Need a cost effective way to get rid of mosquitoes? Try making your own citronella candles and eliminate mosquitoes while providing a romantic, outdoor setting.
Making citronella candles is easy and can cost as little as $0.
25 per candle.
Follow this step-by-step guide and make your own candles at home in less than 10 minutes: Materials Needed: Wax - Any form of all-purpose wax will do.
This can be found in the canning section of the grocery store or in a craft or hardware store.
Citronella - You will need citronella oil for the candle to be effective against mosquitoes.
Mold - This is the container which you will be pouring the hot wax into.
The container is your choice, if you want to get fancy you can but a recycled can or glass will also do.
Container for Melting Wax - Nothing specific, a saucepan filled with water or a coffee tin will do.
Wick - Your candle will not work without a wick.
You can purchase wicks at any craft store or you can choose to do it yourself by dipping a string or cord into hot wax.
Thermometer - Any form of thermometer will do.
Releaser - Any form of cooking oil or silicone spray will do, as long as it does not have a petroleum base as it may release toxic fumes while burning.
Wooden Spoon - This will be used for stirring the wax.
Wick Cutter - A knife or a pair of scissors will do.
Directions:

1. Make the Wick - Soak a piece of heavy string or cord into wax and set to dry on a sheet of wax paper.
   You can also buy candle wicks instead of making them.
   
2. Heat the Wax - Heat your container to approximately 140 degrees and place unmelted wax into it.
   
3. Add Citronella - As the wax is melting add 1-2 drops of citronella.
   
4. Releaser - As the wax is melting; spray your releaser into your mold.
   
5. Stir - Stir the melting wax softly with your wooden spoon.
   
6. Pour - Pour the wax into the mold and remember not to fill it to the top.
   Leave about one inch at the top of the mold.
   
7. Wicks - Place the wicks into the melting wax.
   Hold wick in place either using your hand or tie it to a pencil in order to ensure the wick stays upright and does not fall over.
   
8. Set to dry.
   

Making citronella candles is as easy as 1-2-3!Be truly unique and buy terra-cotta pots, paint them and use them as one-of-a-kind candle holders!