Bugger Off Citronella Fuel is a high-purity, outdoor-grade liquid paraffin specifically formulated to provide dual-function utility: consistent ambient lighting and effective insect repellency. Engineered for use in Bugger Off Paraffin Lamps, garden torches, and traditional hurricane lanterns, this fuel creates a protective aromatic perimeter that deters mosquitoes, midges, and flies during nighttime operations.
Technical Specifications
- Base Fluid: High-grade, low-smoke liquid paraffin.
- Active Ingredient: Natural Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon).
- Flash Point: Typically >61°C (Classified as a combustible liquid, not flammable).
- Color: Clear or pale yellow (Citrus-tinted).
- Scent: Distinct, sharp citrus/lemongrass aroma.
- Standard Volumes: Available in 500ml, 1L, 2L, and 5L containers.
Key Performance Features
- Sustained Vapor Release: Unlike standard lamp oils, this fuel is “pre-loaded” with a high concentration of citronella. As the wick burns, the heat vaporizes the oil, dispersing a continuous repellent cloud that masks the CO2 and lactic acid scents that attract insects.
- Low-Soot Combustion: Refined to minimize carbon buildup, ensuring your lamp’s glass globe remains clear for longer. This maintains the maximum light output required for technical tasks like inspecting Pascali pumps or JoJo Tank connections.
- Wick-Friendly Viscosity: The fluid density is optimized for rapid “wicking” in cotton flat-wicks and fiberglass torches, preventing the “dry-burn” that destroys wicks and leads to flickering flames.
- High-Volume Economy: For large-scale site management or agricultural operations, the 5L bulk containers offer significant cost savings over smaller retail units.
- UV-Stable Formulation: The fuel is treated to resist degradation when stored in translucent containers in the intense April 2026 sun, ensuring the citronella remains potent.
Professional Usage & Safety Tips
- The “Wick Soak” Rule: CRITICAL. After filling a dry lamp with Citronella Fuel, wait at least 20 minutes before lighting. This allows the fluid to saturate the entire wick. Lighting a dry wick will cause it to char and fail immediately.
- Spill Protocol: Paraffin can be slippery and leaves a lingering scent. Always use a small funnel for refilling and wipe down the exterior of the lamp with a Shield Microfibre Cloth to prevent “wicking” of spilled fuel on the outside of the reservoir.
- Ventilation Requirement: STRICTLY OUTDOOR USE. Citronella fuel is designed to disperse in open air. Never use it in enclosed spaces like small tents or unventilated workshops, as the concentrated fumes can cause respiratory irritation or headaches.
- Storage Security: Keep fuel containers in a cool, shaded spot. Ensure the child-safety cap is “clicked” shut. If storing in a vehicle alongside Unitwist fittings or heavy tools, secure the bottle upright to prevent leaks.
- Contamination Warning: Never mix citronella fuel with methylated spirits, gasoline, or diesel. This can drastically lower the flash point and turn a stable lamp into a dangerous fire hazard.
Common Use Cases
- Site Perimeter Lighting: Providing 360-degree insect protection for guard huts and outdoor staging areas.
- Agricultural Logistics: Reliable lighting for late-shift sorting, packing, or maintenance in open-sided sheds.
- Hospitality & Events: Creating a “no-fly zone” for outdoor corporate functions or professional safari camps.
- Emergency Utility: A dependable fuel source for lighting during extended grid failures or rural site deployments.
Pro Tip: For the most effective defense this Winter 2026, use Citronella Fuel in your perimeter lamps while applying Bugger Off Body Cream to your exposed skin. If your lamp flame is “smoking,” your wick is likely too high or has a “crust” of old carbon; trim the wick slightly and clean the burner assembly with a rag to restore a clean, blue-centered flame. Always keep a spare Disposable Gas Lighter nearby for rapid ignition in windy conditions.
