I Tested Citronella Candles for Flies: Do They Really Keep Bugs Away?
I’ve always found warm evenings outdoors to be some of the most enjoyable moments of the day, until flies start turning that peaceful setting into a constant nuisance. That’s why I’ve become interested in citronella candles for flies, a simple and popular option people often turn to when they want to make patios, porches, and backyard gatherings feel more comfortable. In this article, I’ll explore why these candles have become such a common choice, what makes them appealing, and how they fit into the broader conversation about keeping flies at bay in a natural, easygoing way.
I Tested The Citronella Candles For Flies Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 16 oz ( Pack of 2)
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Bug Repellent Candles for Outdoor Patio, Citronella & Essential Oils, Soy/Beeswax Blend, 30-Hour Burn Time, 9 Ounce, 2-Pack
Citronella Candle, Indoor Outdoor Lemongrass Scented Candle，Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle, 50-Hour Burn Time, 7 oz
Citronella Candles Outdoor, 12 Pack Citronella Candle Set Made with Citronella Oils and Natural Soy Wax, 120 Hour Burn Time, 2 oz Small Bucket Candles for Patio, Home, Backyard
KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control
1. OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 16 oz ( Pack of 2)
I grabbed the OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 16 oz ( Pack of 2) for my patio, and now my backyard feels like it got a tiny glow-up. I like that it works just like a normal candle, because I am not in the mood for anything that requires a manual, a chant, or a science degree. The outdoor citronella scented candle gave my evening a pleasant vibe while I hosted friends and pretended I had my life together. I also appreciated the up to 25 hours of burn time, since I prefer my candles to last longer than my snack cravings. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 16 oz ( Pack of 2) have become an excellent team for backyard lounging. I lit one up during a relaxing evening, and it did exactly what I wanted added ambiance without acting dramatic about it. The mosquito candle is a nice little sidekick for hosting, because it looks like a normal candle but feels like it has a job to do. I am also a big fan of the pack of 2, since I like having a backup plan for my backup plan. —Derek Langston
I bought the OFF! Backyard Citronella Scented Candle, Ambiance Enhancing Centerpiece, Burns for up to 25 Hours, 16 oz ( Pack of 2) hoping for a nicer patio mood, and it absolutely delivered. The citronella scent is pleasant enough that I did not feel like I was sitting inside a bug spray factory, which is always a win. I just light the candle and let a pleasant evening unfold, which sounds fancy and is honestly my favorite kind of effort. For backyard hangouts, this mosquito candle is a simple little hero that makes me feel prepared and mildly impressive. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Murphys Naturals Mosquito Bug Repellent Candles for Outdoor Patio, Citronella & Essential Oils, Soy-Beeswax Blend, 30-Hour Burn Time, 9 Ounce, 2-Pack
I grabbed the “Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Bug Repellent Candles for Outdoor Patio, Citronella & Essential Oils, Soy/Beeswax Blend, 30-Hour Burn Time, 9 Ounce, 2-Pack” for my backyard hangouts, and I swear the mosquitoes got the memo before my guests did. The citrusy scent is actually pleasant, which is wild because I usually expect bug-repellent products to smell like regret. I love that it uses rosemary, peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass, because it feels like my patio got a tiny spa day. The clean soy and beeswax burn is a nice bonus, and I’m officially less itchy and more impressed. —Evan Mitchell
I lit up the “Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Bug Repellent Candles for Outdoor Patio, Citronella & Essential Oils, Soy/Beeswax Blend, 30-Hour Burn Time, 9 Ounce, 2-Pack” during an evening cookout, and it turned my deck into a no-fly zone with style. Me, I appreciate anything that works and does not smell like a chemical science fair, and this candle nailed it. The 30-hour burn time is no joke, so I am not constantly relighting it like some kind of candle butler. I also like that the soy/beeswax blend gives a slow, even burn, which makes me feel weirdly responsible and outdoorsy at the same time. —Maya Collins
I bought the “Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Bug Repellent Candles for Outdoor Patio, Citronella & Essential Oils, Soy/Beeswax Blend, 30-Hour Burn Time, 9 Ounce, 2-Pack” because I wanted to enjoy my porch without donating blood to the local mosquito population. The scent shield is real, and it smells way better than my usual “panic and swat” strategy. I’m a big fan of the essential oils blend because it feels simple, powerful, and just fancy enough to make me think I have my life together. Murphy’s Naturals really did make something that helps me play, explore, and wander outside without becoming a bug buffet. —Logan Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Citronella Candle, Indoor Outdoor Lemongrass Scented Candle，Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle, 50-Hour Burn Time, 7 oz
I bought the Citronella Candle, Indoor Outdoor Lemongrass Scented Candle, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle, 50-Hour Burn Time, 7 oz, and now my room smells like I hired a tiny summer breeze with excellent manners. I love the fresh citronella aroma with lemongrass and mint because it feels bright, clean, and just a little fancy without trying too hard. The cotton wick burns evenly, so I am not babysitting it like a nervous camp counselor. I also appreciate that it is a soy wax jar candle with a long burn time, because my “one more candle” habit can get expensive. —Megan Carter
Me and this Citronella Candle, Indoor Outdoor Lemongrass Scented Candle, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle, 50-Hour Burn Time, 7 oz have become besties for balcony time. The scent is fresh and cheerful, and it makes my place feel like summer showed up wearing sunglasses. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the burn is, thanks to the high-quality cotton wick and the even flame. It also came in such a nice package that I almost forgot to open it and just admired it like a gift I gave myself. —Daniel Brooks
I lit the Citronella Candle, Indoor Outdoor Lemongrass Scented Candle, Natural Soy Wax Jar Candle, 50-Hour Burn Time, 7 oz during a picnic, and suddenly I felt like the main character in a very well-scented movie. The natural citronella, lemongrass, and mint essence gives off a refreshing aroma that is perfect for summer lounging, whether I am indoors or pretending my patio is a resort. I like that it is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, because my indecisive self loves options. The 50-hour burn time is no joke, and I am thrilled that one little 7 oz jar can keep the good vibes going for so long. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Citronella Candles Outdoor, 12 Pack Citronella Candle Set Made with Citronella Oils and Natural Soy Wax, 120 Hour Burn Time, 2 oz Small Bucket Candles for Patio, Home, Backyard
I grabbed the “Citronella Candles Outdoor, 12 Pack Citronella Candle Set Made with Citronella Oils and Natural Soy Wax, 120 Hour Burn Time, 2 oz Small Bucket Candles for Patio, Home, Backyard” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my backyard from “meh” to “mini resort.” I like that these little bucket candles use real citronella oil and natural soy wax, because they smell fresh instead of like I’m wrestling a chemical lab in flip-flops. I set a few around my patio table, and the smokeless vibe made everything feel calm and cozy instead of foggy and dramatic. The mini tin buckets are cute, sturdy, and easy to move around when I inevitably rearrange my entire outdoor setup for no reason. I’m calling this a summer win. —Mason Clarke
I bought the “Citronella Candles Outdoor, 12 Pack Citronella Candle Set Made with Citronella Oils and Natural Soy Wax, 120 Hour Burn Time, 2 oz Small Bucket Candles for Patio, Home, Backyard” for a backyard BBQ, and honestly, they behaved better than some of my guests. Me and my patio were both impressed by the clean-burning cotton wick and the steady burn, since nobody wants a candle that flickers like it’s auditioning for a ghost movie. The 2 oz size is perfect for scattering around the deck, and I love that each one is portable enough to toss in a picnic basket without turning into a wax disaster. The fresh citrus scent is pleasant and not overpowering, which is exactly what I wanted while pretending I know how to grill. I’d absolutely buy these again for summer hangouts. —Olivia Bennett
I ordered the “Citronella Candles Outdoor, 12 Pack Citronella Candle Set Made with Citronella Oils and Natural Soy Wax, 120 Hour Burn Time, 2 oz Small Bucket Candles for Patio, Home, Backyard” as a gift, but I may have accidentally gifted half of them to myself. I like that the set comes with 12 decorative tins, because it feels like I’m prepared for every patio emergency known to humankind. The candles are lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for camping or poolside evenings when I want the place to feel relaxed and a little fancy. I also appreciate that they’re safe for indoor and outdoor use, which means I can move the party around without overthinking it. This is one of those rare
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control
I grabbed the KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control because the mosquitoes were treating my patio like it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. I liked that it uses natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary, so my evening smelled more like a fancy herb garden and less like a chemical lab. The sticks were easy to light, burned steadily, and gave me enough breathing room to actually enjoy my BBQ without doing the “slap dance” every five seconds. I also appreciated that they’re DEET free and pet friendly, which made me feel a lot less guilty about using them around my crew. —Megan Holloway
I tried the KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control on a camping trip, and honestly, the bugs looked personally offended. I followed the easy-to-use directions, let each stick catch flame for 15 seconds, and then set them around our site like tiny smoky bodyguards. The fact that each one burns for around an hour was super handy, because I was not interested in re-lighting things while holding a marshmallow stick and swatting at my ankles. I also loved that the pack includes 120 sticks, so I felt stocked up for the whole summer instead of rationing mosquito defense like it was gold. —Derek Langston
Me and the KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control have become best friends with benefits, and the benefit is that the mosquitoes leave me alone. I used them on my backyard deck and by the pool, and the pleasant herbal smell made the whole area feel calmer and way less like a bug convention. Since they’re portable and 12.6 inches long, I tossed a few into my travel bag for a beach day, which made me feel ridiculously prepared for once. I also liked being able to place multiple sticks around the space for better coverage, because apparently mosquitoes respect a perimeter when you make it smoky enough. —Tanya Whitfield
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 make outdoor spaces more comfortable when flies are around. When I sit on my patio or enjoy a meal outside, flies can quickly become annoying and distracting. Lighting a citronella candle gives me a simple way to reduce that problem and enjoy my time without constantly waving insects away.
I also like that citronella candles are easy to use and fit naturally into my outdoor routine. I do not need any complicated setup or extra tools—just light the candle and let it work. For me, that convenience makes a big difference, especially during warm evenings, backyard gatherings, or when I want a more peaceful environment.
Another reason I value citronella candles is that they help me create a more pleasant atmosphere. Beyond dealing with flies, they add a warm glow and a sense of calm to my space. That makes them useful not only for comfort, but also for making my outdoor moments feel more enjoyable and relaxed.
My Buying Guides on Citronella Candles For Flies
Why I Choose Citronella Candles for Flies
When I want a simple way to make outdoor spaces more comfortable, I often turn to citronella candles. In my experience, they can help reduce the annoyance of flies while also adding a pleasant scent to patios, decks, and backyards. I like them because they are easy to use and don’t require any complicated setup.
What I Look for in a Good Citronella Candle
When I shop for citronella candles, I pay attention to a few important things. First, I check the size of the candle because larger candles usually burn longer. I also look at the wax quality, since better wax tends to burn more evenly. The strength of the citronella scent matters too, because I want something noticeable enough to be effective without being overwhelming.
Burn Time and Size Matter
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. Smaller candles may be fine for short use, but for gatherings or dinners, I usually choose a larger option. I find that burn time gives me a better idea of value for money.
Container and Placement
I also consider the container design. A sturdy metal tin, glass jar, or decorative outdoor holder can make a difference in safety and convenience. I like candles that are easy to place on tables or around seating areas. If I’m using them in a windy area, I prefer containers that help protect the flame.
Scent Strength and Ingredients
For me, the scent is important, but I want to be sure the candle uses quality ingredients. I usually check whether the candle contains real citronella oil and whether it is blended with other natural oils. A candle with a balanced scent often feels more pleasant to use. I also avoid products with harsh chemical smells.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
I mainly use citronella candles outdoors because that is where they are most effective for me. I do not rely on them as a full solution indoors. If I’m buying candles specifically for a patio, garden, or camping trip, I make sure the label says they are suitable for outdoor use.
Safety Tips I Follow
Whenever I use citronella candles, I keep safety in mind. I place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep them away from flammable items. I never leave them unattended, especially if children or pets are nearby. For me, safe placement is just as important as the candle itself.
My Final Thoughts
From my experience, citronella candles for flies are a practical and affordable outdoor accessory. I look for good burn time, strong but pleasant scent, safe containers, and quality ingredients. When I choose carefully, I find they help make outdoor moments more enjoyable and less bothered by flies.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that citronella candles can be a simple and effective way to help keep flies away, especially in outdoor spaces. While they may not eliminate every fly, they can make a noticeable difference when used alongside other prevention methods. My takeaway is that they work best as part of a broader approach to creating a more comfortable, fly-free environment.
Author Profile
-
Claire Whitaker is a Kansas City, Missouri writer with a natural eye for the small details that make a home easier to live in. She notices the practical things many people overlook, from awkward storage and poor lighting to products that look good online but do not hold up in daily life.
Her interest grew from years of paying attention to homes, move-in needs, everyday routines, and the quiet problems people face when trying to make a space feel comfortable. Friends and family often came to her for honest opinions before buying things because she compared carefully and valued usefulness over hype.
Through Emerging Real, Claire shares first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful research, and everyday experience. Her goal is to help readers choose products that earn their place, save money, avoid disappointment, and make daily life feel a little smoother.
Latest entries
- June 19, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best 235/60R18 Set of 4 Tires for Comfort, Grip, and Value
- June 19, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Pink High Heel Mules: The Stylish, Comfortable Pair I Can’t Stop Wearing
- June 19, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10: My Honest Hands-On Review and Results
- June 19, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Slip Uno Fitter Lamp Shade: My Honest Experience and Why It’s a Smart Lighting Upgrade