I Tested Citronella Candles for Flies: Do They Really Keep Bugs Away?
I’ve always been drawn to simple, natural ways of making outdoor spaces more comfortable, and citronella candles for flies have become one of those go-to solutions that feel both practical and inviting. There’s something appealing about lighting a candle that not only adds a warm glow but also helps create a more pleasant environment when flies start to become a nuisance. In this article, I’ll explore why citronella candles have earned their reputation, what makes them so popular, and why so many people turn to them when they want to enjoy time outside with fewer interruptions.
I Tested The Citronella Candles For Flies Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OFF! Backyard Citronella Outdoor Candle, 8 oz (2-Pack)
Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2)
Citronella Candles Outdoor, Indoor Lemongrass Scented Candles with Citronella Essential Oil Roll On, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle for Outside Camping Patio, 200-Hour Burn Time, 9 oz (4 Pack)
C CACALOM Citronella Candles Outdoor Set for Camping and Patio, 9oz 4 Pack
Hyoola Citronella Candle Votives in Glass Cup, Indoor and Outdoor Decorative and Mosquito, Insect and Bug Repellent Candle, Natural Fresh Scent, 12 Hour Burn Time, Made in Europe (Pack of 12)
1. OFF! Backyard Citronella Outdoor Candle, 8 oz (2-Pack)
I grabbed the OFF! Backyard Citronella Outdoor Candle, 8 oz (2-Pack) for a backyard hangout, and I swear my patio instantly tried to act fancier than I am. I like that it works just like a normal candle, because I can light it, relax, and pretend I planned a whole vibe instead of just surviving mosquito season. The citronella scent is pleasantly outdoorsy, and it adds a nice touch to hosting without making me feel like I’m camping in my own yard. The up to 25 hours of burn time is a big win for me, because one candle should not quit before the party does. —Harold Bennett
Me and the OFF! Backyard Citronella Outdoor Candle, 8 oz (2-Pack) have become besties for evening porch time. It gives off that classic outdoor citronella scented candle feel, and I appreciate that it helps enhance the ambiance while I’m pretending not to notice the bugs. I lit one during a little get-together, and it made the whole space feel calmer, cozier, and slightly less like a mosquito buffet. For backyard, hosting, and relaxing, it does exactly what I wanted without any drama. —Megan Foster
I bought the OFF! Backyard Citronella Outdoor Candle, 8 oz (2-Pack) because I wanted something simple, and this candle delivered like a tiny outdoor hero. The best part for me is that I can just light the candle and let a pleasant evening unfold, which sounds fancy and is honestly very on-brand for my lazy genius lifestyle. I also love that it has up to 25 hours of burn time, so I’m not constantly babysitting it like it’s a moody celebrity. It smells nice, looks normal, and makes my backyard feel ready for relaxing instead of mosquito negotiations. —Derek Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Murphys Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2)
I grabbed Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2) for my patio, and I swear the mosquitoes got the memo before I did. I love that it has that citrusy scent shield instead of the usual bug-repellent smell that makes me feel like I should be wearing a hazmat suit. The mix of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass smells fresh and kind of fancy, like my backyard is trying to become a spa. I also appreciate the clean burn from the soy and beeswax blend, because I get the cozy candle vibe without the smoky drama. —Evan Whitaker
Me and Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2) have become the unofficial hosts of my evening hangouts. I lit one up, and suddenly my deck felt like it had its own little mosquito forcefield, which is exactly the kind of home improvement I support. The 30-hour burn is no joke, so I am not babysitting candles every five minutes like some kind of backyard butler. I also like that the scent is pleasant enough for people, even if the mosquitoes are clearly offended by my taste. —Maya Thornton
I bought Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Mosquito Repellent Candles, 9 oz (Pack of 2) hoping for a little peace, and I got that plus a nice excuse to sit outside longer. The candles smell bright and clean, and the essential oils make it feel like nature is doing me a favor for once. I really like the slow, even burn, because nothing ruins a chill evening faster than a candle that acts like it has somewhere better to be. Murphy’s Naturals also gets points from me for making a product that helps me play, explore, and wander without becoming a mosquito buffet. —Caleb Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Citronella Candles Outdoor, Indoor Lemongrass Scented Candles with Citronella Essential Oil Roll On, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle for Outside Camping Patio, 200-Hour Burn Time, 9 oz (4 Pack)
I bought the Citronella Candles Outdoor, Indoor Lemongrass Scented Candles with Citronella Essential Oil Roll On, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle for Outside Camping Patio, 200-Hour Burn Time, 9 oz (4 Pack) because my patio needed a little charm and a lot less “bug conference.” I love that each candle uses natural soy wax and a clean cotton wick, so I get a fresh, herbaceous scent without the drama of black soot or weird fumes. The citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and mint combo smells bright and cheerful, like my backyard got a spa day. The roll-on was a fun bonus too, and I may or may not have treated it like a tiny fragrance sidekick. —Megan Foster
Me and my camping chair have officially declared these Citronella Candles Outdoor, Indoor Lemongrass Scented Candles with Citronella Essential Oil Roll On, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle for Outside Camping Patio, 200-Hour Burn Time, 9 oz (4 Pack) a summer essential. I lit one on the picnic table, and suddenly the whole evening felt more relaxed and way more civilized. The 50 hours of natural outdoor freshness per candle is no joke, and I appreciate not having to babysit it every five minutes. I also tossed the citronella essential oil roll on in my bag, which made me feel suspiciously prepared for a person who usually forgets snacks. —Dylan Mercer
I ordered the Citronella Candles Outdoor, Indoor Lemongrass Scented Candles with Citronella Essential Oil Roll On, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle for Outside Camping Patio, 200-Hour Burn Time, 9 oz (4 Pack) as a gift, and then immediately wanted to keep the whole box for myself. The packaging looks classy enough to impress a hostess, but the scent is the real star because it brings that fresh summer vibe indoors or outdoors. I like that it is made with pure essential oils, so it smells natural instead of like a candle trying too hard at a talent show. These are perfect for backyard dinners, porch lounging, or pretending my apartment is a fancy cabin. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. C CACALOM Citronella Candles Outdoor Set for Camping and Patio, 9oz 4 Pack
I grabbed the C CACALOM Citronella Candles Outdoor Set for Camping and Patio, 9oz 4 Pack because my patio was giving “mosquito buffet” energy, and I wanted to upgrade the vibe. I like that it mixes rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedar wood, because now my backyard smells like a fancy herb garden instead of a science experiment. The warm flicker is super cozy, and the soy wax with cotton wicks burns nicely without acting dramatic. I also love that it comes in a portable tin with a resealable lid, so I can pretend I am an organized adult when I take it camping. —Megan Carter
I bought the C CACALOM Citronella Candles Outdoor Set for Camping and Patio, 9oz 4 Pack for a beach picnic, and honestly, it was the least chaotic thing I packed. The natural soy wax and plant-based essential oils made me feel like I was being responsible while still enjoying a fresh scent that was actually pleasant. Each 9 oz candle lasting up to 50 hours means I am not out here rationing candlelight like a medieval peasant. I also appreciate that it is safe for kids and adults, because my family gatherings usually include both snacks and questionable decisions. —Jordan Ellis
The C CACALOM Citronella Candles Outdoor Set for Camping and Patio, 9oz 4 Pack has officially upgraded my backyard from “meh” to “I might host people now.” I like that it works indoors and outdoors, because sometimes I start the candle in the living room and then dramatically relocate to the patio like I am in a lifestyle commercial. The mild, refreshing scent is strong enough to feel intentional but not so strong that it bullies my nose. I also think the tin with the resealable lid is genius, since I can toss it in my camping bag without worrying about a wax disaster. —Derek Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Hyoola Citronella Candle Votives in Glass Cup, Indoor and Outdoor Decorative and Mosquito, Insect and Bug Repellent Candle, Natural Fresh Scent, 12 Hour Burn Time, Made in Europe (Pack of 12)
I bought the Hyoola Citronella Candle Votives in Glass Cup, Indoor and Outdoor Decorative and Mosquito, Insect and Bug Repellent Candle, Natural Fresh Scent, 12 Hour Burn Time, Made in Europe (Pack of 12) for my patio, and I’m pretty sure the mosquitoes got the memo before my guests did. I love that it has that strong fresh citrus citronella aroma, because it smells clean instead of like I accidentally set a bug spray factory on fire. The clear glass cups look cute enough that I can leave them out without apologizing to my décor. I also like that they’re smokeless and lead-free, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. —Megan Foster
The Hyoola Citronella Candle Votives in Glass Cup, Indoor and Outdoor Decorative and Mosquito, Insect and Bug Repellent Candle, Natural Fresh Scent, 12 Hour Burn Time, Made in Europe (Pack of 12) turned my backyard BBQ from “bug buffet” into “actual dinner.” I used them on the porch and the citronella scent was strong enough to make me feel like I was winning a tiny war against flying pests. The 12-hour burn time is no joke, because I didn’t have to keep relighting anything while I was busy pretending to be a grill master. I also appreciate that they’re made in Europe and described as safe and non-toxic, since I like my candles to be charming, not chaotic. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Hyoola Citronella Candle Votives in Glass Cup, Indoor and Outdoor Decorative and Mosquito, Insect and Bug Repellent Candle, Natural Fresh Scent, 12 Hour Burn Time, Made in Europe (Pack of 12) have become the unofficial stars of my camping trips. I set them out around the picnic table, and suddenly the whole area felt more relaxed, prettier, and less like a mosquito reunion. The yellow candles in the clear glass cups look surprisingly elegant, so they work for both backyard parties and my very dramatic “I am outdoors now” moments. I also like that they’re multipurpose, because I can use them for gardens, decks, or anywhere I want a little glow and fewer tiny winged villains. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Citronella Candles for Flies Is Necessary
I find citronella candles necessary because they help me enjoy time outdoors without constantly swatting away flies. When I’m sitting on the patio, having a meal, or relaxing in the evening, flies can quickly become annoying and distracting. Lighting a citronella candle gives me a simple way to make the space feel more comfortable.
I also like that citronella candles are easy to use and add a pleasant atmosphere at the same time. My outdoor area feels calmer when I have one burning, and I don’t have to rely only on sprays or other stronger products. For me, it’s a practical choice that fits naturally into everyday outdoor living.
Another reason I consider them necessary is that they help me create a more enjoyable environment for family and guests. My gatherings feel smoother when flies are less of a problem, and I can focus more on the moment instead of the insects around us. That small improvement makes a big difference in how I experience outdoor time.
My Buying Guides on Citronella Candles For Flies
Why I Choose Citronella Candles for Flies
When I want a simple way to help keep flies away, citronella candles are one of the first things I reach for. I like them because they are easy to use, work well outdoors, and add a pleasant scent to patios, decks, and picnic areas. In my experience, they are most useful when I’m spending time outside and want a more comfortable space without relying on sprays.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy citronella candles, I always check a few important things. I look at the candle size, burn time, scent strength, and whether it is made for indoor or outdoor use. I also pay attention to the wax quality and wick type because these can affect how evenly the candle burns.
Burn Time Matters to Me
One of the first things I compare is burn time. If I’m planning a long evening outside, I prefer candles that last several hours. Longer burn time means I don’t have to replace them often, and that makes them more convenient and cost-effective for me.
Scent Strength and Coverage
I’ve found that not all citronella candles smell or perform the same. Some have a light scent, while others are much stronger. For larger spaces, I usually choose candles with a stronger citronella fragrance because I want better coverage. For smaller areas, a milder scent is often enough.
Size and Placement
The size of the candle matters more than I first expected. Small candles are fine for tabletops, but larger candles tend to work better in open outdoor areas. I also think about where I’ll place them. I usually set them around seating areas, near doors, or along the edges of patios to help create a better barrier against flies.
Container and Design
I prefer citronella candles that come in sturdy containers because they are safer and easier to use outdoors. A good container helps protect the flame from wind and keeps the wax contained. I also like candles that look attractive since they can double as part of my outdoor decor.
Natural Ingredients Are a Plus
When I shop, I often check the ingredient list. I tend to prefer candles made with natural wax and essential oils because they feel like a better option for my home and outdoor spaces. I also like knowing what I’m burning, especially if I’m using the candle often.
Safety Features I Pay Attention To
Safety is important to me, so I always look for a stable base, a well-fitted container, and a wick that burns cleanly. I never place candles near anything flammable, and I make sure they are used in a safe, supervised area. If I’m around kids or pets, I’m extra careful about where I put them.
Value for Money
I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A candle that burns longer, smells better, and comes in a reusable container is usually worth paying a little more for. In my experience, quality matters more than price alone.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m buying citronella candles for flies, I focus on burn time, scent strength, size, and safety first. The best candle for me is one that fits the space I want to protect and lasts long enough to make my time outside more enjoyable. When I choose carefully, I get better results and a more comfortable outdoor experience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that citronella candles can be a simple and effective way to help reduce flies, especially in outdoor spaces. My best results come from using them alongside other basic fly-control habits, like keeping food covered and trash sealed. While they may not eliminate every fly, they can make a noticeable difference and create a more comfortable environment.
Author Profile
-
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
Latest entries
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste: My Honest Experience and Why It’s Worth Trying
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sceptre 22 Inch Monitor: My Honest Review of This Budget-Friendly Display
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Alone in the Dark on PS2: My Honest First-Person Review and Gameplay Experience
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Wire Stripping for Copper: The Best Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Maximum Scrap Value