Use This Clever DIY To Turn Your Empty Jars Into A Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes and humans have a weird relationship; the former loves the latter for their lip-smacking blood, but the latter isn't a fan of the vampiric ways of mosquitoes. Itchy skin, tender red bumps, and transmission of diseases like malaria and dengue are just some potential side effects of a mosquito's love bite. So, if you're tired of constantly shooing away the flying nuisances and plotting ways to kill them, grab your empty jars to make a homemade mosquito repellent. Besides the jars, you'll need ⅛-inch lamp wicks (non-wax-coated), a screwdriver, a drill with a drill bit, a hammer, and citronella torch fuel.

The clever DIY to turn empty jars into mosquito-repellent candles hinges on citronella torch fuel. Citronella oil is extracted from dried cultivated grasses and repels mosquitoes due to its strong, acidic scent. The organic odor conceals the fragrance emitted by humans and makes it challenging for the blood-hungry flies to locate (read: smell) warm bodies to bite. Plus, citronella oil is non-toxic to humans and the environment. Such superpowers make citronella candles a must for your outdoor space. However, mass-produced candles might contain synthetic citronella fragrance instead of the real deal. So, it's best to prepare citronella candles at home to ensure they keep mosquitoes at bay. Moreover, manufactured candles can be taxing on your pocket, with a 6-ounce tin from Coleman costing around $4 on Amazon. On the other hand, one 50-ounce bottle of TIKI's citronella-scented torch fuel costs less than $9.

The first step is to grab the supplies. Once you have everything you'll need, get a scrap piece of wood, place it under the lid of the jar, and create a small hole using a screwdriver (or a nail) and hammer. Now, turn on your drill (with the drill bit attached) and move it through the opening to drill a hole for the wick. Ensure you create the hole on the inside of the lid and the drill bit is no bigger than ¾ the wick's thickness.

Proceed by squeezing the top of the wick and guiding it through the hole in the lid. If this proves difficult, wrap duct (or painter's) tape around one of the wicks and pull it through the hole. After the wick is through, cut off the tape with scissors. It must be a tight fit, or the wick will constantly move when alight. Don't push the wick halfway through; leave only 1⁄4 to ⅛ inch exposed. Remember, a longer wick will need more fuel to remain burning. Finally, fill the jar with citronella torch fuel and screw on the lid. Voila! Your DIY citronella candles are ready. Burn them whenever you want to enjoy the outdoors without mosquitoes ruining the fun. When you're ready to head inside, simply snuff out the flame with a glass bowl or aluminum can. Don't leave the candles burning and exercise caution around children and pets to avoid unwarranted fire hazards.