A standard citronella candle lasts about 25 hours.

Around 20 to 30 hours for a typical 7-ounce candle. But that’s in perfect conditions — no wind, steady burn.

Most citronella candles are paraffin-based, and they burn faster in a breeze because the flame gets bigger. If you’re using it outside on a mildly windy evening, knock 30% off that estimate. Also, if you let it burn for more than 4 hours at a stretch, the melt pool gets too wide and the wick drowns, which wastes wax.

Bigger candles (10+ ounces) can hit 50 hours. The tiny tea-light sized ones? Maybe 4-6 hours. Check the label — most brands print the burn time on the bottom.

I’d buy at least two for a night on the patio. One will be gone before the mosquitoes give up.