Citronella Candles for Mosquito-Free Evenings

The Problem

You can't enjoy your patio or backyard in summer without being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

The Hack

Place citronella candles or torches around your outdoor seating area. Light them 15 minutes before you sit down. Space them every 5-6 feet for best coverage.

Why It Works

Citronella oil masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid scents that attract mosquitoes. It doesn't kill them — it confuses their tracking system so they can't find you.

Pro Tips

• Closer candles work better — place them at table level
• Citronella torches cover larger areas than candles
• Combine with a fan — mosquitoes are weak fliers
• Avoid standing water nearby — that's where they breed