jonsie Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 I know Summer and mosquito season is winding down in the U.S., but here in Australia, it's just about to kick off! So I'm thinking it's time for me to try some anti-skeeter candles.I've been researching and reading up on stuff around CS and the Net, and I wondered, is it necessary to make a candle smoke to keep the mosquitos away? I'd test it myself but for some odd reason, the mosquitos stopped biting me years ago, making me a lousy test subject. So would a smelly citronella/lemongrass eo candle do the trick even if it doesn't smoke? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernadette Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Mosquitoes love me! I use a 3 wick, large tin(16 oz.) with citronella that I make at our second home in the woods, and we don't see a mosquito anywhere. Doesn't smoke, and actually smells good. It's RE/AH citronella) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonsie Posted September 17, 2011 Author Share Posted September 17, 2011 Ty Bernadette!But I feel kinda stupid to ask... what does "RE/AH citronella" mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernadette Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Rustic Essentials/Aroma Haven.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjdaines Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 (edited) http://rusticescentuals.com/And smoke is not need but if it was, just wick with HTP wicks and blow them out, they sure make a lot of smoke for me that way. Edited September 17, 2011 by rjdaines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 You don't need your candle to smoke to be effective. Oregon Trails has "Bug Off" essential oil blend that works wonders in candles, lotion bars or a body spray. http://www.oregontrailsoaps.com/products.php?cat=9&scat=41 Or if you have any of the following EO's you can make your own: orange 10X, lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, peppermint, spearmint, catnip (especially effective, but stinks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in KY Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Mosquitoes love me! I use a 3 wick, large tin(16 oz.) with citronella that I make at our second home in the woods, and we don't see a mosquito anywhere. Doesn't smoke, and actually smells good. It's RE/AH citronella)Is that just a FO from RE/AH? I need to order from them anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernadette Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 Yes, it's their Citronella FO. And I should have added, it works on any biting insect, including black flies! I've used this FO for 3 years now in the Adirondack Mts. of upstate NY and our deck has been a delight...:smiley2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonsie Posted September 18, 2011 Author Share Posted September 18, 2011 (edited) Thank you everyone!So I took a look at the Bug Off EO from Oregon Trails and seriously considering having some shipped to me here in Oz. In the meantime I may tinker with some of the EOs I have on hand. When they list the EOs in their mix and shows Orange 10x at the top, does that mean Orange 10x is the highest percentage, or did they randomly list the ingredients?Edit to say... I tried to order a few ounces of Bug Off but I needed a minimum order of $15, and I didn't want to ship a whole pound all the way over here (especially if it leaks). Since I can't smell it, does this smell like oranges? Edited September 18, 2011 by jonsie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wickless Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 lemongrass sage EO works great to and can be used as a body spray. I hate them little bugs!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricofAZ Posted September 19, 2011 Share Posted September 19, 2011 You don't need your candle to smoke to be effective. Oregon Trails has "Bug Off" essential oil blend that works wonders in candles, lotion bars or a body spray. http://www.oregontrailsoaps.com/products.php?cat=9&scat=41 Or if you have any of the following EO's you can make your own: orange 10X, lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, peppermint, spearmint, catnip (especially effective, but stinks).Yup, I bought some from a member here, wessex I think, and it works fine. Real EO. Just get a decent sized melt pool or set several out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WimbleyW Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 I've heard of citronella for repelling mosquitoes but how does lemon grass and the others work? Are they as effective? I know mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we put off, so I guess these oils hide the carbon dioxide. I was just reading a site that said oil-of-eucalyptus is one of the most effective oils. Has anyone tried it with better success? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Actually lemon eucalyptus essential oil is more effective than plain eucalyptus. Catnip EO is about the most effective, but stinks to high heaven lol. If you use a combination of EO's you will get better protection than just using citronella. Do a google search for "bug repellent essential oils" and you'll get lots of info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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