Say Goodbye To Traditional Outdoor Lighting: This Chandelier Repels Mosquitos

Lighting the interior of your home in a way that is functional and aesthetically pleasing is hard enough, and when it comes to outdoor lighting, the challenge only increases. Sure, there are quick, basic solutions, like a wall-mounted traditional light fixture, but outdoor lights tend to attract bugs, such as moths, that can be bothersome for anyone trying to relax in your outdoor space. Mosquitoes, while they're not attracted to light like moths, are attracted to heat, carbon dioxide, and body odor or sweat. There are all sorts of ways to kick mosquitoes out of your patio space with pest control tips, but if you're looking for a unique, multi-purpose light situation, then a fabric mosquito-repelling chandelier might be a great DIY choice. YouTuber Cozy DIY Home shows how this project can be done.

Essentially, this DIY light fixture consists of a hoop decorated with fabric scraps and faux greenery. The fabric scraps do most of the work by absorbing and then projecting essential oils that are thought to repel mosquitoes from the area around the chandelier. Adding string lights or placing this over a plain light fixture can create a gorgeous, natural effect that might also save your from some itchy bug bites. However, you'll need to be careful when combining the fabric with outdoor lighting. Choosing the correct essential oils and other potential mosquito-repelling liquids to add to the fabric and ensuring that the chandelier is placed in an area with adequate circulation are also important to get any true benefits from the chandelier.

To make your chandelier, you first need to choose a metal or wooden ring. Be sure to find something sturdy that can tolerate the elements. Painting or sealing whichever material you choose is a good way to enhance the durability, such as a 2.8-ounce tube of DAP Silicone Max All Purpose Sealant for $7 on Amazon. Then, you can choose your fabric. For this project, natural fibers are best, as fabrics made from materials like cotton, linen, and even bamboo are more porous than synthetic fibers, which makes them better at absorbing and retaining essential oils. To make the project budget-friendly, learn how to spot natural fabrics in the thrift store like a pro, and get your materials secondhand. Any color will do, and mixing a few different shades can make the chandelier look far more whimsical, while a nice neutral will make the chandelier look more understated.

Finally, adding some faux greenery ties in the outdoors setting. Draping faux eucalyptus creates a soft, calming look, while florals can brighten things up. Be sure to tie every piece to the ring tightly, and secure it by wrapping extra string around it if necessary. When your chandelier is assembled, tie bits of string in at least four places across from one another at even intervals, then gather the strings in the center and tie them to a hook or ring to hang everything. Adjust the strings leading to the center as needed to make the ring flat when hanging.

With the beautiful frame of the chandelier complete, you can move on to functional side of things by applying the essential oils to the fabric strips and choosing your lighting.

The most important part of this mosquito-repelling chandelier is what you apply to the fabric strips and when. Essential oils evaporate quickly, so whatever you use, you'll need to apply it immediately before using the space and again every two hours for maximum efficacy. Catnip oil, citronella oil, and oil of lemon eucalyptus have been tested and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as repellents (that are also safe for skin, should any get on you). However, you can also check out more common essential oils people use to repel mosquitoes for additional ideas. Do not rely solely on your chandelier, especially if it sits high above your or there is little air flow to circulate the scent of the oils. While it may help, applying safe repellents to your skin and reducing other mosquito-attracting elements in your outdoor space are important measures.

When applying essential oils to a chandelier, be wary of the fire hazard you are creating. Both the fabric and many essential oils you may use are likely flammable, so you need to be cautious about what lighting you choose to add. To be on the safe side, you could hang the chandelier as an unlit decorative piece, but if you need the light, use low-heat lightbulbs, such as LEDs, and place them so that they do not touch any part of the chandelier, even when a breeze blows the fabric pieces. Wrapping fairy lights around the chandelier can also look pretty, but look for options with proper fire safety certifications. Whichever lighting you choose, check on the chandelier regularly to ensure there is no bulb damage and no stuck fabric.