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How to make your own bug deterrent with just a few simple ingredients.
You can help keep the mosquitoes away from your indoor and outdoor living space. These candles are really easy and fun to make and provide us with some much needed comfort during the bug seasons.
What you will need
Beeswax
Citronella Oil
Candle Wicks
Mason Jars
Containers
Tip: There are many different containers you can pour your wax mix into. Here are some cool ideas:
- Old Soup Containers: With their labels cleaned off, wrap some hemp twine around the top and you will get a nice rustic look.
- Small Terracotta Containers: The beautiful color and durability of terracotta clay is a great choice for your citronella candles.
- Decorative Bowls: We all have some cute bowls around the house that could be put to use as a decretive candle.
- Tea Cups: You might find cute tea cups at the thrift store or you have them sitting in your cabinet collecting dust. Try them as a unique candle holder.
Directions- Let get started!
Step 1: Prepare your candle holder and wicks. Set out your containers and place the wicks into the container. To hold the wicks in the middle you can tape them around a straw and lay it on top of your container.
Step 2: Melt your wax in a double boiler. I use 3 cups of beeswax. (You can use a pot of water and large mason jar if you don’t have a double boiler) The best wax to use is beeswax because it burns slower and your candles will last longer. Your wax will reduce to about half and will look like olive oil once it is ready.
Step 3: Add your Citronella Oil. While your wax is still melted add 20 drops of Citronella Oil to your melted wax.
Step 4: Pour your mixture. This is where all the magic happens. Pour your melted wax into the containers you chose. The wicks should stay in the centre with the help of the straw you wrapped the wick around. Leave your candles over night to harden.
Step 5: Enjoy! Your candles are ready to go, and it was so easy.
Don’t forget your supplies!
Beeswax
Citronella Oil
Candle Wicks
Mason Jars
Now you have some amazing candles that will be sure to deter all the pesky bugs around the house. The recipe is so easy that you can whip up a new batch when you have burned them out. Get creative and add your melted wax to some interesting containers for the patio and indoors. Have fun with it!
Share your cool candle ideas with us. We love to here from our readers.
This post was originally published on August 26, 2016.
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