Pro: Citronella Candles are Generally Safe, Clean and Nontoxic. Despite this, the toxicity of citronella in candles for humans is about the same as any other scented candle. The Environmental Protection Agency has found that citronella itself poses minimal risk to human health, even when applied directly to the skin.

Is it safe to breathe in citronella?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

Are citronella candles safe to use indoors?

It is generally recommended that you do not use citronella candles indoors for a few reasons. Although the scent is very pleasant for you as the candles burn, you may find that these oils work their way into interior fabrics. Also, the citronella candles tend to have a slight more smokey burn than ordinary candles.

Do citronella candles really keep mosquitoes away?

Myth: Citronella candles repel mosquitoes. ... But while the oil of citronella does repel mosquitoes to some degree, “in the amount and concentration that is put out via candles, it's not very effective,” says Joseph Conlon, a technical adviser for the American Mosquito Control Association.

Is citronella bad for your health?

Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.

Are Citronella Candles Safe

28 related questions found

What are citronella candles used for?

Citronella is an essential oil that comes from certain varieties of grass, and it naturally repels a variety of pesky insects, including mosquitoes. When used in candles, citronella helps to keep bugs out of the immediate area, which saves you from ending the night covered in itchy bug bites.

Why do bugs hate citronella?

Citronella, an essential oil extracted from grasses in the Cymbopogon family, helps repel bugs largely thanks to the way it masks the scent of people.

What smell does mosquito hate?

Many natural scents that are appealing to humans actually repel mosquitoes, including lavender, peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus. Many of these scents can be worn as an essential oil on your skin to help keep these pesky pests from biting you.

Where should citronella candles be placed?

Placement. It's best to place your citronella candle where it can offer the most protection of your outdoor area from bugs. One central candle may be enough, or you might need a protective perimeter of candles for a larger area. You should also keep it in a spot that's protected from wind and rain.

Does citronella repel or attract mosquitoes?

Citronella is naturally occurring oil that repels insects. ... “Citronella oil is repellent to mosquitoes to a degree, but the amount being put out by a candle isn't going to be very effective,” Eric Hoffer, president of Hoffer Pest, told TODAY Home.

What happens if you burn citronella candles indoors?

Because of the low toxicity and limited uses of Oil of Citronella, it is not harmful to the environment. No adverse effects are expected for use around the home.

What bugs does citronella candles repel?

Citronella candles are great for setting a mood, but they're not so great for the very thing they're advertised to do: repel mosquitoes. That's one conclusion from a new study that tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the vectors of Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases.

Is citronella good indoors?

Citronella As A Houseplant – Can You Keep Mosquito Plant Citronella Indoors. ... The good news is that you certainly can grow this plant indoors. This plant is actually a type of geranium (Pelargonium genus) and is not frost hardy. It is considered an evergreen perennial in zones 9 through 11.

Does citronella smell like lemongrass?

“Though citronella and lemon grass look alike, both have different properties. Citronella oil is used in manufacturing mosquito repellents, perfumes, soaps and deodorants among other toiletries. Whereas, lemon grass can be used as herbal tea. It smells like lemon, but it tastes milder and sweeter.

What are citronella candles made of?

“In most cases, a citronella candle is only going to contain a five percent concentration of citronella or less.” This specific OFF! candle contains only 0.5 percent. 2) Inert Ingredients (Soybean Oil and Paraffin Wax): These are common ingredients used in candle-making, and they make up the basis of these candles.

Is citronella flammable?

The oil is used in soap, candles and incense, perfumes, cosmetics and also as a plant-based insect repellent. Citronella candles and torches pose a serious fire hazard. ... Ensure the areas you set up your torches are clear of any flammable materials in the event that they should topple over.

When should you light citronella candles?

Once you've got your Barrier of Protection set up, make sure that you light your candles and torches about 20-30 minutes before getting the party started.

How long does a citronella candle last?

Citronella Candles- The typical shelf life of citronella candles is 24 months. After that, they will begin to degrade in quality. This is due to the candles being made from organic materials, namely the oil from leaves and stems of lemongrass.

Why does off citronella candle say not intended to repel mosquitoes?

Contrary to popular opinion, the scent isn't toxic or irritating to mosquitoes. “The mechanism by which citronella repels mosquitoes involves it masking human odors so that mosquitoes don't detect the presence of a potential host,” says Joseph M. Conlon, technical adviser at the American Mosquito Control Association.

How do I keep mosquitoes out of my yard naturally?

Here are 6 simple ways to naturally repel mosquitoes.

1. Remove Excess Vegetation. ...
2. Stock Ponds or Marshes. ...
3. Reduce Standing Water. ...
4. Attract Mosquito Eating Animals. ...
5. Plant Mosquito Repellent Plants. ...
6. Watch What You Wear. ...
7. Choose a Safer Spray for Extra Control.

Why do mosquitoes bite me and not my husband?

Mosquitoes will bite some people more than others (such as your husband, child or friend), because of genetics. Your DNA will determine whether or not you are more likely to excrete skin substances that are attractive to female mosquitoes. It is only the female variety of mosquitoes that will bite to gather blood.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub repel mosquitoes?

Vicks Vapor Rub contains a natural insect repellant, cedar leaf oil. You all know how strong the smell of Vicks Vapor Rub is. As we've mentioned earlier in this article, mosquitoes aren't fond of strong smells, and this is exactly why Vicks Vapor Rub repels mosquitoes.

Do candles attract mosquitoes?

Candles can also attract mosquitoes, but the reason might not be exactly what you expect. When candles burn they release carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes love carbon dioxide, because usually this is an indication that a warm-blooded creature is moving about!

What citronella candle works best?

10 Best Citronella Candles for Keeping Pests Away

• Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle. ...
• Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle. ...
• Citronella & Lime in Reusable Acacia Bowl. ...
• Mainstays Outdoor Citronella Bucket Candle. ...
• Votive Citronella Candles. ...
• Mintronella Candle. ...
• Multi-Wick Ceramic Citronella Candle.

Do bugs hate lavender?

Lavender has a strong scent that repels moths, flies, fleas, and mosquitoes. Use it fresh or dry some of the flowers to hang around the house or put in with your clothing to keep bugs out. ... Basil is another culinary herb that does double duty by repelling flies and mosquitoes, too.