Citronella Candles
Citronella oil is an effective, popular insect repellent and is often added to candles. When burned, candles scented with citronella oil release smoke or vapour, which repels mosquitoes and other biting insects. Burn a citronella candle nearby while you relax outside on warm summer evenings to keep those pesky mozzies at bay.
Pack of 30 citronella fragrance tea light candles. For use outdoors. 17x38mm.
Citronella candles come in all shapes and sizes and are usually inexpensive. Choose from citronella votive candles, glass, bucket, torch, pillar and tea light candles, as well as citronella smoke coils and incense sticks. Candles make attractive table decorations when placed on your patio table while you are having dinner, or you can hang citronella coils around your garden.
Citronella Candles – Do They Work?
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, citronella candles are only effective if used outside when there is no wind blowing. Candles are less effective than topical insect repellents applied to your body or clothing.
A study carried out by the University of Guelph, Canada, found people standing near 3 percent citronella candles and 5 percent citronella incense received significantly fewer mosquito bites than people standing near unscented candles or in candle-free areas.
It appears citronella candles do not offer you complete protection against insect bites, but they will help reduce the number of bites you receive if you stay close to them, within the vicinity of the smoke.
If you are having a summer barbeque, fill your garden with outdoor citronella candles and citronella incense sticks so all your guests can get some protection against the mozzies. Your garden will also have the added benefit of a warm, inviting glow, a pleasant atmosphere and a nice smell.
An added bonus of citronella oil is that it is non-toxic to humans, pets and the environment and produces no adverse effects, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
