Every year when the weather warms up, those pesky mosquitoes return—leaving you with itchy welts and sleepless nights. Help prevent the scratching and make all-natural Mosquito Repellent Candles for your backyard or porch instead.
While spraying your body with DEET bug spray can help deter mosquitoes, it contains harsh chemicals that may pose health concerns. In an effort to find natural mosquito deterrents everyone can benefit from in a group setting, I did some research on bug-banishing scents that work without the need for toxins.
In a 2025 study, essential oils were tested on mosquitoes. Researchers found that tea tree oil not only proves effective at repelling mosquitoes, but it can also help deter other pests—both flying and crawling—without harming them. 1 And although more research is required, a 2022 study on peppermint oil showed promising results as both a mosquito repellent and antibacterial agent.2
This Mosquito Repellent Candle recipe is quite flexible—if you live in a dry climate or aren’t too worried about mosquitoes, feel free to mix and match essential oils based on your preferred scents. You can also swap in different herbs of your choice—the possibilities are endless! Either way, this candle makes a great all-natural centerpiece for entertaining in any outdoor space. All you need is a mason jar, non-toxic floating tea light, essential oils, and herbs.
CAUTION: Never play near an open flame and avoid lighting candles in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. Be sure not to burn for more than 4 hours.
TIP: For a bigger reach or space, double the recipe and use a larger container.
References:
- Chen, M., Xu, Z., Chen, G., Chen, P., Tian, C., Qian, J., Song, T., Jin, Y., Zhu, G., & Yan, R. (2025). Functional Characterization of an Antenna-Biased Odorant Receptor AaOr96 Involved in Tea Tree Oil Repellency Against Aedes aegypti. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 73(10), 5829–5838. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c12301
- Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi, Abdollahi, A., Safari, M., Karami, F., Ghaznavi, G., & Mahmoud Osanloo. (2022). Nanogels Containing Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Mentha piperita L. Essential Oils: Mosquitoes’ Repellent Activity and Antibacterial Effect. 2022, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/4510182
Mosquito Repellent Candle
- Recipe by: Isabella Mead
- Serves: 1 candle
- Meal: Lifestyle
- Serves: 1 candle
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
2 eucalyptus stems
2 rosemary sprigs
1/2 cups water
4 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
In a small Mason jar or glass container, place eucalyptus and rosemary. Add water and essential oils.
Float tea light on essential-oil water. Light candle when ready.
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