Making a powerful insect repellent candle at home can be an effective way to keep pesky bugs away during outdoor gatherings or while relaxing on your patio. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
Wax: You can use soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax.
Essential Oils: Choose essential oils known for their insect-repelling properties such as:
- Citronella
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Tea Tree
- Cedarwood
Candle Wick: Make sure you have the appropriate size for your candle container.
Container: You can use small mason jars, tin cans, or any other heat-resistant container suitable for candles.
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Container:
- Clean your container thoroughly and ensure it’s dry before pouring the wax.
- If you’re using a candle wick that needs to be secured at the bottom of the container, use a little melted wax to glue it in place.
- Melt the Wax:
- Using a double boiler or a heatproof container placed in a pot of simmering water, melt your wax on low to medium heat. Be careful not to overheat it.
- Add Essential Oils:
- Once the wax is completely melted, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly (but not enough to start solidifying).
- Add your chosen essential oils to the melted wax. The exact amount depends on your preference and the size of your candle, but a good starting point is about 30-50 drops of essential oil per cup of wax. You can mix different oils for a more effective blend.
- Stir the oils into the wax thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Pour the Wax:
- Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared container. Make sure the wick stays centered.
- Let It Cool and Solidify:
- Allow the candle to cool and solidify completely before using it. This might take a few hours.
- Trim the Wick:
- Once the candle has cooled and solidified, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax surface. This helps ensure a clean burn.
- Light and Enjoy:
- Place your candle in an outdoor area where you want to repel insects.
- Light the candle and let it burn. The heat will release the scent of the essential oils, which helps repel insects.
