Fly Candles: Natural Citronella Candles to Repel Flies

Fly Candles: A Natural Way to Get Rid of Flys

As the weather warms up, it's that time of year again when the flys seem to invade our homes and outdoor spaces. Flys can be a major nuisance as they buzz around our food, land on surfaces, and potentially spread bacteria. While chemical sprays and traps can help reduce fly populations, many people prefer natural alternatives that avoid the use of harsh toxins. One clever solution for deterring flys is to use fly candles, which can provide an effective, hands-off method for keeping these pests away.

What Are Fly Candles?

Fly candles are a type of candle that is infused with natural essential oils that have an aroma offensive to flys yet pleasant for humans. Typically, fly candles utilize citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus oils. These essential oils have strong scents that overwhelm the fly's odor receptors, making it difficult for them to locate food sources or places to land. However, the aroma from fly candles is not bothersome for people.

Fly candles come in a variety of forms, such as jar candles, outdoor tiki torches, tea lights, and more. Often, fly candles are designed to slowly and continuously emit the repellent essential oils as they burn, providing ongoing fly control. The candles also produce a slight smoke that further helps chase flys away. Just a few strategically placed fly candles can create a protective perimeter around an outdoor deck or patio, keeping fly populations at bay for gatherings and meals.

Benefits of Using Fly Candles

There are several advantages to using fly candles as opposed to chemical sprays and traps:

• Natural and non-toxic - Fly candles rely on plant-based essential oils rather than synthetic chemicals. This makes them a great option for homes with kids or pets where toxicity is a concern.
• No harsh smells - Although strong to flys, the citronella and lemongrass aromas smell fresh and pleasant for most people.
• Effective perimeter control - When placed appropriately around yards or patios, fly candles can repel flys from an entire area rather than just killing the few that get trapped.
• Versatile applications - Small fly candles like tea lights can be placed on patio tables, while larger torch styles can be inserted into the ground. Jar candles can be clustered on steps.
• Minimal maintenance - Fly candles provide ongoing fly control with little maintenance required besides occasional replacement.
• Low cost - A few fly candles can provide fly protection for pennies compared to expensive chemical solutions.

For those who prefer not to use insecticides or traps, fly candles give you a way to harness the natural power of essential oils to create an environment where flys are deterred from entering in the first place.

How to Use Fly Candles Effectively

While fly candles can make a big difference, there are some tips to using them effectively:

• Place fly candles strategically - Position them near entrances, walkways, patios, and areas where you eat or gather outdoors. This creates a perimeter of protection.
• Use multiple candles - A single candle won’t be as effective as clustering 3-4 candles together in key spots. This strengthens the scent barrier.
• Try different essential oil blends - Citronella is the most common, but lemongrass, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender also deter flys.
• Maintain a fresh scent - Replace candles once the essential oil aroma starts to dissipate, about every 4-6 weeks.
• Supplement with other methods - You can combine fly candles with traps and indoor fly control for added protection.
• Avoid strong winds - Wind can prematurely dissipate the scent, so find sheltered spots or use jar candles.

Experiment to find which essential oil scents work best for your needs. Observe fly activity and make adjustments to maximize the candles’ effectiveness.

Considerations When Using Fly Candles

Fly candles have many benefits, but there are a few things to keep in mind when using them:

• Supervision is required - Never leave burning candles unattended or near flammable materials.
• Small fire risk - Though very low, candles always carry some degree of fire risk which can be minimized with proper precautions.
• May require supplementation - Fly candles alone won’t eliminate all flys in severe infestations, so additional control methods may be needed.
• Weather dependence - Rain and wind can decrease effectiveness, so indoor control is also important.
• Odor tolerance varies - Some people may find the scents bothersome after a period of time.
• Pets may be sensitive - The essential oils can be irritating for some pets, especially cats.

With prudent use, fly candles pose little downside, but taking the proper safety steps and managing expectations are advised. Pay attention to placement, supervise candles when lit, and don’t rely solely on candles for fly issues that require comprehensive pest control.

Getting the Most from Fly Candles

Fly candles can be a handy addition to your pest management lineup when the flys arrive. To maximize their effectiveness, be strategic about where you situate the candles to create “no fly zones” around high traffic areas. Select candles with strong, pure essential oil formulas for the best scent power. Citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are particularly potent options. Replacing candles routinely as the oils dissipate ensures the scent remains robust.

Consider fly candles as one part of an integrated pest management plan rather than the sole solution. Employ other tactics such as keeping screens in good repair, using indoor fly traps, sealing cracks, cleaning up garbage, and removing outdoor fly breeding spots. When paired with proper sanitation and supplementary control methods, fly candles can provide excellent natural fly deterrence with minimal hassle.

With a bit of strategic placement and wise precautions, you can harness the natural power of essential oils to make your yard, patio and outdoor living spaces less hospitable to annoying flys this season. Fly candles offer an easy, hands-off way to repel these pests without resorting to harsh toxins or messy traps. Light up a few fly candles, relax and enjoy your outdoor oasis free of pesky and persistent flys!

FAQs

How long do fly candles last?

The essential oils in fly candles will dissipate over time, so most citronella and lemongrass candles will be effective for 4-6 weeks before needing to be replaced. Factors like weather and wind can impact duration.

Where is the best place to put fly candles?

Position fly candles strategically near entrances, walkways, patios and areas where you gather outside. Clustering 3-4 candles together in these spots creates an optimal scent barrier.

Are fly candles safe to use around food?

Yes, fly candle essential oils are non-toxic and FDA approved for use around food. Simply be cautious with placement to avoid wax drips onto eating surfaces.

Do fly candles also repel mosquitoes?

The essential oils in fly candles can help repel mosquitoes in addition to flies. Citronella candles are especially known for deterring mosquitoes as well as flies.

Can fly candles be used indoors?

Fly candles can be used indoors but work best in outdoor settings where air circulation can help spread the scent. Indoors, use fly traps to supplement candles.