Are Citronella Candles Really Enough to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

As summer heats up in South Carolina, many families spend more time outside. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue in Florence or relaxing by the beach in Myrtle Beach, mosquitoes have a way of turning fun into frustration. At Harris Pest Control, we often get asked if citronella candles are enough to keep mosquitoes away. While they might offer limited, temporary relief, they don’t come close to the comprehensive protection you get with professional mosquito control in Florence and Myrtle Beach.

Let’s explore why mosquitoes are so tough to manage, what makes DIY solutions fall short, and what actually works to keep your outdoor space more comfortable all season long.

Why DIY Mosquito Repellents Fall Short

Many homeowners turn to citronella candles, torches, and essential oils for quick, over-the-counter mosquito relief. The idea is appealing: light a candle, sit back, and enjoy a bug-free evening. Unfortunately, the reality is a little different.

Citronella Candles Have Limited Reach

Citronella is a plant-derived oil that can deter mosquitoes for a very short time and in a very small area. Candles need to be placed close to people, there must be minimal wind, and they must remain lit to provide any benefit. Once you step a few feet away or the candle burns out, the protection disappears.

Mosquitoes Breed Faster Than You Can Repel Them

Even if you manage to deter a few mosquitoes with candles or torches, you're not addressing the real issue: breeding grounds in your yard. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, and in our coastal climate, it doesn’t take much—just a clogged gutter or a forgotten flower pot can support an entire population.

DIY Treatments Don’t Target the Source

Most DIY mosquito solutions are surface-level deterrents. They don’t address the root of the problem or prevent future generations of mosquitoes from hatching in your yard. Without professional intervention, populations will continue to grow and bite.

Why Mosquito Activity Is So Intense in South Carolina

The warm, humid climate in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas creates the perfect storm for mosquito development. From March through October, these pests thrive in the heat and moisture. Frequent rain, high temperatures, and a steady supply of water sources contribute to the mosquito boom we see each summer.

This is exactly why we offer targeted mosquito control in Florence and Myrtle Beach—we know how difficult it is to keep these pests away without expert help.

How Our Mosquito Control Program Works

At Harris Pest Control, we take mosquito problems seriously. Our mosquito control program is designed to reduce populations and interrupt breeding cycles through recurring, proactive treatments during the peak mosquito season.

Monthly Treatments from Spring Through Fall

We begin our seasonal mosquito control program in March and continue through October. Our technicians apply treatments approximately every 30 days to reduce mosquito activity around your property. This consistent approach helps protect your family throughout the warm months when mosquito activity is highest.

Targeted Yard Inspections

Every service starts with a thorough inspection of your outdoor space. We identify common mosquito breeding sites like:

• Birdbaths
• Gutters
• Flowerpots and planters
• Yard drains
• Shaded and moist vegetation

By understanding where mosquitoes are hiding and laying eggs, we can apply focused treatments that deliver longer-lasting results.

Pet-Friendly and Family-Conscious Solutions

Our goal is always to prioritize your comfort and peace of mind. We use low-risk products and methods that align with EPA-registered guidelines so you can enjoy your yard confidently.

What Makes Professional Mosquito Control More Effective

Our professional mosquito control program offers significant advantages compared to citronella candles and other store-bought methods.

Consistency

Mosquitoes don’t take a day off, and neither should your pest protection. Our recurring treatments ensure mosquito activity remains controlled, even during the most active summer months.

Source Elimination

By targeting breeding sites and mosquito habitats, we prevent new generations from taking over your yard. This approach is far more effective than simply trying to repel adult mosquitoes.

Local Experience

We’ve been protecting homes and families in Florence and Myrtle Beach since 1973. Our pest control specialists understand the unique pest pressures in our area and how to manage mosquitoes effectively without relying on gimmicks or generalizations.

Areas We Serve

If you live in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions, we’re ready to help. Our team proudly serves:

• Florence
• Myrtle Beach
• Darlington
• Conway
• Marion
• Hartsville
• And surrounding communities

Visit our service area page to see if we operate in your neighborhood.

What to Do if You’re Already Seeing Mosquitoes

If your outdoor space is already buzzing with mosquito activity, the sooner you act, the better. Call us or request an inspection through our website to set up your first mosquito control treatment.

Our team will walk your property, explain what’s contributing to your mosquito problem, and develop a seasonal plan that fits your needs.

Don’t Rely on Candles—Choose Proven Mosquito Control

Candles and DIY tricks might seem like an easy fix, but they won’t deliver the protection you need all summer long. For reliable mosquito control in Florence and Myrtle Beach, trust the experts who’ve been serving South Carolina families for over 50 years.

At Harris Pest Control, we’re here to help you take back your yard with consistent, proven solutions that make outdoor living more enjoyable. Reach out today to schedule your seasonal mosquito service and let us handle the rest, so you can spend less time swatting and more time relaxing.