Mosquito Repellent Candles: What Are They?

We all know that tiny mosquitoes can cause some big problems. 

Usually, the first thing you think of when you’re trying to protect yourself and your family from mosquitos is mosquito repellent. But are chemical repellent sprays the best way to protect us?

From sprays to stickers to traps, there are plenty of mosquito repellent options to choose from. As with any decisions we make for the safety of our families, we need to do our research before going all-in on a new product.

In all actuality, the best solution is to use multiple types of bug repellent at once instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.  

Between work, getting the kids to school, and finding time for family fun, we’re all busy and want a solution that takes as little time and effort as possible.

Enter: the mosquito candle.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at mosquito repellent candles, what they actually do, and whether they can protect your family from our least favorite party crashers.

What’s in Mosquito Repellent Candles?

Mosquito repellent candles are also called citronella candles. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, not all mosquito repellent candles are citronella candles. (Although, all citronella candles are mosquito repellents.) 

 Other oils and natural ingredients used in candles to repel mosquitoes include: 

• Lavender oil
• Lemon eucalyptus oil
• Peppermint oil
• Rosemary oil
• Citronella Oil
• Peppermint
• Soybean oil 
• Cedarwood
• Citronella

What Is Citronella?

Citronella oil is extracted from a type of lemongrass, and it contains properties that naturally repel mosquitoes and other bugs. It’s one of the most common ingredients in mosquito repellent candles, but it also is used in many other (more helpful mosquito-fighting products). 

A Citronella candle might not solve your problems, but the powers in this oil could. Read on for more information.

Are Mosquito Repellent Candles Safe To Use Around Kids?

As most of the ingredients in these candles come from nature, they are safe to light around children (other than the danger of having open flames around kids).

These candles are likely no more dangerous than any other scented candle you light around the house.

Do Mosquito Repellent Candles Actually Work?

You might be surprised to learn that mosquito repellent candles—especially citronella—are completely useless. In every case study, scientists have declared that citronella candles don’t do much to protect humans from mosquitoes. In fact, citronella was such a weak repellent that it is basically like having no protection at all.

Mosquito repellent candles are not the only mosquito repellent product that claims to work and end up falling short. Bug zappers are also major flops when it comes to protecting you from mosquitoes. 

Meanwhile, DEET and other chemicals found in many repellents are harsh, potentially dangerous active ingredients that may keep mosquitoes away—at a cost.

While this research is disappointing, it simply goes to show that no mosquito-repelling products should be used alone. Protect your family on multiple fronts with traps, physical barriers, and natural repellents.

Best Way To Keep Mosquitoes Away

Even though repellent candles are useless, there are effective ways to keep mosquitos far away from your family. 

Natural mosquito repellents are more effective than their competitive counterparts, like mosquito traps, mosquito repellent candles, bug bracelets, and bug zappers.

Mosquito repellent stickers, specifically, blow the competition away when it comes to long-lasting, safe, and effective protection.

Where Can I Find Natural Mosquito Repellents?

The Natural Patch Co. provides a DEET- and synthetic chemical-free solution to your family’s mosquito woes. 

Our BuzzPatch uses a blend of essential oils instead of man-made, potentially harmful chemicals to guard against pests. Best of all, it comes in an easy-to-use sticker form that parents love.

How many of us have had to stop everything and deal with a child who got mosquito repellent spray, lotion, or even sunscreen in their eye? A patch can solve all these problems, with no chance of accidentally ending up somewhere it shouldn’t. No more trying to corral a fussy toddler and smother them in lotion, and no more DEET sprays drifting onto your child’s skin.

Because BuzzPatch consists of fun emoji designs, your kids will want to wear them. No more fighting them for their own good. Plus, BuzzPatch works for adults, too! 

As a quick and easy repellent solution, you can spend your precious time with your family instead of your bug repellent lotions.

Are There Other Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

As we’ve said before, it’s best to protect your family from mosquitos on multiple fronts. While BuzzPatch has your mosquito repellent covered, there are other ways to keep mosquitos away—no chemicals required. 

Certain habits and traits attract mosquitoes more than others, and avoiding these behaviors can be extremely helpful when trying to protect your family. 

Mosquito repellents will always be necessary because some of these traits just cannot be changed—blood type, anyone?—but there’s no such thing as being too cautious when your family’s health is on the line. As we know, mosquitoes can carry some nasty diseases, so it’s always better to be prepared and protected.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

So, what attracts mosquitoes?

Here are a few factors that have been proven to attract mosquitoes’ attention:

• O blood type
• Alcohol and other carbonated drinks
• Body odor and certain bacteria
• Floral-smelling perfumes and lotions
• Light-colored clothing
• Floral clothing
• Heavy breathing
• Sweat 
• High body temperatures

The best way to prepare for mosquito season is to buy the right products. While this rule of thumb applies to repellents like BuzzPatch, it can also refer to your outdoor gear and other items.

Don’t just buy something because it’s what your parents used for you or because you have used it in the past. There are constantly new products being released as we learn more about mosquitos and their habits. The more we know, the better we can protect ourselves and our families.

What Should I Do If I Get Bitten?

If you do find mosquito bites, remember to be cautious about how you treat them. 

Products that are usually advertised to heal or restore or erase mosquito bites typically do not target what is causing the itching sensation but focus on minimizing the itch itself. Not only does this not solve your problem, but they often use synthetic chemicals to provide their short-term relief.

MagicPatch, another of our inventions, targets itching at the source—no more relieving symptoms and ignoring the problem. Mosquitoes leave behind some saliva when they bite, which contains proteins that cause minor allergic reactions in humans. These minor allergic reactions result in the itchy feeling that is commonly associated with mosquito bites. 

MagicPatch helps stop itching in its tracks as a gridded patterned sticker. This patch readjusts your blood flow to help the saliva drain out and relieve the itchiness. One patch lasts up to seven days, it comes in tons of kid-friendly colors, and you can put it anywhere on your body. Best of all, it is completely waterproof, so the family fun doesn’t have to stop.

MagicPatch is much safer than any of the lotions or creams that fill drug store shelves. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and they stay potent for up to two years. Stock up now, and you can keep your family comfortable for plenty of mosquito seasons to come. 

Final Thoughts and Quick Recs

It’s time to get rid of that citronella candle and get rid of mosquitoes for good. 

Citronella and other mosquito repellent candles do nothing to protect you or your family from mosquitoes and other bugs. Bug zappers, bug repellent bracelets, and mosquito traps also pale in comparison to proper mosquito repellents like BuzzPatch. 

The Natural Patch Co.’s safe and effective mosquito repellent and itch relieving patches were created with your family’s health and happiness in mind, so you can enjoy the great outdoors (without those not-so-great mosquito bites). 

Sources:

Citronella Candles Don’t Really Work. Stop Buying Them. | New York Times

Want to repel mosquitoes? Don't use citronella candles | Science.org

Researchers Who Need To Avoid Mosquito Bites Tell What Works For Them : Goats and Soda | NPR