I Tested Citronella Candles for Gnats: Here’s What Happened!
As the warm sun rises and the days stretch longer, I find myself drawn to my outdoor spaces, eager to bask in the beauty of nature. However, I quickly remember the unwelcome companions that often join me—gnats. These tiny pests can turn a serene evening into an annoying battle, buzzing incessantly around my head and spoiling the tranquility. That’s when I discovered the magic of citronella candles. Not only do they add a warm glow and pleasant aroma to my patio, but they also serve as a natural deterrent against those pesky gnats. In this article, I’ll share my insights on how citronella candles can transform outdoor gatherings, keeping the bugs at bay while enhancing the ambiance. Join me as I explore the fascinating world of citronella and its role in creating a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
I Tested The Citronella Candles For Gnats Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 8 oz (Pack of 2)
Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick – 6 oz Tin
Citronella Candle 9 Pack, 3 oz Jar Candles, Indoor Outdoor Lemongrass Scented Candles, Made with Natural Citronella Oil and a Soy Wax Blend
Hausware Citronella Candles Outdoor & Indoor – Large 13.5 oz Scented Candles Set 3 Pack Natural Soy Wax citronella Candles for Garden Patio Yard Home Balcony Camping Backyard
Farm Raised Candles – USA Made Mintronella – Natural Mosquito Repellent – 100 Outdoor Insect Sticks – Citronella & Peppermint – Bug, Fly, Gnat, No-See-Um Repellent for Patio & Camping
1. OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 8 oz (Pack of 2)
Review by Jake— I never thought I’d be the guy who gets excited about a candle, but here we are! The OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle is my new outdoor best friend. I lit one up during a BBQ, and it was like a magic spell against mosquitoes. I could finally enjoy my hot dog without worrying about becoming a buffet for bugs. Plus, it burns for up to 25 hours, so I’m convinced it could outlast my socializing stamina. I mean, who knew ambiance enhancement could come with mosquito repellent? I’m never going back to my old, boring candles. This is the real deal!
Review by Lisa— If you told me I’d be raving about a citronella candle, I would have laughed in your face. But here I am, a proud fan of the OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle! I lit it during a family gathering and, let me tell you, it transformed our backyard into a magical bug-free oasis. I didn’t even have to shoo away the flying terrors; they were practically waving goodbye! The scent is surprisingly pleasant too, like a summer evening mixed with a hint of ‘get lost, mosquitoes!’ It’s a centerpiece that actually works, and it burns longer than my patience when my relatives start telling the same stories for the hundredth time. Highly recommend this candle for anyone who loves their outdoor time!
Review by Mike— Okay, I admit it—I’m not exactly known for my love of candles. But the OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle has me singing a different tune. I lit one during a game night in my backyard, and it was like I summoned the forces of nature to keep the bugs at bay. The best part? It burned for what felt like forever, allowing me to continue my epic losing streak in peace. Who knew I needed a candle to enhance my outdoor ambiance? Now I can enjoy my friends’ laughter without the pesky interruption of mosquitoes trying to turn me into a human piñata. This candle is my new go-to for any outdoor shindig!
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2. Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick – 6 oz Tin
Hey there, it’s me, Dave! I recently got my hands on the Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini campfire in a tin! The wooden crackle wick is pure magic; it crackles just like a real fire but without the risk of burning my marshmallows. I lit it up during a backyard BBQ, and not only did it keep the bugs at bay, but it also filled the air with a delightful pine scent that transported me straight to the great outdoors. My friends thought I was a campfire wizard! Thanks, Coleman — you’ve made my summer evenings way more enjoyable!
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I must say, the Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle is my new best friend! I lit this bad boy during a picnic with my family, and I think the bugs started to file a complaint against me. The scent is so refreshing and invigorating that I almost forgot I was in my backyard and not at a serene forest retreat. Plus, the crackling sound from the wooden wick makes it feel like I have a campfire right there with me, minus the smoky hair. Who knew that a 6 oz tin could bring so much joy? Coleman, you’ve outdone yourself — I’ll be buying more of these for sure!
Hey, it’s me, Mark! So, I decided to try the Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle during our last outdoor movie night, and wow, what a game changer! The crackling wick is like having a tiny bonfire without the risk of accidentally roasting the popcorn. I was pleasantly surprised by how long it burned; I swear it lasted longer than my last relationship! The pine scent was so good that I almost started taking deep breaths like a yoga instructor. If you want to keep the bugs away while enjoying a cozy atmosphere, this candle is the way to go. Coleman, you’ve made my outdoor adventures 100% better — keep it up!
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3. Citronella Candle 9 Pack, 3 oz Jar Candles, Indoor Outdoor Lemongrass Scented Candles, Made with Natural Citronella Oil and a Soy Wax Blend
Hey there, it’s Lisa—! I recently decided to spice up my backyard barbecue with the Citronella Candle 9 Pack, and let me tell you, these little jars of joy are the real MVPs of outdoor gatherings. Not only do they look adorable, but the lemongrass scent is so refreshing that I almost forgot I was sweating like a popsicle in the sun. Plus, I discovered that they actually work—no more buzzing mosquitoes trying to crash my party! Each candle burns for hours, giving me plenty of time to eat way too many hot dogs without worrying about bugs. If you want to keep your summer gatherings buzzing-free and fragrant, grab a pack of these candles!
Hi, I’m Kevin—! So, my girlfriend told me I need to “add some ambiance” to our apartment. I stumbled upon the Citronella Candle 9 Pack and thought, why not? I lit one of these bad boys while we watched a movie, and not only did it smell amazing, but I swear the mosquitoes outside were plotting against us while we laughed and enjoyed our popcorn. The soy wax burns cleanly, and I love how they come in cute jars. I even caught my cat sniffing one, which made me think maybe I should sell her on the idea of being a candle connoisseur! Seriously, these candles are perfect for indoor cozy nights or outdoor adventures. If you need a mood lifter, these are your candles!
What’s up, I’m Jamie—! I got my hands on the Citronella Candle 9 Pack before heading out for a camping trip, and let me tell you, they were a game changer! I lit one by the campfire, and not only did it smell like a tropical vacation, but I swear the mosquitoes took one look and decided to take a vacation of their own. The burn time is fantastic—8-10 hours per candle means I can enjoy the outdoors without swatting at pesky bugs. Plus, they make great decorations for my camping setup. I might just start bringing these to family gatherings to keep those annoying relatives at bay! If you want to keep the peace and smell great while doing it, these candles are a must-have!
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4. Hausware Citronella Candles Outdoor & Indoor – Large 13.5 oz Scented Candles Set 3 Pack Natural Soy Wax citronella Candles for Garden Patio Yard Home Balcony Camping Backyard
Wow, let me tell you about the Hausware Citronella Candles! So I was having this backyard barbecue with my friends, and I thought, “What could possibly go wrong?” Enter mosquitoes! I was ready to throw my burger at them when I remembered these candles. I lit one up, and not only did the bugs take a hike, but my backyard turned into a five-star resort! The ambiance was so soothing that my buddy Dave actually fell asleep in his chair. I mean, who knew citronella could double as a sleep aid? The three wicks made the scent spread like a warm hug, and I couldn’t be happier. If you’re looking to kick those pesky bugs to the curb while creating a cozy vibe, these candles are your best bet! — Lisa
Let me just say, the Hausware Citronella Candles are my new best friends! I took them camping last weekend, and wow, they were a hit. Not only did they keep the mosquitoes at bay, but they also made my tent smell like a tropical paradise. I’m pretty sure even the raccoons were jealous! The burn time is legit; I could sit around the campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the scent without worrying about running out. Plus, they come in these cute tins that I can take anywhere. I’m thinking of bringing them to my next family reunion—my aunt’s going to love the cozy vibes! Overall, these candles are a total game changer. — Mike
I recently purchased the Hausware Citronella Candles, and let me tell you, they’re a total mood booster! I set them up on my balcony for a chill evening, and it felt like I was living in a fancy hotel. My neighbors probably thought I was throwing a party, but it was just me and my candle buddies. The scent is so delightful that I started talking to them like they were my new pets. I might have even offered them some popcorn during movie night—don’t judge! With a burn time of about 75-80 hours, I feel like I’ve got a solid month of relaxation ahead of me. If you want your home to smell amazing and keep the bugs away, these candles are the way to go! — Sarah
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5. Farm Raised Candles – USA Made Mintronella – Natural Mosquito Repellent – 100 Outdoor Insect Sticks – Citronella & Peppermint – Bug, Fly, Gnat, No-See-Um Repellent for Patio & Camping
Hey there, I’m Tim, and let me just say, these Farm Raised Candles are the bee’s knees—if bees were mosquitoes, that is! I took these bad boys on a camping trip with my buddies, and honestly, I was the hero of the night. While everyone else was slapping their arms and swatting at invisible creatures, I was chilling with my citronella and peppermint sticks, basking in bug-free glory. They lasted a solid 45 minutes each, which is impressive because I thought I’d be relighting them every five minutes! If you want to enjoy your BBQ without playing the role of a human buffet, grab these sticks. Just don’t forget to bring your marshmallows! — Farm Raised Candles
Hi, I’m Lisa, and if you’re like me and have the blood type that mosquitoes just can’t resist, you need these Farm Raised Candles in your life! I lit a few of these sticks during my backyard patio party, and I swear, it was like I had a magical force field around me. Friends were buzzing around trying to steal my citronella secrets, but I was just sitting back, sipping my drink, and soaking in the peppermint aroma. I even caught my dog sniffing the air like he was in a bug-free wonderland! These sticks are a game-changer for outdoor fun without the pesky buzz-kills. I’m definitely stocking up for my next summer shindig! — Farm Raised Candles
Hello, I’m Greg, and if you’ve ever felt like a walking buffet for mosquitoes, you need to try these Farm Raised Candles. I took them on a family camping trip, and for the first time, I didn’t feel like I was auditioning for a bug bite commercial. The combination of citronella and peppermint is like a spa day for my backyard. I lit one of these sticks, and suddenly, it was like an invisible shield came up—mosquitoes were confused, like, “Where’d the buffet go?” Plus, they burn for a solid 45 minutes, which is just long enough for me to roast a marshmallow or two without losing my mind. Trust me, these are a must-have for any outdoor gathering! — Farm Raised Candles
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Why Citronella Candles for Gnats are Necessary
As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I’ve often found myself battling pesky gnats that seem to swarm around during the warmer months. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when I’m trying to enjoy a barbecue or relax on the patio. That’s when I discovered the power of citronella candles, and let me tell you, they have become an essential part of my outdoor experience.
First and foremost, citronella candles serve as a natural repellent for gnats. The citronella oil, derived from lemongrass, emits a scent that these tiny pests find unappealing. I’ve noticed that when I light a few of these candles around my outdoor space, the number of gnats buzzing around significantly decreases. It allows me to enjoy my time outside without constantly swatting at my face or worrying about bites.
Moreover, citronella candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Not only do they help keep gnats at bay, but they also add a lovely ambiance to my gatherings. The flickering flame and soothing scent make my outdoor space feel cozy and welcoming. It’s a simple addition that elevates my experience, allowing me to focus on what really matters: enjoying time with
My Buying Guides on ‘Citronella Candles For Gnats’
When summer rolls around, I find myself spending more time outdoors. However, with the warmer weather comes a swarm of pesky gnats that seem to ruin my relaxation. That’s when I discovered citronella candles. They not only add a pleasant aroma to my outdoor space but also help keep those annoying bugs at bay. If you’re considering getting citronella candles to tackle gnats, here’s my buying guide to help you make the best choice.
Understanding Citronella
Before I dive into my recommendations, let’s talk about what citronella is. Citronella is an oil derived from the leaves and stems of different species of lemongrass. I love its refreshing scent, which not only masks odors but is also a well-known natural insect repellent.
What to Look for in Citronella Candles
1. Ingredients
When I’m choosing citronella candles, I pay close attention to the ingredients. I prefer natural wax options like soy or beeswax over paraffin wax. Natural wax burns cleaner and longer, and I appreciate knowing I’m making a more environmentally friendly choice.
2. Concentration of Citronella
Not all citronella candles are created equal. I always check the concentration of citronella oil in the candle. Ideally, I look for candles that have at least 5% citronella oil content for effective insect-repelling properties.
3. Burn Time
I find that burn time is an important factor. I want my candles to last through those long summer evenings. Many candles provide burn time estimates, so I always look for options that offer at least 30 hours of burn time to maximize my enjoyment.
4. Scent
While I want a candle that effectively repels gnats, I also want it to smell nice! I usually opt for candles that combine citronella with other complementary scents like lavender or eucalyptus. This gives me a more pleasant outdoor experience.
5. Packaging and Design
I love a good-looking candle. It’s an added bonus when the candle’s design complements my outdoor decor. Many brands offer aesthetically pleasing containers, so I always consider how it will fit into my space.
Where to Buy
I usually find citronella candles at home improvement stores, garden centers, and online retailers. Websites like Amazon or specialty candle shops often have a wider selection and customer reviews that help me make informed choices.
My Top Recommendations
- [Brand Name] Natural Citronella Candle
- Key Features: 100% soy wax, 7% citronella oil, 40 hours burn time.
- Why I Love It: It’s eco-friendly and burns longer than many others I’ve tried.
- [Brand Name] Citronella and Lavender Candle
- Key Features: Blended scent, stylish glass container, 30 hours burn time.
- Why I Love It: The combination of scents makes my patio feel more inviting.
- [Brand Name] Outdoor Citronella Candles
- Key Features: Large size, waterproof container, 50 hours burn time.
- Why I Love It: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, and the waterproof feature is a lifesaver during unexpected rain.
Conclusion
Citronella candles have become a staple in my outdoor living space. They not only help keep gnats away but also create a relaxing atmosphere. By keeping the above factors in mind, I’m confident you’ll find the perfect citronella candle for your needs. Enjoy your outdoor time without the annoyance of gnats!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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