Citronella votive candles help keep bugs away by releasing a steady scent from the wick and wax.
The best ones burn long, fit most holders, and work well on patios or decks.
Bigger packs save money for frequent outdoor use, while smaller sets work for quick tests.
For 2026, the top picks balance burn time, scent strength, and easy setup.
| Set of 72 Votive Citronella Candles |
| Best Bulk Pack | Scent: Fresh citrus | Burn Time: Up to 10 hours | Quantity: 72-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Richland® Votive Candles White Citronella Scented 10 Hour Burn Set of 72 |
| Best for Events | Scent: Citronella scented | Burn Time: 10 hours | Quantity: 72-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Skeem Citronella Sea Salt Votive Candles Set of 3 |
| Best Premium Pick | Scent: Citronella sea salt | Burn Time: 50 hours average | Quantity: 3-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| LumaBase Citronella Votive Candles in Clear Glass Holders – Set of 12 |
| Best with Holders | Scent: Citronella scented | Burn Time: Up to 15 hours | Quantity: 12-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 12 Pack Yellow Citronella Votive Candles |
| Best Travel Pack | Scent: Lemongrass citronella | Burn Time: Not specified | Quantity: 12-pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Set of 72 Votive Citronella Candles
Should you need citronella candles in a big, ready-to-use supply, this set of 72 votive candles is a smart pick for busy homes, patios, and event spaces. You get small yellow candles with a fresh citrus scent, and the high-quality paraffin wax helps each one burn up to 10 hours. The 100% lead-free wick adds peace of mind, too. Since they measure 1.5 inches wide and 1.25 inches tall, they fit most votive holders, lanterns, and mason jars. Use them indoors or outside for porch nights, camping trips, and beach fun. Made in the USA, they feel dependable.
- Scent:Fresh citrus
- Burn Time:Up to 10 hours
- Quantity:72-pack
- Wax Type:Paraffin wax
- Use:Indoor/outdoor
- Included Holder:No
- Additional Feature:Lead-free wick
- Additional Feature:Paraffin wax
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
Richland® Votive Candles White Citronella Scented 10 Hour Burn Set of 72
Richland® Votive Candles White Citronella Scented 10 Hour Burn Set of 72 is a smart pick whenever you need a large, dependable supply of bug-fighting candles for outdoor gatherings. You get clean-burning, smokeless votives with 100% cotton wicks and a steady citronella scent. Because they’re made in the U.S.A. and built for about 10 hours each, you can relax longer at weddings, patios, receptions, or parties. Use them only in tight-fitting glass holders, sold separately. Their 1.5-inch size fits Eastland holders well, and the wax melts evenly to the bottom.
- Scent:Citronella scented
- Burn Time:10 hours
- Quantity:72-pack
- Wax Type:Wax blend
- Use:Outdoor events
- Included Holder:No
- Additional Feature:100% cotton wicks
- Additional Feature:Smokeless burn
- Additional Feature:Clean burning
Skeem Citronella Sea Salt Votive Candles Set of 3
Should you want a citronella votive that feels as nice as it works, the Skeem Citronella Sea Salt Votive Candles Set of 3 is a strong pick for you. You get three white hand-poured votives with a soft coastal scent that mixes citronella, sea salt, jasmine, grapefruit, lemon, and lime. That blend smells fresh, not harsh, so it fits your patio or residing room. The soy wax blend burns for about 50 hours, giving you steady use. Since Skeem makes them in Minnesota, you also get a small-batch candle with a polished, gift-ready feel.
- Scent:Citronella sea salt
- Burn Time:50 hours average
- Quantity:3-pack
- Wax Type:Soy wax blend
- Use:Indoor/outdoor
- Included Holder:No
- Additional Feature:Sea salt jasmine
- Additional Feature:Hand-poured
- Additional Feature:Soy wax blend
LumaBase Citronella Votive Candles in Clear Glass Holders – Set of 12
LumaBase Citronella Votive Candles in Clear Glass Holders make outdoor gatherings feel easier and more inviting, especially whenever you want bug control without losing a warm, welcoming glow. You get 12 clear glass votives and 12 white citronella scented candles, so you can light several tables at once. Each votive measures 2 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, which feels compact yet sturdy. Because each candle burns up to 15 hours, you can enjoy long summer receptions, weddings, parties, or family reunions. For outdoor use only, they help your tables look bright and feel calmer.
- Scent:Citronella scented
- Burn Time:Up to 15 hours
- Quantity:12-pack
- Wax Type:Wax candles
- Use:Outdoor only
- Included Holder:Yes
- Additional Feature:Clear glass holders
- Additional Feature:Outdoor use only
- Additional Feature:Warm illumination
12 Pack Yellow Citronella Votive Candles
The 12 pack yellow citronella votive candles are a smart pick for anyone who wants easy bug help without giving up style or convenience. You get twelve small 2 oz candles in clear square glass cups, so you can place them on a patio table, pack them for camping, or tuck them into your home decor. Their strong lemongrass citronella scent works naturally to help reduce bites during summer nights. Because they’re lightweight and verified for safe combustion, you can carry them with confidence for picnics, glamping, campfires, and travel plans. Seven Moons also offers refund or exchange support.
- Scent:Lemongrass citronella
- Burn Time:Not specified
- Quantity:12-pack
- Wax Type:Natural wax
- Use:Indoor/outdoor
- Included Holder:Yes
- Additional Feature:Square glass cups
- Additional Feature:Lemongrass scent
- Additional Feature:Travel-friendly packaging
Factors to Consider When Choosing Citronella Votive Candles
Once we choose citronella votive candles, we should initially look at scent strength and burn time, since both shape how well they help keep bugs away. We also need to check holder compatibility and decide whether we’ll use them indoors or outdoors, because the right fit can make lighting safer and easier. Finally, we should pay attention to wax composition, since it affects how cleanly the candle burns and how well it performs for us.
Scent Strength
How strong should a citronella votive candle smell? We usually want enough scent to notice, but not so much that it takes over the patio. Strong citronella candles often use fresh citrus, lemongrass, or all-natural citronella oil blends, and they stand out well in open outdoor spaces. If we prefer a softer touch, candles with sea salt, jasmine, grapefruit, lemon, or lime can smell brighter and less sharply citronella-forward. That can feel nicer when we’re sitting close together. Wax type and fragrance load also matter, so paraffin and soy blends might carry scent differently. For better odor coverage, we should look for labels like citronella scented, citrus-forward, or strong lemongrass scented, since “lightly scented” usually means a gentler presence.
Burn Time
Burn time matters just as much as scent, especially whenever we plan to keep bugs away through a long patio night. Most citronella votive candles burn about 10 to 15 hours, so we should match the candle to the length of our plans. For bigger gatherings, longer-hour votives save us from constant swaps. We also get more from candles that burn evenly all the way down, since they use more wax with less waste. Size matters too, because larger votives usually last longer than smaller ones. We should look for lead-free cotton wicks and clean-burning wax, since they help the flame stay steady. And whenever we’ll use them outside, we need to check the stated burn time, because wind and airflow can shorten it fast.
Holder Compatibility
Near the holder, the right fit makes all the difference. We should check the votive’s diameter and height before we buy, because many citronella votives measure about 1.5 inches wide and 1.25 to 2.5 inches tall. A snug holder keeps the candle centered as the wax melts, so it won’t tilt or wobble. We also want the holder tall enough to catch the full melt pool and help the candle burn down evenly. Whenever we’re using lanterns, mason jars, or decorative votive cups, we need to confirm the opening gives the candle enough room without feeling loose. Some candles come with holders, and others don’t, so we should verify that detail initially. That small step saves us from a messy surprise later.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Use
Once we grasp the candle fits the holder, we also need to think about where we’ll actually burn it. For patios, gardens, camping trips, beach nights, and outdoor parties, citronella votive candles make sense because their scent can help discourage bugs in open air. If we plan to use them indoors, we should choose candles labeled for indoor enjoyment and keep the room well ventilated, so the fragrance doesn’t build up too much. Outdoor-only candles belong outside, especially for receptions, table décor, and backyard gatherings. Burn time matters too. A shorter candle around 10 hours works for one evening, while 15 to 50 hours suits longer get-togethers. That way, we match the candle to the setting without any last-minute surprise.
Wax Composition
Wax composition matters more than many of us expect, because it shapes how a citronella votive looks, smells, and performs once we light it. We usually choose between paraffin wax, soy wax blends, and other bases, and each one changes the burn. Clean-burning, smokeless formulas can cut soot and make our space feel fresher. Soy blends often give a steadier melt, while paraffin can enhance scent release. We also want the wax to liquefy evenly and reach the bottom of the holder, because that helps safety and keeps the candle working well. Burn time matters too. Some votives last about 10 hours, while others keep going for 15 hours or more. Whenever we match the wax to our needs, we get a calmer, more reliable citronella glow.
Wick Quality
A good wick can make all the difference in a citronella votive, especially whenever we want steady bug protection without a fussy flame. We should look for 100% cotton or another lead-free wick, because it burns cleaner and safer. Whenever the wick is well made, the flame stays even, smoke stays lower, and the wax melts more smoothly instead of tunneling down the center. That matters in small votives, where the wick must match the candle’s width to keep the melt pool balanced. A proper wick also helps the candle last closer to its promised burn time, often 10 to 15 hours. Outdoors, we need that steady burn even when a breeze tries to ruin the mood.
Pack Size
Pack size can change the whole feel of a citronella candle purchase, especially whenever we want the right amount for the job without overbuying. If we’re planning one backyard dinner, a 3-pack may feel just right. For long gatherings, several rooms, or regular patio use, larger packs like 24 or even 72 help us stay ready and avoid repeat trips to buy more. We should also consider how often we’ll burn them, since burn time affects how long the supply lasts. Smaller packs work well when we’re testing scent or checking burn quality. Before we click buy, let’s see whether holders come included, because a big count isn’t always a full set. The best choice matches our space, schedule, and candle needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Citronella Votive Candles Safe for Indoor Use?
Yes, citronella votive candles can be used indoors sparingly, but avoid using them in small, unventilated rooms. Keep windows open, limit burning time, and watch for smoke, scent sensitivity, and fire risks.
How Long Do Citronella Votive Candles Typically Burn?
They usually burn for 2 to 4 hours, although some disappear much sooner. Check the label, since wax size, wind, and wick quality can change the burn time.
Do Citronella Votive Candles Work Against All Flying Insects?
No, they do not. Citronella votive candles can help keep away many mosquitoes and some flies, but they will not repel every flying insect. You will get better results outdoors when you combine several pest control methods.
Can Citronella Votive Candles Be Reused After Melting?
Yes, citronella votive candles can be reused after melting if enough wax is still left. Let them cool, trim the wick, and light them again. Once the wax is gone, the candle is finished.
What Is the Best Way to Store Citronella Votive Candles?
Store citronella votive candles in a cool, dry place inside airtight containers, away from sunlight and heat. This helps preserve their scent so they stay ready when insects are around.
