That depends on what you burn in the torches. If you’re using a petroleum-based fuel, such as paraffin or kerosene, you won’t be keeping insects at bay. If you’re using citronella, lemongrass, or a similar type of fuel, you’ll have considerably more luck in this area. Something like citronella, which is an essential oil that’s added to non-petroleum fuel, works by making it difficult for mosquitoes and other biting insects to find a host (you). Note that citronella oil is more expensive than petroleum-based torch fuel.