Do citronella candles actually work?

The short answer: no.

The long answer:

Citronella candles are a popular method for repelling mosquitoes, but their effectiveness can vary depending on a number of factors.

Citronella oil, which is derived from a plant called Cymbopogon nardus, contains a compound called citronellal, which has been shown to have insect-repelling properties. When citronella oil is burned in a candle, it releases the citronellal into the air, creating a scent that can help mask the human odors that attract mosquitoes.

However, the effectiveness of citronella candles can be affected by a number of factors, including the size of the area being protected, the number of candles used, the wind conditions, and the presence of other scents or odors that may mask the scent of the citronella.

Overall, while citronella candles may provide some degree of protection against mosquitoes, they are unlikely to be effective as a standalone solution for mosquito control. Combining citronella candles with other mosquito control methods, such as mosquito nets, insect repellent, or mosquito traps, may provide much better protection against these pests.