DIY All Natural Bug Repellent Candles

I’m a summer baby. Born in the middle of July, I love the heat, the sunshine, the late night sunsets- it is my favorite season. However, the one thing I really, really dislike about summer is all it’s bugs. I thought I had lucked out moving to Colorado a few years ago because of its lack of bugs, but, oh, has this season proved me wrong! There have been bugs everywhere, not just on me but on my pups as well. No, thanks! So, to make my summer evenings sipping cocktails on the porch a little bit more enjoyable, I’ve made some great bug repellent candle recipe that smells good, gives off a bit of light, and helps to keep those pesky little creatures away!

I say this all the time while talking about my line of bath and body care products (like my solid bug repellent): I am incredibly particular when it comes to scent. You can say something, like a salve or a candle, is the best thing in the world but if it smells horrific it is not coming anywhere near my nose. (The only exception to this is cheese, but I digress.) So this candle smells wonderful, chock full of rosemary (great for repelling ticks!), lemongrass, eucalyptus, and the most well-known bug repelling essential oil, citronella- a beautiful mix of four insect repellent essential oils that makes me ever so happy.

Ingredients:

Candle Wax (I used this soy wax)

Candle Wicks

½ Teaspoon Citronella Essential Oil

½ Teaspoon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

½ Teaspoon Rosemary Essential Oil

½ Teaspoon Lemongrass Essential Oil

Container of Choice- Tins, Mason Jars, Ceramic Bowls

Tape or Hot Glue

Wooden Skewer

* ½ Teaspoon is approximately 30 drops.

Instructions:

1 Measure out your candle wax. I used flaked wax, so be aware that the wax melts down to about half of its original volume. So take your container and fill it with flaked wax up until where you’d like the candle to reach twice!

2 Add measured wax into a double boiler and allow to melt completely.

3 Meanwhile, secure the candlewicks to the bottom center of your candles using either hot glue or tape, then use a wooden skewer to make sure the wicks stay upright.

4 When wax is completely melted add essentials oils. ½ teaspoon is approximately 30 drops of essential oil. My recipe for these candles is SUPER potent; so try fewer drops if you’re not sure if you’ll like the scent! Mix well.

5 Pour melted wax mixture into prepared containers and let cool. *If you are using glass containers make sure that they are warmed- you can place them in the oven at the lowest setting to make sure. Hot liquid into cold glass can cause it to shatter!