The Best Scented Candles to Keep Mosquitoes and Flies Away

When the weather is warm and inviting, one of the last things we want is to be swarmed by pesky mosquitoes and flies. These little intruders can quickly spoil the mood, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening. Fortunately, there’s an all-natural, soothing solution to these bothersome insects—scented candles! In this blog post, we will explore how certain scents can help keep mosquitoes and flies at bay, and recommend the best candles for the job.

Understanding the Science Behind Scented Candles and Insects

Before we dive into which candles work best, let’s understand the science behind why certain scents can deter mosquitoes and flies. Many insects, especially mosquitoes, have an acute sense of smell and are attracted to certain scents, such as the carbon dioxide we exhale, body odors, and sweat. However, there are certain scents that mosquitoes and flies find unpleasant or repellent. Scented candles containing these essential oils can create an environment that deters insects, making your space more pleasant.

Best Scents to Repel Mosquitoes

Citronella Citronella is one of the most well-known and effective natural mosquito repellents. Derived from lemongrass, citronella has a strong, lemony fragrance that mosquitoes dislike. In fact, citronella candles have been used for years in outdoor settings to help keep mosquitoes away.

Why it works: Citronella masks the scent of carbon dioxide and body odors, which mosquitoes find attractive. The strong aroma also has insect-repellent properties that mosquitoes tend to avoid.

Recommended Candle: For outdoor use, citronella candles in large jars or bowls can help create a barrier against mosquitoes. For a more sophisticated touch, try citronella-infused soy wax candles, which burn cleaner and longer.

Lemon Eucalyptus Lemon eucalyptus oil has been shown in studies to be one of the most effective natural repellents for mosquitoes. It has a fresh, citrus aroma that mosquitoes find offensive.

Why it works: The active compound in lemon eucalyptus oil, citronellal, is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes, especially the species that carry diseases like malaria and West Nile virus.

Recommended Candle: Look for candles labeled as containing lemon eucalyptus essential oils for maximum protection. These are particularly effective when used in outdoor areas like patios and backyards.

Lavender Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties, but did you know it also repels mosquitoes? The sweet floral scent can help deter mosquitoes and flies from hovering around your space.

Why it works: Mosquitoes are sensitive to strong scents, and lavender’s pleasant yet potent fragrance is something they dislike. It also has the added benefit of promoting relaxation, making it perfect for evening use.

Recommended Candle: A lavender-scented candle is perfect for a peaceful evening indoors. Opt for high-quality lavender candles made with essential oils for a natural and effective solution.

Peppermint Peppermint is another scent that mosquitoes and flies avoid. Its sharp, menthol aroma is not only refreshing for humans but also repulsive to these pests.

Why it works: The strong menthol in peppermint overwhelms the senses of mosquitoes, causing them to stay away. It also has the added benefit of being a natural insect repellent for a variety of bugs.

Recommended Candle: A peppermint-infused candle is ideal for keeping mosquitoes at bay, especially in the warmer months. It also adds a crisp, invigorating scent to your space.

Best Scents to Keep Flies Away

While flies are not as attracted to scents as mosquitoes, certain fragrances can help keep them from lingering around your home. Here are some scents known to repel flies:

Basil Basil, with its strong herbal aroma, is a natural fly deterrent. In fact, some people even plant basil around their homes to keep flies away. The scent of basil confuses and repels flies, causing them to fly off in search of a more pleasant environment.

Why it works: Flies dislike the strong smell of basil, which contains compounds like eugenol that are toxic to them.

Recommended Candle: A basil-scented candle can provide natural fly control. Look for ones made with pure basil essential oil for the best results.

Cloves Cloves are another effective natural repellent for flies. The sweet, spicy aroma of cloves is known to disrupt the behavior of flies and other insects.

Why it works: The strong scent of cloves is overwhelming to flies, making them avoid the area. The high concentration of eugenol, a compound found in cloves, makes them especially effective.

Recommended Candle: Clove-scented candles are a great choice for keeping flies away from your home, especially in the kitchen or dining areas.

Lemongrass Like citronella, lemongrass has a fresh, citrus scent that flies find repellent. It’s commonly used in natural insect repellents and works well in candle form too.

Why it works: Lemongrass contains citronella, which is known for its ability to ward off mosquitoes and flies. Its strong aroma is a deterrent for flies and other insects.

Recommended Candle: Look for lemongrass candles for an Eco-friendly and effective solution to keeping flies away.

How to Use Scented Candles for Maximum Effectiveness

To ensure your scented candles are working their best, consider the following tips:

Choose High-Quality Candles: For maximum effectiveness, opt for candles made from natural ingredients, such as soy wax, and ones that use pure essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.

Place Candles Strategically: Place candles near doorways, windows, or anywhere insects are likely to enter. For outdoor areas, light several candles to create a larger repellent effect.

Burn Candles for Longer Periods: To maintain a consistent scent in your environment, burn the candles for longer duration. However, never leave candles unattended.

Use Multiple Scents Together: Combining different scents can increase the effectiveness of your candle. For example, a combination of citronella and lavender might work well for both mosquitoes and flies.

Conclusion

Scented candles are a wonderful way to keep mosquitoes and flies away naturally while also adding a lovely aroma to your space. Whether you prefer the lemony scent of citronella or the floral essence of lavender, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Not only do these candles create a pest-free environment, but they also offer a calming and aromatic atmosphere that enhances your home.

By choosing candles made with essential oils, you’re not only protecting yourself from insects but also enjoying a more natural, Eco-friendly alternative to chemical repellents.

Sources:

American Mosquito Control Association. (2020). "Mosquito Repellents."

National Pesticide Information Center. (2021). "Insect Repellents."

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). "Repellents for Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Insects."