Best citronella candles

Keep insects at bay with the best citronella candles.

Best citronella candles
(Image credit: Amazon)

Fresh and citrus-y, the best citronella candles are proven to keep mosquitoes and other insects away. They're a top choice for those in warmer climates and use around a campfire, and the scent is pleasing even if insects aren't a concern. 

Our top pick is the Hyoola Citronella Candles, which come in a set of two and look the part as well as smelling great. They're non-toxic and have a decent burn time, but they're not great for travelling. We have included some great travel options including citronella tealights, so just keep reading to find what's best for you. 

Terra cotta candles

candle

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Hyoola Citronella Candles

Rustic set of two

Available in earthy terra cotta or multi-colored stripes. 

Pros:

  • Set of two
  • Two color options
  • Re-use the pots

Cons:

  • Not the longest burn time

The Hyoola Citronella Candles come in a rustic and Mediterranean-style set of two bowls, which can be re-used once your burn time is up. Each candle has a 12-hour burn time and is effective at repelling mosquitoes and insects, perfect for evenings sat outside. The candles are smokeless and non-toxic. A great looking choice.  

Three scents

candle

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Coleman Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick

A handy variety pack

Brings the scents and sounds of a campsite anywhere.

Pros:

  • Three amazing scents
  • Easy-carry tins
  • 75 hour burn time in total

Cons:

  • Small tins

Packaged in an embossed tin, this citronella candle from Coleman will make the perfect addition when entertaining outdoors. The Coleman Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick multipack has three scents - s'mores, pine, and campfire, and due to the wood wick, it sounds like a campfire, too. It can burn for up to 25 hours, and you can use the lid to extinguish the flame and preserve the scent between uses. 

Three wicks

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Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle

Carry handle protects hands from the hot surface

Repel insects with this 20-ounce candle. 

Pros:

  • Top insect repellent
  • Easy carry handle
  • 20 ounce candle

Cons:

  • Not the most aesthetically pleasing

Get 40 hours of insect deterrent with the Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle. Each candle in the pack of six has three wicks you can burn at once, offering more dispersion of the scent into the air. The green containers will match any outdoor space (complementing plants or decking), and there is a convenient handle for moving them once lit. 

Simple and effective

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Repel Citronella Outdoor Candle

Best used in smaller spaces

Get 20 hours of insect repellent burn time. 

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Effective
  • Long burn time

Cons:

  • Not the best looking

Buy one candle, or six, to place in your yard to create a barrier against mosquitoes. The 10-ounce candle can burn for 20 hours and is made with real citronella oil. Storage is easy with the included lid, which prevents dust from settling around the wick. The Repel Citronella Outdoor Candle is sturdy and will see you through evenings sat outdoors or around a campfire. It also is incredibly affordable.  

Most candles

(Image credit: Amazon)

Mosquito Guard Repellent Tea Light Candles

Make the smell of citronella inescapable in your yard

A reasonably priced set of 16 tealights. 

Pros:

  • Plant based essential oils
  • 16 candles included
  • Super portable

Cons:

  • Short burn time

This pack comes with 16 candles to place around your outdoor area, making it less welcoming to mosquitoes. Each tea light comes in a small holder and can burn for up to four hours. Mosquito Guard uses natural ingredients in their candles and does not use any DEET. The Mosquito Guard Repellent Tea Light Candles also have a great design for travel, because they're small and lightweight.  

Mosquitoes be gone!

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The Hyoola Citronella Candles are our top pick of citronella candles. This set of two comes in rustic terra cotta pots which can be re-used once you've finished with the candles. 

For traveling, check out the Mosquito Guard Repellent Tea Light Candles, which are small and easy to carry. The sturdy Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle is designed for camping trips and has an easy-carry handle. 

We love the scent of citronella, but the Coleman Scented Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick is a great choice if it's not for you. There are three scents including a campfire, fir, and s'mores. Finally, the best budget pick is the Repel Citronella Outdoor Candle, which is also perfect for taking on the go. 

Freelance Writer

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.