DIY Citronella Beeswax Candles
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). 🕯️✨
