Oil of citronella is added to candles as a way to repel insects.
During summer evenings, you can find citronella candles burning in tiki torches along a patio or in a pot centered on a picnic table. The scented candles ward off mosquitoes and other pests. Citronella candles can be made at home or purchased from commercial manufacturers. Although different manufacturers use a variety of different formulas, the same primary ingredients must be included in any recipe used to produce a citronella bug repellent candle. Does this Spark an idea?
Essential Citronella Oil
Citronella repels insects by interfering with their senses. When mosquitoes are unable to determine your location, they are less likely to bother you. Essential oil of citronella releases chemicals that confuse the insects, but not all citronella-scented oils repel insects. When purchasing citronella oil to repel insects, choose essential oil and not scented oil. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate citronella, as the substance is non-toxic and only causes irritation in some people when applied to the skin. The oil is derived from grasses and from certain species of geranium. The oil can be purchased online as well as at craft and hobby stores, especially those stocked with candle-making supplies and scents.
Wax
Some companies use a combination of beeswax, soywax and other candle-making materials. If you are making your own citronella candle, use the same techinques you normally would when making any scented candle.
Variations
Some manufactured citronella candles are regulated by the EPA because they contain citronella as well as other, potentially toxic, substances such as DEET. Natural or herbal citronella candles that are commercially available can contain insect repelling oils such as clove, lemongrass, cedar, cinnamon, rosemary and eucalyptus. These oils can also be added to your own candle recipes to suit your personal tastes.
Tags: repel insects, citronella candles