citronella candles

Patio bug repellent

Citronella candles are candles infused with citronella oil, a lemon-scented extract from certain grasses, burned outdoors to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

They're a fixture of summer patios and backyard gatherings: We lit citronella candles around the deck before the party.

Their effectiveness is modest—they work best in still air and close proximity.

Related

summer · summer nights · warm weather · outdoor · outdoor dining · tiki · torch · oil lamp · lemongrass · scented · wax · wick · flame · dusk · backyard · backyard party · bugs · evening

Categories
Opposites
insect interaction

citronella candlesbug zappers

Devices electrocuting flying pests

mosquito traps · fly paper · standing water

functional purpose

citronella candlesscented candles

Wax sticks emitting fragrance

pillar candles · tea lights · votive candles · birthday candles

pest control method

citronella candlespermethrin

Synthetic bug-killing compound

bug spray · mosquito coils · raid

Family

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Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G