We spend a lot of time in the backyard during summer but the flies are out.of.control. Last year we bought some fly repellant candles from Home Depot. Instead of tossing them and getting new ones we decided to make our own.

Michaels crafts should have everything you need but the candle making items were scarce when I went. I ended up finding some oil at Sprouts and ordering wicks on Amazon, but it should be a one stop shop…should.

I used Citronella and Lavender oils because that is what Google told me flies hate the most.

I also forgo the wick holder and used my husbands hand but in all actuality the wicks stood up on their own, so it wasn’t a problem.

What you need

Wax bits- Soy, Beeswax or leftover candles

Wicks

Container for your candles

Essential oils

Wooden spoon

Glass bowl

Wax or Parchment paper

 

Making these was a lot easier than I thought. All you need to do is…

Melt the wax in glass bowl over a double boiler.

While the wax is melting, put the wick in the container you are going to use.

When the wax is completely melted, remove from heat and stir in your essential oils. I used about 4 drops of each.

Pour wax into container being careful not to knock over the wick.

Continue until you have made all your candles.

Allow to cool until completely solid. Now you are ready to ward off those nasty bugs.

* I bought some lavender leaves to sprinkle on top as a decoration but they pooled together, not exactly what I was going for.