I love summer, but I hate mosquitoes, and it seems like every summer I get bitten to death. I hate the idea of using synthetic bug spray to repel the biting bugs, so I have typically worn long clothing to avoid bites. This is a problem because long clothing gets annoying on hot days.
This year I have decided to try using citronella oil. Citronella oil is commonly used in aromatherapy and works well to keep mosquitoes at bay. A citronella candle and oil work well as insect repellants.
Warm your home with fragrance, sounds silly doesn’t it. Well it is not as silly as it sounds. You can actually make your home feel warm and cozy, especially this time year.
There are so many scents out there that will give your home that warm cozy feeling. Just light your candle and let the scent fill the room. You know your windows can still be open for a while this year and that crisp scent that comes in is so refreshing. I wish I could have that feeling all year long.
Now that we are going into the colder seasons, the dampness, the chill that goes to the bone, it is nice to come home to that cozy feeling and cuddle up with a warm blankie and have the scent of cookies, vanilla, pumpkin, or hazelnut scent.
I don’t know about you and maybe I’m weird, but I feel funny burning citrus or flowery scents in the fall and winter. Now maybe spring, but not in the cold season. Doesn’t it seem like the bakery scents, spice scents, or nut scents should be burned? Well any way, jar candles, votives, or tartburners, any way you like them. Happy burning in any scent!
There have been questions raised to whether or not citronella candles are safe, so I thought I would address the issue. Citronella candles contain citronella oil which is considered a biopesticide substance.
Biopesticides are substances that are naturally occuring and control pests. They are made out of plant extracts, both of which citronella and lemongrass are and lemongrass is also a relative to citronella.
The EPA regulates the use of biopesticides and also requires precautionary labeling for safe use. The only concern is with skin contact since it is also used in perfuming ie. lotions, gels, sprays, and wipes. There is not mention of a concern with the use of citronella candles.
Studies show little or no toxicity to citronella and it is not expected to pose health risks in people or animals. In fact, as a side note, citronella oil has been mentioned in the use of calming barking dogs, and is known to have strong antifungal properties. So if you are going green, why not use the natural substances to control pests, lemongrass, and citronella candles!
Summertime is ideal for parties – bonfires, patio soirées, and campouts rage on even into the early days of autumn. Unfortunately, those pesky mosquitoes seize every opportunity to feast on the bare ankles and necks of unsuspecting revelers. Mosquitoes emerge from the shade during twilight hours, no longer oppressed by the heat of the day. But most bug sprays have a strong odor that doesn’t do much to compliment perfume or cologne.
Citronella candles provide a welcome respite from mosquitoes and other insect pests while also shedding some light on the party. Citronella oil gives off a subtle, pleasant odor when burned. These candles make a thoughtful gift that can be appreciated by every partygoer equally.
