Create beautiful Luminaries using floating candles, essential oils, and fresh herbs to keep those pesky bugs away. Summer evenings are perfect for spending time outdoors, but those mosquitos love me, which equals days of itching. Not anymore with these beautiful luminaries that give a gorgeous glow to your garden and help keep the bugs at bay.

This post was updated on June 19,2024

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Supplies

Mason Jars
2 slices of lemon
1 small lime sliced
2 sprigs of Lavender or rosemary sprigs
10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus Oil or lemongrass essential oil
10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 drops  Tea Tree Oil  essential oil
10 drops of Citronella Oil
Floating Disc Candles or tea lights 

lemongrass, cinnamon, citronella, and oregano are also known to keep mosquitos away

Instructions:

Prepare the Jars

Ensure they are clean and dry before you begin.

Add Citrus and Herbs

Slice the citrus fruits (fresh lemons and limes) into thin rounds. Add a couple of slices to each mason jar. Follow with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. The combination of citrus and herbs adds a pleasant fragrance and is a natural bug repellent.

Add Essential Oils

Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to each jar. You can mix and match or choose your favorite bug-repelling oils. Lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and citronella are known for their bug-repellent properties and pleasant scents.

Fill with Water

​Fill the jars with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. The water helps to diffuse the essential oils and keeps the herbs and citrus fresh.

Add Candles

​Place a floating candle or a tea light on top of the water. If you’re using a tea light, you may need to adjust the water level so it sits just right.

Decorate (Optional) 

​For an added touch of charm, tie a piece of twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar. You can also add tags or labels if you’re making these as gifts or fresh or faux flowers.

Light and Enjoy:

When evening falls, light candles and place them on a patio table. The gentle light will create a beautiful ambiance, and the combination of natural ingredients will become a natural insect repellent keeping away those pesky mosquitos without commercial bug sprays and no harmful substances.

Tips and Variations:

• Herb Combinations: Experiment with different combinations of herbs. Basil, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and oregano are natural mosquito repellents.
• Jar Sizes: Use different sizes of mason jars to create an interesting display. Smaller jars can be used for individual table settings, while larger jars can be placed around the garden.
• Outdoor Use: These luminaries are perfect for outdoor dining, garden parties, or simply relaxing on the patio or your morning coffee.
• Gift Idea: These repellent jars are a beautiful way to make thoughtful handmade gifts. Prepare a set and gift them to friends and family who love spending time outdoors.

If you’re looking for essential oils to keep bugs away, I have the perfect blog post for you here!

If you are looking for more of a decorative way to illuminate the outdoors try this fun mason jar luminary. Simply add the faux flowers, top the mason jar off with water, and add the floating candle.

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As always, keep out of the reach of small children