Essential oils (like citronella) are just not that great at repelling mosquitoes and ticks. And in candle form, there's no indication that they provide more protection than any other candle ...

Here are 10 scents to try, and how you can use them in your own backyard. Citronella candles are perhaps the most well-known ...

However, for it to work, you would need to crush the leaves and rub them on your skin—large amounts of it. Citronella oils and candles do a better job of keeping you safe from those pesky flies.

But there’s no indication that citronella candles provide more protection than any other smoke. Repellent bracelets, mosquito traps, and sound-based products likely won’t work, either.