DIY Citronella Beeswax Candles
🕯️ Buzz Off, Mosquitoes: Make Your Own Citronella Beeswax Candle
Summer nights are great—until the mosquitoes show up. Instead of reaching for bug spray every 10 minutes, why not fight back with a little DIY power?
These homemade citronella beeswax candles are easy to make, smell amazing, and help keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay. Plus, they look pretty great on a patio table.
🧾 What You’ll Need:
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1 cup beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax if you’ve got a block)
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1/2 cup coconut oil (makes the candle burn smoother and longer)
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20–30 drops citronella essential oil (this is what sends the bugs packing)
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Wick (cotton or wood—just make sure it fits your container)
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Heat-safe container (mason jar, metal tin, old mug—get creative!)
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Double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water)
🔥 Let’s Make It:
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Melt the wax
Set up your double boiler and melt the beeswax slowly. Stir occasionally—it takes a little time. -
Add coconut oil
Once the wax is melted, stir in the coconut oil. This helps your candle burn more evenly (and a bit longer). -
Add the citronella oil
Let the mixture cool for a couple minutes, then stir in 20–30 drops of citronella essential oil. If you add it while it’s too hot, the scent can burn off—so give it a minute. -
Set your wick
Stick your wick in the center of your container and keep it upright. A chopstick or two balanced across the top can help keep it steady. -
Pour it in
Carefully pour the wax mixture into your container. Let it sit and cool until solid—about 1 to 2 hours. -
Trim the wick
Once your candle has set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. Done!
🦟 Tips for Mosquito Defense:
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Use one candle per small outdoor table, or a few for larger spaces.
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Light it 15–20 minutes before you head outside for best results.
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Don’t leave them unattended (they’re candles, after all).
🐝 Why Beeswax?
Beeswax is natural, clean-burning, and smells great even without added scents. It’s a nice upgrade from synthetic store-bought candles, and it pairs perfectly with essential oils like citronella.
Make sure you stock up on Champlain Valley beeswax for your next rainy, crafting afternoon! So next time the mosquitoes come buzzing, you’ll be ready—with a homemade, good-smelling candle that does more than just look cute. 🕯️✨
