How to Make DIY Citronella Jars
Passante used mason jars filled with water and fresh herbs like lemon balm and lavender to create the base for her floating candle displays.
Then, she added several drops of citronella oil into each jar and topped off the concoctions with tealight candles. And they don’t just look good—these natural, homemade candles work to repel mosquitoes, thanks to the citronella.
Why Citronella Oil Works on Mosquitoes
Citronella oil smells like fresh lemon to most; it’s a pleasant scent with the power to deter pesky bugs.
"Citronella oil is generally more effective than the plant itself," says Rollins, Inc. entomologist Ben Hottel. "Simply planting citronella plants does little to deter pests as the oils are not pungent enough. However, the oil derived from these plants can offer a more direct repellent effect."
The CDC also backs citronella oil in some cases, which Hottel calls out. He says they recommend using EPA-registered mosquito repellents, and the EPA lists some citronella-based options in its repellent search tool.
Other Ingredients
This DIY candle uses drops of citronella oil and other herbs, including lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, mint, sage, and basil. Another CDC-recommended form of protection is Lemon Eucalyptus oil.
How to Ensure Your Citronella Candle Is Effective
Hottel notes that citronella may not be as effective as other formal pest control methods, but it can still be used.
"Citronella can help repel mosquitoes, but it’s only mildly effective and best suited for smaller outdoor areas," Hottel says. "It works by masking the scents that attract mosquitoes, though its impact is usually temporary and can be reduced by wind or in open spaces."
Your best bet is to make multiple citronella jar candles and place them around the area you’re sitting in. Stay within a few feet of the candles, and make sure to refill oils frequently. To be extra-cautious, you can even set out various mosquito-repellent methods.
"The best way to prevent mosquitoes is to use multiple methods to keep mosquitoes out in the short and long term," Hottel says.
