 9 lemon slices
- 9 lime slices
- 6 stalks of rosemary
- Water (to fill rest of jar)
- 3 floating candles
Essential Oil Blend
- 15 drops citronella essential oil
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions
- In each mason jar, place 3 slices of lemon, 3 slices of lime and 2 stalks of rosemary,
- Pour 1/4 cup of witch hazel into each mason jar. Then fill the jars the rest of the way up with water leaving only a little space for the essential oil drops and to allow the candle to float on top of the water without overflowing.
- Add 15 drops of each 4 essential oils, citronella, lemongrass, lavender, and eucalyptus, to each mason jar as the blend for the DIY bug repellant candles. Use a large spoon or the handle of a wooden spoon to gently stir the mixture together. Try to keep the herbs and fruit pressed into the jar and not above water.
- Place each candle in an area surrounding where you want to fight away bugs. Place the candle in the center of each jar, floating on the water. Light the candle. Enjoy the smell and lack of bugs around you from these DIY bug repellant candles!
