Superhero insect repellent citronella oil is classified as a non-toxic pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency—and has a scent as unmistakably associated with summer as suntan lotion’s.
Derived from a tropical grass (Cymbopogon nardus) native to south Asia, oil of citronella confuses insects by camouflaging other smells; this makes it difficult for insects to locate their feeding targets (you and me).
Citronella oil will safeguard a garden party; we’ve rounded up 10 candles, incense, coils, and torches to keep you safe from marauding mosquitoes:
Above: From Brook Farm General Store, an 18-ounce Candle Le Jardin De Kipling (made in France) is scented with essential oils of ginger, lotus, and citronella; $65. Above: With six pounds of soy blend wax, a hand-poured 12-Wick Patio Citronella Candle will burn for 55 hours. The 12-inch glazed ceramic bowl is reusable; $158 from Terrain. Above: A set of 16 Outdoor Citronella Tea Lights is $4.17 from Home Depot. Above: A Hanging Citronella Coil (for outdoor use only) is available in two sizes. A large coil will burn for $150 hours; $15 and $36 depending on size from Fredericks and Mae. Above: Made in the UK, a clay Citronella Hedgerow Pot is available in two sizes at prices ranging from £4.79 to £10.39 depending on size at Crocus. Above: A set of three 4-inch White Citronella Pillar Candles is $17.99 from Candles For Less. Above: Fredericks and Mae’s Coiled Hanging Incense Sticks also are available in two sizes at Anthropologie; $24 as shown. Above: A 57-inch Grenada Bamboo Torch ($2.99) has a 12-ounce canister to hold citronella and cedar Bitefighter Fuel ($13.99 for 100 ounces); both are made by Tiki Brands. Above: From Madison James, a package of 30 19-inch wooden Flyaway Sticks with “scents of orange, grapefruit, citronella, and cedar leaf oils.” Stick them in the ground and light the tips (use with caution around children and animals); $30 from Mercantile & Co. Above: A Hanging Bubble Glass Citronella Candle is $28 from Terrain. N.B.: Repel insects (that means you, mosquitoes) with more of our editor-tested tips:
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