Paper lanterns are often used outdoors where they can be used for dim lighting at night time. In humid areas, people are often subject to being bit by mosquitoes, which can detract from the enjoyment of the outdoors. Bug spray is a common defense against mosquitoes, but it can make one stink of chemicals, and it often burns the skin and eyes.

Paper lanterns can be used as mosquito repellants. Mosquito repelling candles are sold in many stores, and they are effective in driving away mosquitoes within a certain radius. A user of paper lanterns can purchase these candles, which come in various shapes and sizes, and use them inside his or her flame-lit paper lantern; if used properly, these can be an excellent source of protection from mosquitoes.

Proper placement of mosquito repelling candles is necessary to avoid risk of fire, and more can be found on this subject in our flame-lit paper lantern safety guide.

When using these as mosquito repellent, one must use an adequate number of candles and place the lanterns in an appropriate fashion to effectively reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

A mosquito repelling candle will effectively deter mosquitoes anywhere from a radius of anywhere from five to ten feet; effective range of these candles varies based on the size of the candle. Check first with the candle manufacturer to see the effective range of the candle before deciding upon placement of your lanterns. Keep a one foot crossover between candles. For example, if the radius is five feet, one would want to place the candles so that the fifth, furthest foot from the candle is also the fifth, furthest foot from the next candle; one wants “double protection” in the last effective foot of each candle to ensure that no area is missed.

Place the lanterns in a border around where you will be sitting or standing. Often times, this is around a table for protection while eating outdoors. Sometimes, one will desire to use mosquito repelling lanterns around a hot tub or other type of pool; if the water is chlorinated, the number of candles can be cut in half, as chlorine is a natural mosquito repellent. If the water is not chlorinated, however, one should use more candles than one would use otherwise; double the amount of candles is a good idea, as mosquitoes breed in and are attracted to water.

Properly used, paper lanterns can add to the beauty of the outdoor setting while lighting the area and protecting against mosquitoes.