Summer Candles

As we leave the last few days of May behind and head into June it is also time to think about some summer candles. On the warm evenings spent in the garden, either at home or maybe away camping you are sometimes joined by friends that you would rather keep at arms length and that is were our Citronella candles come in handy.

Our summer candles come in a reusable glass jar and are made with natural products, soy wax and essential oils and are equally great used as an indoor candle.

Did you know Citronella is derived from the leaves and stems of the Lemongrass?. It is a natural insect repellent and was first registered for use in the United States in 1948, so I think it must be good if we are still using it today.

Summer Glow of Citronella

So we are at the height of summer in the UK and with it comes the usual range of insects to nibble you in the evening glow.

So what is the alternative to getting bitten? Stay indoors or light up a candle that wards of the little blighters whilst you enjoy your evening of cold Pinot Grigio ( other beverages available).

So what does deter the insects and can it be done naturally?. Most outdoor insect repellent candles control DEET  or if you are really clever N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide.  DEET was developed  by Samuel Gertler for use by the United States Army following its experience of jungle warfare during  World War II and was originally tested as a pesticide on farm fields.

So whilst the mosquitos intensely dislike the smell it is also not so pleasant for us humans so I though I would look for an alternative to make up some summer candles myself.

There are many recipes available on the old interweb thing – it is down to which fragrance you like. I have added Essential oils in combinations of Citronella, Clove, Peppermint, and Cedarwood, Eucalyptus and Lemongrass. With my pale skin I am a natural target for the bugs but have found with a natural candle burning the bites are getting less.

I am of to light a candle and have a glass of something cold whilst the sun goes down……enjoy your summer and watch out for the flying ants.