Whether you’re dining under the stars, relaxing around the fire pit, or sitting on the beach at dusk, nothing kills the fun more than getting attacked by mosquitos, forcing a retreat to the house. While a bug zapper may get the job done, a citronella candle is a way to go if it’s the ambiance you’re after. They provide a lovely, soft glow, and a pleasant scent, and they keep the bugs away. Plus, there are plenty of options that are relatively inexpensive, which means you can—and should—buy more than one to get the best results.
BEST OVERALL
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 4 inches
- Size: 20 ounces
- Burn Time: Up to 40 hours
It’s tough to beat the price of this 20-ounce triple-wick citronella candle, which comes in a pack of four for less than $50 at the time of this writing.
The pack is cheap enough that you may have enough money in the budget to buy several, and the smart, effective strategy is to do just that, creating a perimeter around your outdoor dining or lounge area. The candle is said to provide up to 40 hours of protection from mosquitoes and other flying insects, it’s made with real citronella oil, and it has three wicks.
The candle has a rustic, woodsy look, and a metal handle to move it around once it has cooled.
BEST VOTIVE SET
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.3 x 1.2 inches
- Size: ~1 ounce
- Burn Time: Up to 10 hours
Set several of these pretty yellow citronella votives on a table for intimate dinners for two or spread them out at larger parties to create ambience while keeping bugs at bay. There are 42 scented candles per box, they stand roughly 1 inch tall, and they have a burn time of up to 10 hours. They’re also DEET-free—a major plus. Keep in mind that the glass votive holders shown in the photo aren’t included, though.
