Summer is right around the corner, and what better way to embrace the sunny season than by heading outside? But, as much as we love spending quality time with Mother Nature, the great outdoors isn’t all glowing tans and breathtaking photo-ops. Maybe you didn’t apply bug repellent, or perhaps you missed a spot, but getting a mosquito bite can make your time outside a less-than-sunny affair.
What to Know Before You Buy
But, if you’re looking for an easy way to keep those pesky mosquito bites to a minimum, picking up an outdoor citronella candle is a good place to start. They might be a backyard staple, but do citronella candles work? The short answer is yes. While the NPIC has no studies to confirm candle’s efficacy, naturally occurring citronella oil is considered a repellant for those pesky critters. So, if you want to give yourself some peace of mind, you might as well add a candle (or five) to your e-cart.
The Best Citronella Candles
BUY IT: from $13.44; amazon.com
Best Budget Citronella Candle: Tiki BiteFighter Citronella Wax Candle
BUY IT: $5.28; lowes.comContrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to keep your skin bite-free this summer. Case in point: Tiki’s BiteFighter citronella candle. Clocking in at a whopping 17 ounces, this option can burn for up to 35 hours, making it a must-have for an adventurous weekend. Plus, it comes in a sturdy bucket with a handle that can fit nicely on your patio, porch, or balcony. All of this for under $6? Consider us sold!Size: 17 ouncesBurn Time: Up to 35 hours
Best Citronella Candle for Mosquitos: Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle
BUY IT: $12; amazon.com
Best Citronella Candle for Camping: Coleman Scented Citronella Campfire Crackle Candle
BUY IT: from $5.99; amazon.com
Anyone who wants to embark on a weekend camping trip should definitely consider packing Coleman’s citronella candle. Clocking in at six ounces, this tin option is a space-efficient way to keep mosquitoes at bay during your next camping trip. It even has an accompanying lid, so it will go unscathed when you’re on the trail. And, thanks to its wooden wick—which creates a crackling sound when lit—you won’t need to start the campfire. There are also three scents to choose from—campfire, pine, and s’mores—that pay homage to the entire outdoorsy experience. (We wouldn’t blame you if you lit this option post-camping trip.)Size: 6 ouncesBurn Time: Up to 25 hours
Best Soy Wax Citronella Candle: Aottom Citronella Candles
BUY IT: $14.99; amazon.com
Believe it or not, your candle’s wax makes a huge difference. For instance, paraffin wax is known to emit toxins—not to mention create some unfavorable soot around your candle’s cannister. (Translation? It’s not the best for you or your home.) Instead, opt for soy wax, which creates a slow, even burn. Not only is Aottom’s citronella candle made with the “good” type of wax, but it also has a delicious lemongrass scent. Best of all? This option comes in a pack of nine, so you can always have some high-quality citronella candles on hand.Size: 2 ounces eachBurn Time: Up to 15 hours
Best Tealight Citronella Candle: Mosquito Guard Tealight Citronella Candles
BUY IT: $12.95; amazon.com
As this set from Mosquito Guard proves, big things often come in small packages. Clocking in at 1.5 inches in diameter and .75 inches thick, these votives are small enough to fit on a small side table or your outdoor bar cart. (Want to throw a fancy, multi-course meal? You can place a bunch of them on a long dining room table. Talk about a stylish dinner al fresco!) AThese candles will last about four hours, but don’t worry: Available as a pack of 16, you’ll have plenty of candles to go around.Size: Approximately .5 ounces eachBurn Time: Up to 4 hours each
Best Stylish Citronella Candle: The Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 3-Wick Outdoor Citronella Candle
BUY IT: $11.92; walmart.com
Just because citronella candles serve a utilitarian purpose—you know, to keep those pesky mosquitoes away—doesn’t mean they can’t look good, too. That’s where The Pioneer Woman’s candle comes in. The first thing you’ll notice is its colorful vessel with a scalloped edge, which is bound to make any outdoor space look inexplicably chic. Plus, you can reuse the vessel once the candle has completely burned. Go ahead, make it the centerpiece of your bistro table.Size: 13 ounces
Best Scented Citronella Candle: Cutter Scented Citronella Candle
BUY IT: $18.76; walmart.com
Contrary to popular belief, a citronella candle has a lot more to offer than a gorgeous glow and minimal bug bites for you. If you’re craving an option that appeals to all the senses, check out this fragrant option from Cutter. The brand might be known for controlling pests, but it turns out Cutter has a knack for creating great scents, too. With soothing notes of lavender and vanilla, this citronella candle will make your outdoor space smell like a blooming, candy-coated garden.Size: 11 ouncesBurn Time: Up to 30 hours
Best Citronella Candle Lantern: Coleman Citronella Candle Outdoor Lantern
BUY IT: $7.88; walmart.com
For a citronella candle that will last a long time, check out this lantern from Coleman. Designed to burn for at least 70 hours, it will give you a lot of mileage this summer. And, thanks to its enclosed canister, you won’t have to worry about this candle going awry. In fact, the lantern even comes with a reusable cap that will protect your flame from spontaneous rain or debris.Size: 6.7 ouncesBurn Time: 70+ hours
