Every summer, we get messages saying things like:
“We sat outside all evening without a single wasp near us.”
“I actually can’t believe how well these work.”
“The flies completely disappeared.”
Because our Garden Candles were never designed to be just pretty outdoor candles. They were designed to become part of your summer ritual and make being outside feel more enjoyable. And, there's a real science behind why they work.
So… How Do Candles Repel Bugs?
It all comes down to the essential oils.
Many flying insects rely heavily on scent receptors to navigate their environment. Certain plants naturally produce aromatic compounds that insects dislike, avoid, or struggle to navigate around.
That’s why herbs like rosemary and lemongrass have been used in gardens for centuries.
Our Garden Candles repel bugs by blending pure essential oils traditionally known for their insect-repelling properties, including:
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
- Citronella
- Basil
- Marjoram
And each one plays its own role.
Lemongrass: The Summer Hero
Flies absolutely hate lemongrass.
Lemongrass contains naturally high levels of citral and citronellal - strong citrus compounds that many insects find overwhelming. It’s one of the reasons lemongrass is commonly used in natural insect-repelling products and outdoor sprays.
Wasps also strongly dislike lemongrass. In fact, a published study exploring essential oils as repellents for social wasps found lemongrass oil to be one of the most effective.
But the beautiful thing about lemongrass is that while bugs hate it… humans usually love it.
It smells fresh, energising, clean and uplifting. Like crushed citrus leaves in warm evening air.
Rosemary: Crisp, Herbal & Surprisingly Functional
Rosemary is another powerhouse ingredient in our Garden Candles.
Its sharp herbal aroma helps create that “Mediterranean garden” feeling our customers always talk about, but it’s also traditionally known for helping deter insects - especially wasps.
When burned outdoors, rosemary releases a strong aromatic scent into the air that insects tend to avoid.
For us, rosemary was essential because it adds depth to the candle. It stops the blend smelling too sweet or too citronella-heavy and instead gives it that earthy, expensive outdoor-hotel feel.
Citronella: A classic
Citronella is obviously the most famous insect-repelling oil.
And yes - it’s in our candles too.
But we never wanted to create those overpowering citronella candles that smell harsh or synthetic.
Instead, we use citronella as part of a layered blend alongside herbs and grounding botanicals to create something softer, more elevated and genuinely beautiful to burn
Basil & Marjoram: The Underrated Summer Herbs
Two of the quieter heroes in our Garden Candles are actually basil and marjoram.
They might not be as instantly recognisable as citronella, but they play a huge role in both the scent profile and the functional side of the blend.
Basil
Basil has long been associated with helping deter flies and mosquitos naturally.
Its strong green aroma contains compounds like linalool and estragole, which many insects dislike. That’s one of the reasons basil plants are often recommended near outdoor dining tables, kitchen windows and patios during summer.
It adds that fresh, almost peppery green note that makes the blend smell alive. Like crushed herbs between your fingertips on a hot evening abroad.
Marjoram
Marjoram is softer, warmer and slightly woody compared to basil, but it’s incredibly important for balancing the blend.
Traditionally, marjoram has been used in herbal gardens because of its strong aromatic profile, which insects tend to avoid. It’s part of the mint family, meaning it naturally produces potent essential oils rich in compounds like terpinenes.
Together, basil and marjoram are what make the Garden Candles smell less like a “bug repellent” and more like:
The Science Behind It
Interestingly, there’s actual research behind many of these oils.
A 2013 study published in Pest Management Science tested 21 essential oils against social wasps and found that 17 showed significant repellency, including lemongrass, rosemary, citronella, peppermint, lavender and geranium.
The researchers found that certain essential oils dramatically reduced wasps being attracted to baited traps.
Which is fascinating when you think about it.
These humble herbs and plants evolved to protect themselves naturally - and we’re simply bottling those aromatic properties into something beautiful for your home and garden.
More Than A Candle
What people love most about our Garden Candles is that they don’t feel functional in the boring sense.
They’re designed for:
- long dinners outside
- aperol spritz evenings in the garden
- reading outdoors at dusk
- hosting without constantly waving bugs away
- making a patio or balcony feel transportive
The reusable ceramic plant pot vessel adds to that experience too. Once the candle has finished, it becomes part of your home or garden styling long afterwards.
