10 Best Citronella Candles for Keeping Bugs At Bay

At just under $10, Cutter's 20-ounce citronella candle is a solid staple. The triple-wick candle features a wide, stable base that keeps it from tipping over, and it provides up to 40 hours of burn time, so you never have to cut your summer nights short. With over 5,000 five-star reviews and an Amazon's Choice badge, it's no wonder this one wins our "best basic" pick. As one reviewer put it, it "gets the job done."

Ringing up at only $5.00 for two 30-ounce candles, it's no wonder that Mainstays' citronella bucket candle takes home the title for best budget candle. Poured into sturdy metal buckets with three wicks for even burning and optimal illumination, these durable candles can handle whatever summer throws your way. Unlike many on the list, though, Mainstays' option isn't made with natural ingredients and contains a relatively low percentage of citronella oil, so remember: you get what you pay for.

Murphy's Naturals' mission is to create products from responsibly sourced, plant-based ingredients, and their citronella candle is no different. This DEET-free candle is crafted with rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, citronella, and cedarwood oils and made from 100% soy and beeswax that provides a clean, citrusy burn. Beyond being free of petroleum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, the natural candle contains 5% citronella oil, making it the perfect addition to your outdoor space.

Want a citronella candle that doesn't look like a citronella candle? Winbattle's soy wax indoor/outdoor candle is for you. Featuring environmentally friendly soybean wax poured into coarse, handmade pottery, this candle will keep the bugs away without repelling your stylish friends. Unlike most candles on this list, Winbattle's addition pulls double duty-you can use it indoors and outdoors, giving you extra incentive to buy. And it doesn't just look good; with 6% citronella oil, it contains the highest percentage of citronella oil out of all our picks and can burn for up to 75 hours.

If you're looking for a bug repellent with a wider radius than a traditional candle, Deco Home's 4-piece garden torch set might just do the job. Each 5-foot torch features a long-lasting, fiberglass wick that provides four to seven hours of burn time. Place them around the edge of your outdoor space for a sleek, elevated take on the traditional Tiki torch. It's worth noting, though, that the citronella oil you'll need to keep the bugs at bay is sold separately.

Want to add a little bit of flair to your backyard? Check out Coleman's LED citronella candle. Much like traditional citronella candles, this 8-oz option burns for up to 25 hours and features an embossed glass candle holder that makes it perfect for the outdoors. But it has one major difference: it features a color-changing LED light that illuminates the entire candle when lit. Reviewers call the rotating colors "magic" and "so cool." While a great option for those with kids, Coleman's candle is a hit with adults as well. Backyard LED light party? Count us in.

Want to keep the bugs away this summer but not into the distinct grassy scent that accompanies traditional citronella candles? This citronella and lime option is your answer. Handmade from pure soy and featuring a lemon fragrance with earthy undertones, this candle is perfect for nature lovers looking to add a little aromatherapy to their outdoor time. Another bonus? It's poured into a decorative, reusable acacia bowl. Simply pour hot water into the bowl once your candle has burned down to remove the wax.

For a versatile option, check out these citronella tealights from Mosquito Guard. DEET-free and made from plant-based ingredients, including peppermint, rosemary, cedarwood, and lemongrass oil, reviewers say the candle has a pleasant scent and keeps mosquitos away. Since these are tealights rather than traditional candles, they also offer versatility when it comes to use and placement-scatter them around tables for quick protection, or add them to votives or mason jars for outdoor decor that's fashionable and functional.

If you want a heavy-duty, long-lasting citronella candle, look no further than Coleman's outdoor lantern. This 6.7-ounce candle burns and repels for up to 70 hours, making it the second-longest burning candle on our list. While it works for any sort of outdoor activity, the classic lantern shape and easy-grip handle make it the perfect addition for your next camping trip. The reusable cap also protects the candle from summer rainstorms and other debris.

Looking for a mess-free way to repel bugs this summer? Let us introduce you to Murphy's Naturals citronella incense sticks. DEET-free and made from plant-based repellent oils, including rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood oil, these repellent sticks offer all the benefits of Murphy's traditional candle without any of the inconvenience that comes with wax candles. Simply allow one end of the stick to burn for 15-20 seconds for up to 2.5 hours of protection.