Best Coils & Incense Sticks for Repelling Mosquitos

What are mosquito coils and incense sticks?

Both of these are typical mosquito-repelling solutions. Traditional coils are made from a pyrethrum paste, but most modern types contain either pyrethroid or plant-based substances such as citronella.

The coils are usually made into a spiral that burns slowly when lit. Burning normally begins at the outer end of the spiral and continues slowly toward the center, producing a powerful mosquito-repelling smoke.

The coil is suspended in the air by a mosquito coil holder to keep it burning. They are usually 4 to 6 inches in diameter and can last 4 to 8 hours.

Incense sticks are usually made of natural mosquito-repelling ingredients. They have a faster burning time, lasting between 40-80 minutes. These sticks also produce smoke.

How does a mosquito coil work?

There are two types of mosquito coils based on their content. These two types function differently. Coils produced with aromatic substances such as citronella give off a repelling scent against mosquitos.

The coils composed of insecticides produce smoke that can knock these pests out effectively. Some can be a combination of both.

Mosquito coils can cover an area of up to 100 square feet. This depends on the wind condition of the environment.

Are mosquito coils and incense sticks effective?

Yes! As mentioned earlier, a coil formulated with insecticides has the capability of killing mosquitos. The downturn of this coil is that it delivers a very strong scent that can be very unpleasant.

The essential oil-based coil and incense sticks are more of a repellent than a mosquito-killing incense. They have a better scent though.

It’s not just the smoke of these coils and sticks that make them useful. The substances used burn to repel mosquitos. Even less efficient formulas will still be effective.

Are mosquito coils and incense sticks safe?

Mosquito coils and incense sticks are generally safe. Still, a lot of people have concerns about the health risks of burning these.

Recent studies have revealed that the smoke coming from a single mosquito coil in a closed room is equivalent to that produced by 75-137 cigarettes. It’s much safer to use these methods outside. They can be used inside but the area must be well ventilated.

There’s no actual evidence that shows that long-term exposure to mosquito coils and incense sticks increases the risk of more serious health effects like lung cancer. But our advice is that you avoid long-term exposure, especially in enclosed spaces.

How to use mosquito coils and incense sticks?

This section is for complete newbies who have never used mosquito coils or incense sticks. It’ll explain the whole procedure to you. First, let’s talk about mosquito coils.

The first thing you need to know is that mosquito coils come in pairs. So you have to be very careful in separating them. This is because they are usually fragile and prone to breaking. Start from the center and slowly separate them.

Some mosquito coils come with a holder to suspend it in the air. You’ll want to insert the coil into the holder and place the holder on a plate (preferably metal).

Light the tip of the coil and place it in your garden, yard, or patio. Keep the coil away from any flammable materials.

The procedure for incense sticks is almost the same. But in this case, they don’t come in pairs. All you have to do is gently ignite a stick at the tip. Once the incense has been ignited, you extinguish the flame by blowing it out.

The incense will start burning and begin to produce scented smoke. Place it on a holder. You can even make a holder yourself. Simply put some sand in a bowl and put the sticks in.

Safety tips for using mosquito coils and incense sticks

Don’t place coils close to flammable materials

If you decide to use these options indoors, you must keep them away from flammable materials like curtains, carpets, rugs, paper, and drywall. Don’t place these objects beneath your bed or furniture. With time, they’ll turn dark or start burning.

Don’t keep them in babies’ rooms

Although mosquito coils and incense sticks are safe, it’s not a great idea to place them in babies’ rooms. Your child will be suffocated and the smoke might have adverse effects on their lungs. Mosquito nets are preferable options.

Ensure the area you intend to use it in is ventilated

Ensure that there’s a lot of air circulation in any area you intend to use these. It’ll help spread the smoke and also reduce health risks. Don’t inhale the fumes directly, no matter how aromatic they are.

Don’t let kids handle these mosquito repellents

Don’t allow your kids to handle mosquito coils or incense sticks. Ingesting these objects are very dangerous and you don’t want them getting injured from burns.

Best incense sticks & coils for repelling mosquitos

Mosquito coils vs mosquito sticks

Both of these perform the same function but the ingredients may differ.

Mosquito sticks are usually made of citronella and other natural repellents and tend to burn faster than coils. They produce smoke with a repelling effect and a citrusy scent. Generally, sticks are considered to be more eco-friendly.

As mentioned before, mosquito coils usually contain pyrethroid, but they may also contain natural ingredients.