A mosquito coil is a special type of mosquito repelling solution made from dried pyrethrum powder. As its name implies, a mosquito coil is a spiral that burns slowly when lit. The smoke produced by the slowly burning coil is an effective mosquito repellent. The coil is suspended in the air by a mosquito coil holder to keep it burning all throughout.
Mosquito coils are usually 4 to 6 inches in diameter and can last within 4 to 7 hours. This special type of repellent in is common in countries in the tropical and sub-tropical countries where there is a warm and humid environment.
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How Does A Mosquito Coil Work?
Basically, there are two types of mosquito coils with regards to their main function. Mosquito coils formulated with an insecticide produce an incense smoke that can knock mosquitoes down effectively. On the other hand, coils formulated with an essential oil extract such as citronella deliver a repelling effect against mosquitoes.
The following video will take you deep into the manufacturing process of mosquito coils.
Mosquito coils are often used with holder to suspend it horizontally in the air. The outer end is then lit, burning the incense slowly from the outside of the spiral towards its core.
The smoke produced by the burning coil either knocks the mosquitoes down or repels them. Depending on the wind condition of the environment, mosquito coils can cover an area of up to 100 square feet.
Are Mosquito Coils Effective?
Yes! As mentioned earlier, there are two types of coils based on its content. A coil formulated with insecticides has the capability of killing or knocking mosquitoes down.
However, the downside of such coil is that it gives off a rather strong and irritating scent that can be very unpleasant.
The second type of mosquito coil is made of a plant-derived ingredient such as citronella extract. But unlike the former, this new type of coil is more a repellent than a mosquito-killing incense.
Did You Know
A female mosquito will stop biting only if her abdomen is already full. After that, the mosquito rests for two to three days until she is ready to lay her eggs.
Are Mosquito Coils Safe?
Smoke produced from burning mosquito coil is indeed in killing and repelling mosquitoes. But does it pose a risk on human health?
Recent studies have shown that being smoke coming from a single mosquito coil is equivalent to that produced by 75-137 cigarettes. And such risk is increased if mosquito coils are used indoors to eliminate blood sucking insects that have penetrated into the house.
This is definitely the main reason why mosquito coils are recommended for outdoor use. In some cases, mosquito coils are used inside the house but it is best to first make sure that the area is well ventilated.
How To Use Mosquito Coils?
In most cases, mosquito coils are paired together in packaging. You should be very careful in separating the two since mosquito coils are fragile and may easily break. The technique is to loosen the two coils from the center and slowly working your way outwards.
Most mosquito coil packages come with a coil holder or stand to suspend the coil in the air. Raise the center part of the holder and insert it into the preshaped slot of the coil.
Light the tip of the coil and secure it on a metallic plate to collect the ash. Place the burning coil on your patio, yard, or garden to kill or eliminate mosquitoes.
Make sure that you position the coil away from the highly flammable materials of your house.
Mosquito Warning
If you do think you have a serious case of mosquito infestation, we highly recommend first consulting with an exterminator before using sprays or any other method of mosquito control. Improper use can and will make your mosquito problem worse.
Click here to check out our rankings for top exterminators.
Top 5 Best Mosquito Coils
If you want to truly enjoy a relaxing time on your porch or yard, mosquito coils can be a reliable companion. If you already have a serious case of mosquito infestation, our recommendation would be to get professional help on the level of your infestation.
Let’s get into our top picks!
- Pic C-8-24 Mosquito Repellent Coils
- Mosquito Guard Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones
- Olgaa Metal Mosquito Coil Holder
- OFF! Mosquito Coils
- Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks
Pic C-8-24 Mosquito Repellent Coils
The Pic C-8-24 Mosquito Repellent Coils represent the latest technology advancements in flying insect control. It uses high-grade pyrethrin insecticides to keep even the most stubborn mosquitoes away.
Each coil works independently for fast-acting relief of biting insects. For the best results, place one about every 10 feet apart. Each coil is easy to light, and the set comes with a metal holder.
The Pic C-8-24 Mosquito Repellent Coils provide up to seven hours of continuous bug-fighting operation, and they’re safe to use in almost any outdoor setting.
Mosquito Guard Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones
These DEET-free mosquito incense cones from Mosquito Guard repel biting insects so you can enjoy the outdoors. They contain no harmful chemicals and are EPA-approved for use around your home.
Unlike other brands, these mosquito repellents contain all-natural ingredients, including:
- Citronella oil
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
Each incense repellent cone stays lit for up to 30 minutes and provides up to 100 square feet of protection against the following pests:
- Mosquitoes
- Gnats
- No-see-ums
- Biting flies
Mosquito Guard Mosquito Incense Cones are suitable for any outdoor gathering, and since they are all-natural, they are safe for the environment as well.
Olgaa Metal Mosquito Coil Holder
If you’re looking for a safe container to hold your mosquito repellent coil, this is it. This set of four repellent coil holders are made from quality metal construction. They’re also designed to allow the free flow of air, so your coils or incense sticks will burn better.
Each holder is a convenient size and suitable to take almost anywhere. They’re also easy to clean — simply dump the ashes then wipe them clean with a cloth.
OFF! Mosquito Coils
OFF! is one of the most trusted names in home mosquito control, and its valued line of products includes these quick lighting mosquito coils.
Use in most outdoor settings, including:
- Patios
- Porches
- Barbeques
- Picnics
They contain the most potent active ingredient available to repel most types of flying insects quickly. They cover a 100 square foot area, and they last up to four hours each, providing all-day protection from biting pests.
OFF! Mosquito coils are safe to use in most outdoor settings, and they give off a fresh, country scent.
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks
Murphy’s Naturals incense sticks not only smell great; they also make mosquitoes beat a hasty retreat! I know most of the list is based around coils, but this is just a coil that got straightened out, and with it using all natural-oils to do its work, I thought it deserved a place here.
Unlike many other mosquito repellents, Murphy’s does the same job but without the use of deet. Each tube has 12 sticks, which should be enough for just about any outdoor festivity you care to throw at this product.
The one downside to this product is that it needs 10 minutes of burn time to sufficiently diffuse through the desired area and to take effect; the last point that really earned this product a place on our list is that with more than three thousand reviews, more than 66% of the people using it talked about how much they liked it!
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