Make your own citronella candles with beeswax and citronella oil for a simple outdoor project that's perfect for patios, porches, and backyard evenings.
There is nothing better than spending a summer evening outside, unless the mosquitoes decide to join you.
These DIY citronella candles are a simple way to add a cozy glow to your outdoor space while helping make your patio or deck a little more enjoyable.
I love easy projects that are both pretty and practical, and this one checks both boxes.
Even if you've never made a candle before, you'll be surprised by how simple this project is.
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Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $15 - $20
Total Time: 45 minutes + cooling time
Before You Begin
One of my favorite things about this project is that you don't need a cabinet full of candle-making supplies to get started.
In fact, I made my very first batch using an empty aluminum can instead of purchasing a special melting pitcher. It worked wonderfully and saved me from buying another tool that I might only use occasionally.
Choose a flat, heat-safe workspace and open a new window or work in a well-ventilated area while melting the beeswax.
Although beeswax has a mild natural scent, good airflow is always a good idea whenever you're working with hot wax and essential oils.
For safety, I intentionally filled my mason jars only partway. Leaving extra space at the top helps protect the flame from the wind and keeps the candle a little safer to use outdoors.
If you'd rather fill the jars completely, simply increase the amount of wax and citronella oil accordingly.
Make the Citronella Candles
Prepare the Jar
Start by attaching the candle wick securely to the bottom of the mason jar with a small amount of hot glue.
Taking a minute to center the wick now will help your candle burn more evenly later.
Melt the Beeswax
If you're using beeswax pellets, they're ready to melt right out of the package. If your beeswax comes in blocks, cut it into smaller pieces first so it melts more evenly.
Fill the aluminum can with beeswax, pressing it down gently so you know how much wax you'll need for one candle.
Place the can into a saucepan with a few inches of water to create a simple double boiler. Heat the water until the wax has completely melted.
Add the Citronella Oil
Once the beeswax is fully melted, remove it from the heat and carefully stir in about five drops of citronella essential oil.
The exact amount is up to you, and you can add a little more or a little less depending on how strong you prefer the scent.
Many people use citronella oils because they're commonly found in outdoor candles designed to help discourage insects and mosquitoes from lingering nearby.
Pour the Candle
Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared mason jar while keeping the wick centered. I
like using a pair of chopsticks laid across the top of the jar to hold the wick upright while the wax cools.
Allow the candle to cool completely before trimming the wick and lighting it for the first time.
Helpful Tips
Choosing Beeswax
Beeswax is available in both natural yellow and white varieties. I chose white beeswax because I liked the clean, classic look, but either color works beautifully.
Some candle makers prefer organic or filtered beeswax because it may contain fewer impurities.
Since these candles are designed for outdoor use, I wasn't overly concerned about the type I purchased, but it's something to keep in mind if you're shopping for supplies.
Making Multiple Candles
The measurements in this tutorial make one 8 oz candle. If you're planning to make several at once, using a traditional double boiler or dedicated candle melting pitcher will make the process much easier.
Adjusting the Scent
The amount of citronella essential oil is easy to customize. I found that five drops worked well for me, but you can experiment until you find the scent strength you like best.
Keep in mind that homemade citronella candles help reduce the number of bugs around your seating area, but they won't eliminate every mosquito.
I actually found these worked better than several store-bought mosquito repellant candles I've tried over the years.
Final Thoughts
I honestly wasn't expecting these candles to work as well as they did, but they completely impressed me.
While I was spending long evenings working in my garage, I noticed the mosquitoes disappeared from around my workbench within minutes after lighting one.
They're easy to make, look great on a patio table, and make relaxing outdoors much more enjoyable during mosquito season.
If you love this project, don't miss my DIY Chalkboard Candle Box tutorial. It makes a fun way to display or gift your finished candles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Any heat-safe glass container designed for candles will work. Just remember that changing the container size means you'll also need to adjust the amount of wax and essential oil.
You can scent candles with other essential oils, but citronella oil is commonly used in outdoor candles because of its fresh citrus scent and its reputation for helping discourage mosquitoes and other insects.
Allow the candle to cool completely before moving it or trimming the wick. I usually let mine sit for several hours or overnight.
In my experience, they definitely helped reduce the number of mosquitoes around my workspace. While they aren't a perfect solution, they made a noticeable difference and performed better than some store-bought options I've used.
Need help with this project?
Click a button below to ask AI if you can use soy wax instead of beeswax.
More DIY Outdoor Ideas
If you're looking for more ways to enjoy your outdoor space, you'll find plenty of inspiration below.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Katja | Shift Ctrl Art
Love this project. What a great idea! I did not know you could make your own and of course they look a ton better in a mason jar 🙂 Love your photography as well. PInned!
Katie
Thanks so much! : ) Yes, mason jars make everything just a little bit better don't they!
laura
Where do I find the essential oil? Was that at Hob Lob too? Would love for you to link this up to Friday Favorites later this week if you get a chance! I'm doing this! laura
Katie
I actually had to go to a health food store to find mine. But I know when I lived in Texas it was easier to find in grocery stores. Some Wal Mart's will carry it too. Just depends on where you are located. But a health store will most likely have it. : ) They are great! You will love them! Thanks for stopping by!
Lauren @ Mom Home Guide
This is a great idea, and the candles are so cute! I am pinning this! Visiting from Haven Mavens -- hope to meet you at Haven this week!
Crystal
Love that you put it in mason jars. Super cute! Being that it has rained almost everyday here in Houston (I'm not complaining), the mosquito's are definitely out. This will be perfect 🙂
Virginia
Thank you for sharing this. The mosquitoes are so bad this year and they LOVE me! I'm going to head out to Hobby Lobby today so I can make these. I love how you used a can so you don't mess up any of your pans. Great idea!
Ginnie
I have been looking for something like this! Thank you so much for sharing. The bugs have been relentless this summer!
Carl Naye
I wonder if these candles will work for fruit flies?
Katie
Hmm... I'm not sure, never tried before. Now I'll have to go look this up ; )
Marie-Helene Belanger
I live in rural Vermont and the bugs are out! I will definitely make some of those this summer! Thank you!
Katie
Bugs are the only bad part of summer! Hope you enjoy them!! : )
Laura
I found Amazon has a good price on the Now brand Citronella oil in the 4 oz. size. As of 6/5/17, it's under $12 with free shipping (or free 2-day Prime shipping). Whole Foods Market also carries the Now brand, but I'm not sure if they would have the Citronella. Another method to try out: If you have an EO diffuser, you could set it up in your garage with a variety of different oils (like lavender, cedarwood, geranium, eucylptus, etc.) & it'll work great to deter the pesky lil blood suckers too. You can experiment with mixing different oils to find what works best & smells good. Thank you, Katie, for a great DIY! Mosquitoes don't really bother me, but they do eat my husband alive! We were looking for a safe & effective way to get rid of those biter-blighters (lol!) & this is perfect! Thanks again!
Trish
How many candles does 1 lb. of beeswax make?
Kristy, Life-n-Reflection
I make a batch of citronella candles every summer too! Love your photographs btw 😉
Kippi
Great project since I live in Florida and our outdoor season is all year! Pinning.
Have a great week,
Kippi
Denise and Sean | HelpingHunny
Thanks, Katie! We created a lovely patio space and haven't been on it as much as we'd like in the evenings because of the bugs. Looking forward to making these!
*pinned
Cheers,
Denise
Anita Holland
Great project. Pinned
Cherryl Ehlenburg
What a great idea! I will definitely be making some of these for our back yard! Pinned.
Amber Ferguson
I love the idea of making my own Cintronella candles!
Lana
I was genuinely surprised at how well these worked! I have been working out in my garage til all hours of the night working on my kitchen and the mosquitoes seem to think I’m looking for a party! Nope, not that kind, haha! So They SWARM by the lights in my garage, and I put this on my workbench, they were seriously gone in about 20 seconds!
Fineas
I was genuinely surprised at how well these worked! I have been working out in my garage til all hours of the night working on my kitchen and the mosquitoes seem to think I’m looking for a party! Nope, not that kind, haha! So They SWARM by the lights in my garage, and I put this on my workbench, they were seriously gone in about 20 seconds!
Valorie
I actually had to go to a health food store to find mine. But I know when I lived in Texas it was easier to find in grocery stores. Some Wal Mart’s will carry it too. Just depends on where you are located. But a health store will most likely have it. : ) They are great! You will love them! Thanks for stopping by!
Findley
hi Katie- where do I find the essential oil? Was that at Hob Lob too? Would love for you to link this up to Friday Favorites later this week if you get a chance! I’m doing this! laura
Lindsay
Love this project. What a great idea! I did not know you could make your own and of course they look a ton better in a mason jar 🙂 Love your photography as well. PInned!
Moto X3M
Hi Katie, thank you for hosting! All the features look amazing! Have a great holiday weekend! 🙂