The sun is out, the birds are singing and everything is a beautiful shade of green!  Summer has finally arrived in the Chicagoland area and we want to spend as much time as possible outside before we have to get our long, down coats out again.  Being in the Midwest, however,  means you also need to contend with mosquitoes during our outdoor retreats.  While I will spray myself with bug spray, I don't like the residue it leaves and how I smell afterwards. Never fear....there is a solution!  And it involved recycling!  MY FAVORITE!  This is an easy project using old wine bottles, beer bottles, any bottles really and a few parts from your hardware store that will help you keep those nasty bugs at bay.  For around $5-9/torch, you can create a unique and aesthetically pleasing way to keep mosquitoes away while you enjoy the beauty of nature.

What you'll need:

1. empty wine bottle

2. teflon tape

3. plate connector threaded for 3/8" rod

4. 3/4"-1" split ring hanger (depending on how big the neck of your bottle is...I'm not afraid to walk into Lowes with empty wine bottle to see what size I will need! Ha!)

5. 1/2" x 3/8" copper coupling

6. 1/2" copper cap

7. 2 hex nuts threaded for 3/8"

8. 3/8" threaded rod (I bought a 2' rod and cut it down to 4 1/2" pieces using a hack saw)

9. Tiki replacement wicks

10. Tiki torch fuel

Tools:

• hacksaw

• screwdriver

• funnel

Directions for mounting hardware:

1. Decide where you want to mount your recycled bottle torch and screw in the plate connector using 2 screws.

2. Screw in the threaded rod until it stops. Then thread on the 2 hex nuts. Tighten one all the way to where the rod meets the plate. Leave the other hex nut at the front end so it can be used to secure the split ring hanger.

3. Thread on the split ring hanger and turn the nut counter clockwise to snug it up against the hanger.

Directions for bottle:

1. Wrap the teflon tape around the coupling very tightly and neatly until you build up enough tape so that it will fit snugly into the opening of the bottle.

2. Insert wick into the coupling until it sticks out about 1/4".

3. Unscrew the split ring hanger on one side and position the bottle neck into the ring.

4. Tighten the split ring hanger evenly on both sides until the bottle neck can hang securely. (*Don't over tighten or you can break the glass.)

5. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with torch oil. I use the Tiki Bite Fighter because it is clear and does a good job of keeping the blood sucking devils away.

6. Insert the coupling/wick into the top of the bottle. Twist it snugly into place.

7. Let the wick absorb the oil before you light it. I use the copper cap to keep the wick dry when I'm not using the torch.