Chloe Adams
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, especially in the summer, and finding ways to keep them at bay is a priority for many. There are many products on the market that claim to repel mosquitoes, including candles. But do they work? Citronella candles, in particular, have been advertised as a way to repel mosquitoes, but their effectiveness has been called into question. Some people have shared their experiences of using citronella candles, with varying results. While some claim that the candles attracted mosquitoes, others found that they worked to some degree, reducing mosquito bites. However, scientific studies have shown that citronella candles may not be as effective as other methods, such as sprays containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus, which have been found to reduce mosquito attraction by up to 60%. So, while candles may provide some level of protection, they might not be the most reliable method for repelling mosquitoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mosquito repellent candles | Murphy's Naturals Refillable Mosquito Repellent Candle |
| Mosquito repellent candles tested? | Yes, tested at New Mexico State University's Molecular Vector Physiology Lab |
| Effectiveness of mosquito repellent candles | Successfully decreased human attractiveness to mosquitoes for up to 30 hours |
| Effectiveness of citronella candles | Reduced mosquito bites by 50% in field studies; effectiveness depends on concentration of citronella oil |
| Effectiveness of essential oils | Limited repellency, effects last a few minutes to an hour |
| Best mosquito repellents | DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, Picaridin |
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What You'll Learn
Citronella candles are ineffective
While citronella candles are popular, they are not very effective in keeping mosquitoes away. A study that tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the vectors of Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases—found that DEET and oil of lemon eucalyptus sprays reduced mosquito attraction by 60%, while citronella candles did not live up to the promises on their labels.
Citronella candles are moderately effective at repelling mosquitoes but only in the immediate area surrounding the candle. The closer you are to the candle, the less likely you are to be bitten by a mosquito. However, this does not keep mosquitoes out of your yard, and it does nothing to prevent them from multiplying.
In addition, citronella candles may even attract mosquitoes to the area due to the CO2 they emit, just as human breath does. This can result in mosquitoes swarming the candle and getting caught in the wax, creating an unpleasant situation.
There are alternative mosquito repellents that are more effective than citronella candles. For example, products containing DEET or picaridin offer a more substantial invisible shield against mosquitoes. The Thermacell E65 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller is another option that shields an entire area by vaporizing a liquid repellent, providing protection from mosquitoes.
Therefore, while citronella candles may provide some level of protection in close proximity, they are not a reliable method for effectively repelling mosquitoes. It is recommended to explore other options that offer better protection against these pests.
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DEET and lemon eucalyptus oils are best
While candles might help set the mood, they are not the most effective way to repel mosquitoes. In fact, citronella candles, in particular, have been found to be ineffective at repelling mosquitoes, despite their advertising claims.
DEET and lemon eucalyptus oil are the best bets for repelling mosquitoes. DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many insect repellent products and is widely used to repel biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. It works by making it difficult for these insects to smell us. DEET is available in various forms, including liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials like towelettes. The percentage of DEET in a product determines how long it will repel mosquitoes, with a higher concentration lasting longer. For example, a product with 20-25% DEET should be reapplied every four hours or so.
DEET has been deemed safe for human use, even for children, and does not pose a health concern, according to the US EPA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent.
Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural mosquito repellent that has been used since the 1940s. It is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus plant. The CDC has approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellents. A mixture of 32% lemon eucalyptus oil can provide more than 95% protection against mosquitoes for 3 hours. It can be applied to the skin in concentrations of 30% to 75%. However, it should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
Both DEET and lemon eucalyptus oil sprays have been found to reduce mosquito attraction by 60% in lab tests.
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Mosquitoes are drawn to human scent
Citronella is an essential oil derived from a grass plant of the cymbopogon genus, similar to lemongrass. It has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent, with a fresh and citrusy aroma that has invigorating floral notes. It is also commonly found in soaps, perfumes, body creams, and cleaning products. Despite the popularity of citronella candles, scientific studies have shown that they may not be as effective as advertised.
A study published in the Malaria Journal found that citronella candles reduced mosquito bites by 50% in field studies. However, this effectiveness varies depending on the concentration of citronella oil in the candle. Other studies, such as one conducted by AAAS and published in Science, tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and found that citronella candles were not effective in repelling them.
While citronella candles may provide some degree of protection against mosquitoes, they are not a foolproof solution. The effectiveness of these candles depends on various factors, such as the quality and concentration of the essential oils used, the duration of burn time, and the size of the area being protected. Additionally, it is important to note that mosquitoes are drawn to human scent, and citronella oil works by masking these scents rather than directly repelling the insects.
To effectively repel mosquitoes and reduce the likelihood of getting bitten, it is recommended to use products with proven active ingredients, such as EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin. These products should be worn or applied correctly, following the manufacturer's instructions, to ensure maximum protection. While candles may provide a pleasant ambiance outdoors, they may not be the most reliable method for mosquito control.
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Candles with concentrated oils work
Candles with concentrated oils can work to repel mosquitoes. Murphy's Naturals, for example, offers a refillable mosquito repellent candle with a concentrated blend of oils designed for outdoor use. The product has been tested at New Mexico State University's Molecular Vector Physiology Lab, where it was found to successfully decrease the likelihood of human attractiveness to mosquitoes for up to 30 hours.
However, it is important to note that not all candles labelled as mosquito repellents are effective. Some popular citronella candles, for instance, have been found to be ineffective in repelling mosquitoes and, in some cases, even attract them. This may be due to the concentration of citronella oil in the candle, as research has shown that citronella oil can be effective in masking the scents that attract mosquitoes.
To ensure the effectiveness of mosquito repellent candles, it is recommended to choose candles with a long and consistent burn time, allowing the oil to cast a steady, invisible shield against pests. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and storage, such as allowing the top layer of wax to completely melt during the first burn and keeping the candle out of the rain.
While candles with concentrated oils can be a stylish and sustainable way to keep mosquitoes at bay, it is worth noting that other mosquito repellent methods, such as EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin, may offer more reliable and long-lasting protection.
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Natural repellents are often misleading
Another issue with natural repellents is that they often rely on essential oils, which tend to evaporate quickly, leaving you unprotected. This is a common problem with citronella-based products, which can evaporate quickly if the formula is not correct. Other natural repellents that have shown some promise include lemon eucalyptus oil, catnip oil, neem oil, and tea tree oil. However, even these natural repellents have their limitations. For example, lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under 3 years of age, as it may cause eye and skin irritation.
The effectiveness of natural repellents can also vary depending on the species of mosquito. Different species of mosquitoes are attracted to different things, such as bacteria, sweat, carbon dioxide, and certain hand odors. This makes it difficult to create a natural repellent that is effective against all species of mosquitoes. In addition, natural repellents that are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may expose you to the risk of serious mosquito-borne diseases, some of which can be life-threatening.
While some natural repellents may provide some protection against mosquitoes, they are generally not as effective as synthetic repellents. If you are travelling to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases, it is recommended to use a repellent that is registered with the EPA, and most of these products are synthetic. However, for situations where the risk of catching a mosquito-borne disease is low, you may want to experiment with natural options. It is important to do your research and buy your essential oils from a reputable source to increase the chances of finding a natural repellent that works for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candles can repel mosquitoes. Murphy's Naturals offers a refillable mosquito repellent candle that has been tested at New Mexico State University's Molecular Vector Physiology Lab. The study concluded that their mosquito repellent candles successfully decreased human attractiveness to mosquitoes for up to 30 hours.
Citronella candles work at repelling mosquitoes to a degree. While they won't ward off all mosquitoes, a research paper from Malaria Journal found that, in field studies, they reduced the number of mosquito bites by 50%. The effectiveness of citronella candles depends on the concentration of citronella oil. However, some studies have found that they are not effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Other ways to repel mosquitoes include using sprays, lotions, wipes, wearable devices, and bug zappers. Some natural products that can be used as mosquito repellents include essential oils like citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus. However, their effects typically last only a few minutes to an hour and require frequent reapplication, making them less effective than EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin.
