The 8 Best Citronella Candles for Outdoor Protection in 2025

When it comes to enjoying the outdoors during the warmer months, few things are as bothersome as pesky insects, especially mosquitoes. Citronella candles offer a simple, natural, and effective solution to keep these pests at bay. They not only help create a pleasant outdoor atmosphere but also add a subtle fragrance that can enhance your summer experience. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 8 Best Citronella Candles for outdoor protection in 2025, ensuring you find the perfect match for your backyard, patio, or garden.

My Top Picks

1. Citronella Candles Outdoor

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 13.5oz per candle
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Citronella
  • Burn Time: Up to 40 hours
  • Packaging: 3-pack (Blue and White design)
• Why Choose?
  This set of large, 3-wick candles is perfect for long summer nights on the patio or porch. The soy wax burns cleanly and lasts for up to 40 hours, ensuring a longer-lasting mosquito deterrent.
• In-Depth Review
  These candles are a great choice for those who want something functional yet aesthetically pleasing. The blue and white design adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor setup while the three wicks ensure even burning. The citronella scent is potent enough to ward off bugs while being gentle on your senses.
• Pros:
  • Long burn time
  • Clean, even burn
  • Attractive design
  • Great value with a 3-pack
• Cons:
  • Scent may not be strong enough for larger outdoor spaces

2. Citronella Candle for Indoor or Outdoor Use

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 9oz
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Citronella, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Lemongrass
  • Burn Time: Up to 30 hours
• Why Choose?
  This candle not only keeps mosquitoes away but also adds a delightful blend of peppermint and cedarwood, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• In-Depth Review
  The combination of citronella with peppermint, cedarwood, and lemongrass makes this a refreshing option for those who want a multi-sensory experience. It’s effective in warding off bugs and provides a pleasant aroma that’s not overpowering.
• Pros:
  • Unique and refreshing scent combination
  • Works both indoors and outdoors
  • Long burn time
• Cons:
  • Smaller size compared to other options

3. Natural Citronella Soy Candle

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 12oz
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Citronella, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Lemongrass
  • Burn Time: Up to 45 hours
  • Packaging: Decorative glass jar
• Why Choose?
  Infused with a refreshing blend of peppermint, cedarwood, and lemongrass, this citronella candle provides a more complex and pleasant fragrance compared to the standard citronella scent. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a multi-scent experience.
• In-Depth Review
  This candle is a standout with its unique scent profile. The combination of citronella with peppermint and cedarwood makes it ideal for both keeping bugs away and adding a fresh aroma to your space. Whether you’re lounging on the patio or camping in the wilderness, this candle will enhance your outdoor experience. The soy wax ensures a clean, long burn, making it a practical and effective bug deterrent.
• Pros:
  • Unique and refreshing scent
  • Long burn time
  • Clean, even burn with soy wax
  • Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
• Cons:
  • The scent may not be as strong for larger spaces or high mosquito activity areas

4. Coleman Outdoor Citronella Candle

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 11oz
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Citronella
  • Burn Time: Up to 25 hours
  • Packaging: Tin container with lid
• Why Choose?
  If you’re looking for a compact and portable citronella candle, this Coleman decorative tin is a great option. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures, such as camping, backyard BBQs, or lounging on the patio.
• In-Depth Review
  The Coleman Outdoor Citronella Candle comes in a sleek, durable tin that not only protects the candle from the elements but also adds a touch of style to your outdoor setup. It’s easy to transport, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities. With up to 25 hours of burn time, it provides effective protection against mosquitoes and other pests.
• Pros:
  • Portable and durable design
  • Ideal for camping or small outdoor gatherings
  • Up to 25 hours of burn time
  • Attractive design that complements outdoor decor
• Cons:
  • Smaller burn time compared to larger candles
  • May not be strong enough for large, open spaces

5. Coleman Scented Outdoor Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 6oz
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Campfire, Citronella
  • Burn Time: Up to 25 hours
  • Packaging: Tin with crackling wooden wick
• Why Choose?
  If you love the ambiance of a crackling fire, this Coleman candle with a wooden wick is perfect. It combines the familiar citronella scent with a campfire fragrance, creating a cozy outdoor atmosphere while keeping bugs at bay.
• In-Depth Review
  This candle brings the best of both worlds—effective mosquito repellency and the soothing sound of a crackling fire. The wooden wick adds a rustic touch, and the campfire scent complements the citronella, making it a perfect addition for any outdoor activity. While it has a shorter burn time than some larger candles, its unique features make it an attractive choice for smaller gatherings or evening relaxation.
• Pros:
  • Crackling wooden wick adds ambiance
  • Unique campfire scent combines well with citronella
  • Ideal for small outdoor spaces and cozy evenings
• Cons:
  • Smaller burn time (only 25 hours)
  • May not be as effective in large, open areas

6. 4-Hour 100Pack Citronella Tealight Candles

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 100 pack of 4-hour tealight candles
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Citronella
  • Burn Time: 4 hours per candle
  • Packaging: 100 pack
• Why Choose?
  For those who prefer to spread their citronella candles across multiple areas, this 100-pack of tealights is a great choice. Each candle burns for 4 hours, providing you with plenty of options for different locations around your patio, garden, or even indoor spaces.
• In-Depth Review
  This set of tealight candles offers great value and versatility. Whether you need candles for your backyard BBQ, patio party, or as part of an emergency preparedness kit, these citronella tealights fit the bill. The compact size makes them easy to place around your outdoor space, and they’re highly effective in keeping mosquitoes away. With 100 candles in a pack, you won’t have to worry about running out anytime soon.
• Pros:
  • Great value for the number of candles
  • Portable and easy to distribute around the area
  • Effective mosquito protection
  • Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Cons:
  • Shorter burn time compared to larger candles
  • Requires multiple candles for larger areas

7. LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles Outdoor

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 11.6oz per candle
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Citronella
  • Burn Time: Up to 40 hours per candle
  • Packaging: 3-pack
• Why Choose?
  For those who want a large, long-lasting citronella candle, the LA JOLIE MUSE set is a fantastic option. The candles come in a stylish container that looks great while providing superior mosquito protection for extended periods.
• In-Depth Review
  The LA JOLIE MUSE Citronella Candles are perfect for anyone who wants a candle that provides long-lasting protection while also serving as an elegant decor piece. The three-pack set allows you to place the candles around your outdoor space for maximum coverage. They’re made with soy wax, ensuring a clean burn and a steady release of the citronella scent.
• Pros:
  • Long burn time (up to 40 hours)
  • Attractive design suitable for any outdoor setting
  • Effective mosquito protection
  • Comes in a 3-pack for better coverage
• Cons:
  • May be too large for smaller spaces

8. Coleman Scented Outdoor Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick

• Key Specifications:
  • Size: 6oz
  • Material: Soy wax
  • Scent: Pine, Citronella
  • Burn Time: Up to 25 hours
  • Packaging: Tin with crackling wooden wick
• Why Choose?
  If you love the scent of pine forests, this Coleman citronella candle with a wooden crackle wick is the ideal choice. The pine scent blends beautifully with citronella to create a refreshing outdoor atmosphere while keeping bugs away.
• In-Depth Review
  Similar to the campfire-scented version, this candle features the soothing sound of a crackling wooden wick. The pine scent is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to bring the essence of a forest right into their backyard. While its burn time is shorter, it’s a great addition for small, intimate gatherings or as part of a larger collection.
• Pros:
  • Refreshing pine scent combined with citronella
  • Crackling wooden wick enhances the experience
  • Ideal for small outdoor gatherings
• Cons:
  • Smaller burn time
  • May not be as effective in large areas

What to Look For in Citronella Candles

When choosing the best citronella candles for your outdoor protection, there are a few important factors to consider:

1. Size and Burn Time: Larger candles with multiple wicks often burn longer, making them a better option for extended outdoor use. Consider how long you plan to be outside and select a candle that can provide continuous protection.
2. Scent Profile: Citronella candles come in a variety of fragrances. Some combine citronella with other scents like peppermint, cedarwood, or lemongrass for a more pleasant and multifaceted aroma. Choose one that complements your outdoor space.
3. Material: Soy wax is a popular option for citronella candles, as it burns cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin wax.
4. Design: Citronella candles come in different containers and styles. From decorative tins to sleek glass jars, the design can impact both the aesthetic of your space and the candle’s longevity.
5. Packaging: For those who prefer to buy in bulk or want multiple candles for different areas, look for sets that offer multiple candles or tealights.

Why Trust Epic Home Find

At Epic Home Find, we are dedicated to bringing you in-depth, honest, and comprehensive reviews of home and outdoor products. Our team tests and researches products thoroughly to ensure that we recommend only the best. We understand that outdoor enjoyment is an important part of your lifestyle, and we want to make sure you get the most effective and reliable citronella candles for your needs.

FAQs

Q: Can citronella candles be used indoors?
Yes, most citronella candles are safe for indoor use. However, they are generally more effective outdoors in open spaces where mosquitoes are prevalent.

Q: How long do citronella candles burn?
The burn time depends on the candle size. Larger candles can burn up to 40 hours, while smaller candles or tealights typically burn for 4-25 hours.

Q: Are citronella candles safe around pets?
Citronella candles are generally safe, but always ensure that your pets are not in direct contact with the flame or smoke. If you have concerns, consult with your veterinarian.

Final Verdict

Citronella candles are a fantastic, natural way to keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay while adding a pleasant fragrance to your outdoor space. Whether you prefer a simple, functional candle or one with unique scents like peppermint or pine, the citronella candles in this guide are some of the best options available in 2025. With the right candle, you can enjoy your outdoor space without the irritation of bugs, ensuring your gatherings are comfortable and enjoyable.