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How to Repel Insects with Outdoor Lighting

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Category: Home DecorLight Up Your Life

Outdoor parties are fun, but insects can be a nuisance. Try using homemade citronella candles to repel bugs and add warm lighting to your event. With just a few simple ingredients -- wax, citronella oil, wicks, mason jars, wire and sticky wax -- you can make your own insect-repelling candles that will not only look beautiful, but will keep the bugs away, too.

Step 1: Melt Your Wax
Melt one pound of soy wax in your measuring cup for about three minutes in the microwave. If you want to add color to your candle, take one crayon, remove the paper and melt it with your wax flakes.

Step 2: Get Your Wicks in Place
Take your wick and put a little bit of sticky wax on the bottom so that it stays put. Place it at the bottom of your mason jar and clip a clothespin horizontally at the top of the wick so that the pin holds it upright and can rest on the top of the jar.

Step 3: Add Your Citronella
Add 1 ounce of citronella to your melted wax. Make sure to check what you're buying -- some are more concentrated than others. Mix with a spoon.

Step 4: Pour the Wax
Pour the wax into your jar. Only fill the jar halfway so that the candle won't be affected by the wind, and you can actually see the flame while it's lit. Let the candles harden for 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 5: Make a Candle Handle
Take about three feet of 16-gauge wire and make a loop at about 12 inches from one end. Twist the wire around the cap of the mason jar. Bend it around and twist the short end into a smooth shape so that it doesn't stick out. Bend the long wire over to the loop and twist close to create a handle for your candle.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • Wax
  • Sticky Wax
  • Wicks
  • Mason Jars
  • Citronella Oil
  • Microwavable Measuring Cup
  • Spoon
  • Clothespins
  • Scents (optional)
  • Crayons (optional)

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lightguy222

thats amazing. If you are interested in lighting you should check out http://sabineslightfixtures.com. They do interesting things with lighting and light fixtures.

March 31 2012 at 8:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vpandak

wh y doesnt home decor subjects stories dont download. It tries for at least 15 minutes and never can. Yet commercials load and air. WHat can I do ????

November 13 2011 at 12:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vpandak

why doesnt home decor load, It tries each frame or story for 15 minutes and never shows. Its only home decor. Commerical loads and airs but not topic. WHY ??????
vpandak@aol.com please let me know.

November 13 2011 at 11:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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