Ben Carter
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, leaving itchy bites and sometimes even spreading diseases. There are many mosquito deterrents on the market, but not all of them work. While citronella candles are popular, some sources claim they are ineffective. Murphy's Naturals offers a mosquito repellent candle made from rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass oils, which claims to create a minty, mosquito forcefield. This candle may be a solution to enjoying mosquito-free outdoor activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Rosemary Oil, Peppermint Oil, Citronella Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedarwood Oil |
| Inert Ingredients | Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Beeswax |
| Burn Time | 30 hours |
| Weight | 9oz |
| Wick | Trim to 1/4 inch to prevent soot |
| Use | Outdoor |
| Scent | Citrusy |
| Other Characteristics | No synthetic repellent, no added fragrance, no dyes, no parabens, no petroleum |
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What You'll Learn
Murphy's Naturals mosquito repellent candle
Mosquitoes are olfactory-motivated creatures that move away from scents they don't like. Murphy's Naturals mosquito repellent candle is made from a blend of essential oils that mosquitoes find repulsive. The candle has been tested at New Mexico State University's Molecular Vector Physiology Lab, where it was found to decrease the likelihood of human attractiveness to mosquitoes for up to 30 hours.
The 9oz candle has a burn time of 30 hours and is designed for outdoor use only. It is important to trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle for the first time and each subsequent time to prevent soot and ensure a long burn time. To extinguish the candle, simply blow out the flame or snuff the wick. Do not use water to put out the flame, and always allow the wax to cool before handling the candle or trimming the wick.
Murphy's Naturals also offers a refillable version of their mosquito repellent candle. The refillable candle comes in a stylish and minimalist stoneware vessel that can be reused. The stoneware vessel is designed to keep mosquitoes away for up to 30 hours and can be refilled with Murphy's Naturals repellent candle refills.
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Other mosquito-repelling candles
While some sources claim that citronella candles are ineffective at repelling mosquitoes, they remain a popular choice for those seeking a natural mosquito repellent. Citronella oil is derived from dried cultivated grasses and is said to confuse mosquitoes by binding to their olfactory receptors. You can find citronella candles on Amazon, often designed for outdoor use.
If you're looking for alternatives to citronella candles, there are several other mosquito-repelling candles on the market. Murphy's Naturals offers a candle made from rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass oils, with added citronella and cedarwood oil. This candle promises to create a minty, mosquito forcefield by confusing mosquitoes with a blend of natural fragrances. Each 9oz candle burns for up to 30 hours and is made from natural soy and beeswax, free of petroleum and dyes.
Another option is to look for candles containing lemon eucalyptus oil, which has been recommended as an effective natural mosquito repellent. However, it's important to note that some mosquito-repelling products may be ineffective or even gimmicky, so it's worth checking for reputable sources and reviews before purchasing. For example, the Thermacell MR450 Mosquito Repeller has been recommended by the New York Times as a durable, effective, and portable option for camping or outdoor events.
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Alternative mosquito deterrents
Mosquitoes are attracted by scents, so one way to keep them away is to use scents they dislike. While candles that contain mosquito repellents such as citronella oil are often marketed as a solution, some sources claim that these are ineffective. If you want to try candles as a mosquito deterrent, look for those containing natural ingredients that mosquitoes are averse to, such as rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass oils. These candles can create a pleasant smell for humans while keeping mosquitoes at bay.
There are also other methods for deterring mosquitoes that do not involve candles. For example, fans can be used to keep mosquitoes away by disturbing the air around them. Additionally, you can remove their preferred breeding grounds, such as standing water.
If you are looking for a more portable and durable option, electronic mosquito repellers like the Thermacell MR450 can be a good choice. These devices use heat to vaporize a liquid repellent, creating a mosquito-free zone. However, they may lose some effectiveness in windy conditions.
Another natural alternative is to use mosquito-repelling plants. Certain plants emit scents that mosquitoes find unpleasant, helping to keep them away. Some plants that are known to have this effect include citronella grass, catnip, and marigolds.
Finally, you can try using mosquito repellent sprays or lotions on your skin. Look for products that contain ingredients such as DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil, which have been shown to effectively repel mosquitoes. These can be applied directly to the skin or sprayed onto clothing for added protection.
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Removing mosquito breeding grounds
Mosquitoes breed quickly, so it's important to regularly inspect your property for potential breeding grounds and destroy them. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so any containers that collect rainwater, such as trash cans, flower pots, vases, buckets, tires, toys, pools, birdbaths, and trash containers, should be emptied, scrubbed, turned over, covered, or thrown out at least once a week. You should also keep children's pools and pet's drinking bowls indoors or upside down when it rains.
To prevent water from accumulating in your yard, fill in tree holes, cover rainwater barrels with fine mesh fabric, and keep rain gutters clean and in good condition. Inspect and repair any leaking pipes and faucets, and cover open vents and plumbing pipes with wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
Mosquitoes can also breed in vegetation, so it's important to keep your garden tidy and free of debris and hiding spots. Trim back grasses and other plant life, and encourage good drainage in potted plants by using hollow ornaments with small drilled holes.
If you have a pond or still water on your property, you can make it less attractive to mosquitoes by adding mosquito fish (gambusia affinis) or introducing bacteria known as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis) to kill larvae.
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Electric mosquito repellents
Mosquitoes are known to carry dangerous diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. It is therefore important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. One method of mosquito control is the use of electric mosquito repellents. These devices attract mosquitoes using UV light and octenol lures, luring them into an electrified grid where they die. They are designed to work in areas of up to one and a half acres and should be plugged in at least 25 feet away from areas of high human activity.
While electric mosquito repellents can be effective, they come with potential health and environmental risks. The smoke emitted by these devices can cause respiratory problems, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies. The chemicals used, such as allethrin or DEET, can irritate the respiratory system and trigger symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Direct contact with the repellents can also lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions, causing redness, itching, rashes, and blistering in sensitive individuals. Prolonged exposure to the chemicals can worsen these symptoms.
The fumes from electric mosquito repellents can irritate the eyes, causing redness and discomfort, especially for contact lens wearers or those with pre-existing eye conditions. Sleeping in a room with an active repellent can lead to headaches and migraines, and some individuals may experience nausea and dizziness. Additionally, individuals with a history of allergies may be at higher risk of developing allergic reactions, with symptoms such as hives, swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties.
Given these potential health and environmental hazards, it is important to consider safer alternatives for mosquito protection, such as natural vaporizer liquid repellents, mosquito nets, citronella oil, essential oils, or garlic, or candles containing essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are many mosquito-repellent candles on the market, such as those containing citronella oil, reviews suggest that they don't work. To keep mosquitoes away, it is better to take away their preferred breeding grounds.
Mosquitoes are olfactory-motivated, meaning they are drawn to or away from certain scents. They dislike rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, cedarwood, lemon eucalyptus, and citronella oils.
The Thermacell MR450 Mosquito Repeller is a good choice for camping or sporting events. It is rugged and portable, but its butane cartridge is less convenient than a rechargeable battery. A simple fan can also keep mosquitoes at bay.
