Do Mosquito Candles Work?
WouterDuring the summer months, mosquitoes can be a real problem. They can carry dangerous diseases, such as dengue fever and Zika. They can also bite you, leaving big red blemishes on your skin.
Many people are looking for ways to keep mosquitoes away from them. The good news is that there are many options. Some of the most effective include DEET-based sprays and lotions. Other options include butane-powered devices and insect repellent-imbued clothing.
Another option is citronella candles. These candles are advertised as mosquito repellents. While they do work, they don’t work as well as other repellents. These candles also lose their ability to repel mosquitoes in windy conditions.
In fact, citronella candles don’t even work as well as DEET-based sprays. These candles release a citronella scent, which masks the scents that attract mosquitoes. They may only work for a few hours. However, they can be a charming addition to outdoor areas.
Another effective repellent ingredient is picaridin. Picaridin is odorless and works well for most mosquitoes.
Citronella oil is another popular mosquito repellent ingredient. It is derived from the leaves of a cousin of lemongrass. It is used in candles, lotions, and sprays. It can also be used as a food additive.
A study published in the Journal of Insect Science found that citronella candles don’t work as well as other mosquito repellents. The study looked at 11 repellents that were tested on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. They found that citronella candles only acted on a few receptors in the mosquitoes, while other repellents blocked more receptors.
