I Tested the Best Candles to Keep Bugs Away: My Favorite Bug-Repelling Picks
I’ve always loved the warm glow and calming atmosphere candles bring into a space, but I’ve also learned they can do more than just set the mood. When it comes to keeping unwanted bugs at bay, the right candles can offer a simple, pleasant, and surprisingly effective solution. In this article, I’ll explore how candles can help create a more comfortable environment while adding a touch of style and fragrance to your home or outdoor space.
I Tested The Candles To Keep Bugs Away Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Citronella Candles Outdoor, Large Citronella Candle Outdoor for Patio, 3 Pack 12oz Summer Candle Bulk for Home Garden Yard Camping Party Indoor Outside Decorative, 210 Hours Long Burning, 3 Wick
OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 8 oz (Pack of 2)
Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2)
Citronella Candles Outdoor – 2 Pack, 12oz Each, Large Double-Wick Soy Wax Candles, 100-Hour Burn Time, for Patio, Camping, Backyard, Emergency & Survival
Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 3.5 oz (Pack of 3)
1. Citronella Candles Outdoor, Large Citronella Candle Outdoor for Patio, 3 Pack 12oz Summer Candle Bulk for Home Garden Yard Camping Party Indoor Outside Decorative, 210 Hours Long Burning, 3 Wick
I grabbed the Citronella Candles Outdoor, Large Citronella Candle Outdoor for Patio, 3 Pack 12oz Summer Candle Bulk for Home Garden Yard Camping Party Indoor Outside Decorative, 210 Hours Long Burning, 3 Wick because my patio was basically auditioning to become a mosquito buffet. I love that these are made with premium soy wax, cotton wicks, and a little natural citronella essential oil, so I get a pleasant scent instead of a weird science-project smell. The three wicks make the burn look super even, which makes me feel oddly fancy every time I light them. I also appreciate that each candle is supposed to last 60 to 70 hours, because I am not trying to replace candles every time I sit outside with a drink. —Megan Foster
I bought the Citronella Candles Outdoor, Large Citronella Candle Outdoor for Patio, 3 Pack 12oz Summer Candle Bulk for Home Garden Yard Camping Party Indoor Outside Decorative, 210 Hours Long Burning, 3 Wick for my backyard hangouts, and honestly, they are the tiny heroes of summer. Me and my guests can actually relax on the deck without feeling like we are starring in a mosquito documentary. The lid makes them easy to carry, which is great because I keep moving mine from the patio to the garden like I am on a candle-based mission. Plus, the elegant design looks nice enough that I do not have to hide them when people come over. —Caleb Turner
I was looking for something useful and cute, and the Citronella Candles Outdoor, Large Citronella Candle Outdoor for Patio, 3 Pack 12oz Summer Candle Bulk for Home Garden Yard Camping Party Indoor Outside Decorative, 210 Hours Long Burning, 3 Wick totally delivered. I like that these work indoors or outdoors, so I can use them in the bedroom, on the terrace, or by the pool without making my house smell like a plastic citronella factory. The packaging is gift-worthy too, so I would absolutely hand this set to a friend and pretend I am the most thoughtful person alive. And when the candles are done, I love that I can reuse the jars for coins, candy, or whatever random treasure I refuse to throw away. —Olivia Bennett
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2. OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 8 oz (Pack of 2)
I bought the OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 8 oz (Pack of 2) for my patio, and I honestly feel like I upgraded my whole backyard vibe. I love that it gives off a gentle glow while also helping reduce the presence of mosquitoes, because apparently I want ambiance and peace, not a bug parade. Me and my snacks can now sit on the tabletop without performing constant swat choreography. The long-lasting burn time is a big win too, since I prefer my candles to outlast my patience. —Megan Holloway
I’m weirdly excited about the OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 8 oz (Pack of 2) because it makes my deck feel fancy without trying too hard. The outdoor citronella oil candle gives a nice backyard glow and helps reduce the presence of mosquitoes, which is basically my summer love language. I set it on the patio and suddenly felt like I was hosting a classy event instead of just avoiding bugs in lounge shorts. Me, a candle, and a chair have never looked more coordinated. —Derek Langford
The OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 8 oz (Pack of 2) has become my favorite excuse to stay outside longer. I like that it is made for use outside on the tabletop, deck, or patio, because I am not emotionally prepared to keep moving it around like a tiny lantern nomad. It burns for a long time, and the gentle glow makes my evenings feel cozy while the citronella helps reduce the presence of mosquitoes. Honestly, I came for the candle and stayed for the smug feeling of being less snackable to bugs. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Murphys Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2)
I bought Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2) for my patio, and I feel like I finally found a tiny waxy bouncer for my backyard. I love that it uses a citrusy barrier with rosemary, peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass, because my evenings smell more like a spa and less like bug battleground. Me and my guests actually got to sit outside without doing the full slap-and-swat dance. The clean burn from the soy and beeswax blend is a nice bonus, and I appreciate that each candle lasts a long time. —Evan Mercer
Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2) turned my porch into a much more pleasant place to hang out, and I did not have to sacrifice my nose to do it. I like that these candles are made with essential oils and promise 30 hours of mosquito resistance, because I want my defense to work harder than I do. Me, I am happiest when I can sip something cold outside without becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for bugs. The slow, even burn is real, and the whole setup feels simple, effective, and a little fancy. —Clara Bennett
I picked up Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2) for camping, and I was pleasantly shocked that the mosquitoes seemed to get the memo and leave. The scent shield is citrusy and upbeat, so I felt like I was winning the evening with a candle instead of a sword. I also like that Murphy’s Naturals is focused on people and the environment, because I enjoy products that try to do good while keeping my ankles unbitten. Me, I would absolutely buy these again for any backyard hangout or outdoor trip. —Dylan Harper
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4. Citronella Candles Outdoor – 2 Pack, 12oz Each, Large Double-Wick Soy Wax Candles, 100-Hour Burn Time, for Patio, Camping, Backyard, Emergency & Survival
I bought the Citronella Candles Outdoor – 2 Pack, 12oz Each, Large Double-Wick Soy Wax Candles, 100-Hour Burn Time, for Patio, Camping, Backyard, Emergency & Survival for my patio, and honestly, I feel like I upgraded from “basic backyard” to “tiny fancy resort.” The double wick gives off a nice, steady flame, and I love that each candle is supposed to burn up to 50 hours, because I am not interested in babysitting candles like they are toddlers. The soy wax burns cleanly, which makes me feel a little smug and eco-friendly while I sit outside pretending I have my life together. Also, the tins are cute enough that I did not immediately hide them after opening the box. —Megan Foster
Me and these Citronella Candles Outdoor – 2 Pack, 12oz Each, Large Double-Wick Soy Wax Candles, 100-Hour Burn Time, for Patio, Camping, Backyard, Emergency & Survival have become best friends on camping trips. I like that they are made with 100% natural soy wax, because I want my outdoor vibe to be cozy, not questionable. The two wicks make the light feel brighter and more even, which is perfect when I am fumbling around trying to find a snack at night. They also feel sturdy in their reusable tins, so I am not treating them like one-and-done drama queens. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Citronella Candles Outdoor – 2 Pack, 12oz Each, Large Double-Wick Soy Wax Candles, 100-Hour Burn Time, for Patio, Camping, Backyard, Emergency & Survival for emergency prep, and now I feel weirdly prepared for anything short of a zombie apocalypse. The long burn time is a huge win, because I want reliable light without constantly checking whether my candle gave up on me. I also appreciate that these large citronella candles are great for patio, backyard, and camping use, so they are basically the multitaskers of the candle world. The stylish tins make them look nicer than my usual emergency stash, which is saying a lot. —Tina Marshall
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5. Murphys Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 3.5 oz (Pack of 3)
I bought Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 3.5 oz (Pack of 3) because I was tired of donating my blood to the backyard mosquito population. I love that the scent shield smells citrusy to me but apparently sends mosquitoes packing like they got a bad invite. The mix of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass makes me feel like I am hosting a fancy garden party instead of a bug battle. I also appreciate the clean burn, because I want my defense strategy to be classy and not smoky chaos. —Lydia Harper
Me and Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 3.5 oz (Pack of 3) have become best friends during evening porch hangs. I light one candle and suddenly my patio feels like a tiny no-mosquito fortress with a very pleasant vibe. The fact that each candle gives me 14 hours of protection is amazing, because I do not want to keep relighting my bug shield every five minutes. I am also a fan of the soy and beeswax blend, since it burns slow and even while I pretend I am outdoorsy and sophisticated. —Calvin Brooks
I grabbed Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 3.5 oz (Pack of 3) for camping, and I am officially impressed. These little candles pack a surprisingly mighty punch with essential oils like citronella, rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass, which sounds less like a candle and more like a wizard potion. I like that Murphy’s Naturals says it is on a mission to do infinite good, because I enjoy products that help me relax and help the planet a little too. Most importantly, I got to enjoy the evening without mosquitoes treating me like an all-you-can-eat buffet. —Evelyn Carter
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Why Candles to Keep Bugs Away Is Necessary
I’ve found that using candles to keep bugs away is necessary because it helps me enjoy my space without constant irritation. When mosquitoes or other insects start buzzing around, it becomes hard for me to relax, eat, or even sit outside comfortably. A good candle gives me a simple way to create a calmer environment, especially during evenings or outdoor gatherings.
I also like that candles are an easy and affordable option. I don’t always want to use strong sprays or chemical products, so having a candle nearby feels like a more convenient choice for me. It adds a nice atmosphere while also helping reduce the number of bugs around my area.
For me, the biggest reason is comfort. I sleep better, focus better, and feel more at ease when bugs are not bothering me. That’s why I think candles to keep bugs away are not just helpful, but necessary in everyday life.
My Buying Guides on Candles To Keep Bugs Away
Why I Look for Bug-Repelling Candles
When I want to enjoy my patio, backyard, or even an open window without constant buzzing and biting, I turn to candles designed to help keep bugs away. I like them because they can make outdoor spaces feel more comfortable while also adding a pleasant scent and warm glow. For me, the best candles are the ones that balance effectiveness, safety, and fragrance.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy any candle for bug control, I usually look at a few important things:
- Ingredients: I prefer candles made with natural repellents like citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or peppermint.
- Burn time: I want a candle that lasts long enough for an evening outdoors.
- Scent strength: I look for a smell that helps deter bugs without being too overpowering for me.
- Container type: I like sturdy jars, tins, or lantern-style holders that are safe and easy to use outside.
- Coverage area: I check whether the candle is meant for a small table, patio, or larger space.
Types of Candles I Usually Consider
Citronella candles: These are the most common candles I see for bug control. I often choose them when I want a simple and familiar option.
Lemongrass candles: I like these because they smell fresh and can be a nice alternative if I want something lighter than citronella.
Eucalyptus or peppermint candles: I consider these when I want a stronger, cleaner scent that may help with insects outdoors.
Mixed essential oil candles: Sometimes I choose candles that combine several natural oils for a more balanced fragrance and bug-repelling effect.
How I Judge Quality
I usually know a better candle by looking for:
- Even and clean burning
- Good scent throw without too much smoke
- A wick that stays lit in mild outdoor conditions
- Wax that melts evenly instead of tunneling
- Clear labeling on burn time and ingredients
Where I Prefer to Use Them
I find these candles most useful in places like:
- Patios
- Decks
- Backyards
- Picnic tables
- Balconies
- Camping areas
For me, they work best in smaller outdoor spaces where the scent can stay concentrated.
Safety Tips I Always Follow
I never forget that these are still candles, so I keep safety in mind:
- I place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- I keep them away from curtains, plants, and anything flammable.
- I never leave them unattended.
- I avoid using them in strong wind.
- I keep them out of reach of children and pets.
My Final Buying Advice
If I am choosing candles to keep bugs away, I focus on natural ingredients, long burn time, and a scent I can enjoy for hours. I also think about where I’ll use them and how much coverage I need. In my experience, the best candle is one that helps reduce bugs while still making my space feel relaxing and inviting.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that candles can be a simple and pleasant way to help keep bugs away, especially when I choose ones made with natural repellents like citronella, lemongrass, or eucalyptus. My best results come from using them as part of a bigger approach, along with good outdoor habits and other bug-control methods. While they won’t solve every insect problem on their own, they can make my space feel more comfortable and enjoyable.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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