Hey mama, if you are anything like me, you want the best for your family—and that includes keeping those pesky summer bugs away without resorting to harsh chemicals. Let’s be real: the smell of DEET is just ugh, and the thought of putting it our kids’ skin or even our pets doesn’t sit right! That’s why I’ve been loving this DIY citronella candle recipe that not only smells so much better but is completely safe for your little ones (and fur babies too). It’s a natural way to ensure your family can enjoy some backyard time while reducing the bug bites. Let me walk you through it!
Why citronella is the go-to for natural bug repellents, but it’s not the only player in this game. We’re teaming up citronella with other oils like eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree oil to create an even stronger shield against bugs around you. Here is a quick rundown of how each oil works its magic…
- Citronella: This oil is the hero here. It disrupts the way mosquitoes and other bugs “smell” and track their targets. So, it messes with their ability to find you- goodbye bug bites!
- Eucalyptus: It smells so fresh, right? But what you might not know is that mosquitoes, flies, and other pests can’t stand it! It’s nature’s insect repellent with a minty twist.
- Lavender: Besides helping us all sleep better at night (yes, please!), lavender is also a bug repellent that smells amazing to us, but not to mosquitoes and moths.
- Tea Tree: This one’s great for keeping pests at bay and also has antimicrobial properties, which is an added bonus on those hot sweaty days.
When you combine all of these oils, you’ve got a powerhouse of natural, nontoxic protection from pests without worrying about yucky chemicals. The simple candle recipe you need…
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pure beeswax or soy wax
- 20-30 drops of citronella essential oil
- 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 1 wick
- Heat-safe container – a Mason jar works well!
Instructions:
- Melt the wax – Start by melting your soy wax or beeswax. You can do this in a double boiler, slow cooker, or microwave in small bursts (about 30 seconds each). Stir it as it melts.
- Prepare your container – Place your wick in the center of your jar or container while the wax is melting. You can secure it with a little of the melted wax or a wick sticker.
- Add the oils – Once the wax is melted, take it off the heat and add your essential oils. Stir it all together, making sure the oils seem evenly distributed.
- Pour the wax – Carefully pour the wax into your container, making sure to leave a little space at the top.
- Let it sit – Let your candle cool and harden for a few hours or overnight. Once its solid, trim the wick to about ¼ an inch above the surface of your candle.
- Light and enjoy – You’re done! Light your candle and enjoy less bugs in the evening while you have fun on your porch or backyard.
Why this is so much better than DEET
Mama, I get it – we want something that works. But the truth is, DEET (the main ingredient in most bug-repellent products) is a no-go for me. Not only is it harsh on your skin, but it’s also been linked to some pretty scary side effects, like skin irritation and even neurological damage, if used too often. Plus, the smell is pretty awful!
What I love about these essential oils is that they’re not just natural- they are effective, safe for the whole family and they smell so much better! You don’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals or toxic fumes in the air when you use these candles. They are a simple effective way to protect your family from bugs without the risk or side effects.
Another option to pair with your candle would be a spray! You can for sure make your own with those same oils you used in the candle, or you can get Earthley’s Pest Aside. This product is another fantastic, safe alternative. It uses similar to the candle to repel bugs without anything toxic. I love how gentle it is on my kids’ skin and won’t harm pets either. It’s the perfect combination for those outdoor adventures.
It’s so comforting to know there’s a safer, more natural way to keep bugs at bay. Whether you’re sitting outside in the backyard, hosting an outdoor party, or going on a family hike, this DIY candle and Earthley’s Pest Aside are all you need to help repel those pesky bugs. We don’t have to rely on chemicals when nature has given us everything, we need to protect our families – and honestly, that’s the kind of peace of mind I’m looking for!
Happy bug-free days, mama!
