4 Best Mosquito Coils (Updated For 2022)

Mosquito coils are small spiral ring-shaped products attached to a metal plate that are lit to help repel mosquitoes from a semi-confined area.

Generally, there are two types of mosquito coils that are commercially available: those containing chemical insecticides OR plant-based essential oils.

Mosquito repellent coils work on the same principle as mosquito repellent candles. However, coils tend to provide quicker and longer lasting results than mosquito candles.

Another major difference between these two types of mosquito repelling products is that while candles can be used both indoors and outdoors, mosquito repellent coils should never be used indoors; as they release more smoke while burning and can cause breathing difficulties for humans and pets upon prolonged indoor use.

Although there are a number of different types of effective mosquito repellent coils available in the market, the best ones are those which provide long lasting protection by burning for a long time.

Our 4 Favorite Mosquito Coils for 2021:

1. SC Johnson Off Patio & Deck Mosquito Coils

These mosquito coils are made by SC Johnson & Son, Inc. under the Off! brand name – one of, if not the, preeminent brand in bug spray and repellents.

The active ingredient present in the Off! mosquito coil is D-trans Chrysanthemate (0.15%) which is well known to work as a potent insecticide.

These mosquito-repelling coils can be set up on the patio or deck and can work to keep mosquitoes away for up to four hours.

Off! Mosquito Coils are also touted as having citrusy scent. However, we found that upon burning they tend to give off a slightly “chemical-like smell.”

This mosquito repelling coil comes in a pack of six but does not come with a coil holder that has to be bought separately.

It can be re-lit after use and will give you the same results each use.

Keep an eye on your children and pets around this product. The chemical present in this coil can be harmful if inhaled for a long period of time therefore; it should not be used indoors.

Off! Mosquito Coils also come with several additional safety recommendations:

• Do not touch lit end of coil
• Cover any exposed food to avoid contamination
• Do not place in direct contact with flammable objects, materials, or surfaces

Although marketed as completely safe to use, care should be taken while using mosquito coils in your home around children and pets. As with a candle, it is advisable to never leave any burning coil unattended as it might cause burning upon contact or can lead to a fire.

Also, a unique safety fact is that this pesticide is highly toxic to fish, so keep far away from your aquarium.

Direction For Use

• Remove coils from packaging.
• Loosen outer rings until end moves freely. Then grasp each comma shaped portion in the center between thumb and forefinger of each hand. Separate the two comma shaped portions by gently pressing them in opposite directions 1/4 inch apart.
• Align coil with the holder and press in the slot of the coil onto the metal holder.
• Light outer end of coil until glowing, then blow out any flame. The coil can last up to 4 hours.
• If to be used for shorter period of time, carefully lift coil and extinguish by pressing the glowing end inside the holder. The unused portion can then be relit when needed.
• Save the pot holder for use with the refills.

Storage Instructions

The coil should be stored in a dry location and preferably inaccessible to children and pets and away from sources of heat or ignition.

Before disposing, empty container by using the product according to the label.

For used coils, it is advised to place ashes in trash. Also, avoid re-using empty pouch. Place the empty pouch in trash or recycle, if possible.

2. PIC Mosquito Coils

While not as well known as the Off! brand, PIC coils are also a high-quality product that helps to keep mosquitoes away.

These coils are manufactured by a brand known as PIC that has produced a number of pest and rodent control products internationally.

The active ingredient present in the PIC Mosquito Repellent Coils is d-cis / trans allethrin (0.15 %) which is an insecticide known to be highly effective at killing mosquitoes and other small flying insects. The coil works by creating an insecticide smoke barrier that keeps the mosquitoes away.

Allethrin is a man-made duplicate of pyrethrum i.e. a natural insecticide extracted from chrysanthemum flowers and works by disrupting the functioning of the mosquito’s central nervous system.

Each pack of PIC mosquito repellent coils comes with one burner and eight mosquito repellent coils. These mosquito repellent coils can be used outdoors in less breezy areas such as patios and porches and can burn up to 5 to 7 hours.

Multiple coils can also be set up to ensure mosquito free outdoors time. For best results, it is suggested by the manufacturer to place one coil every 10 feet.

The active ingredient present in this mosquito repellent coil is also toxic to fish and other aquatic animals, therefore, it should not be disposed off in water. Also, it is not toxic to birds.

Although there are levels of insecticide in these mosquito repellent coils, there is not a high threat of toxicity.

However, it is recommended keeping mosquito coils out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental consumption.

3. PIC Citronella Coils

The active ingredient present in PIC Citronella mosquito coils is pyrethrin. It’s a natural insecticide extracted from chrysanthemum flowers that work by disrupting the functioning of a mosquito’s central nervous system. It is used in homes and gardens to control mosquitoes, flies, and other crawling insects.

This product is cheaper than the other alternative coils. It comes with 12 Packs of 4 coils, providing plenty of bang for the buck.

Moreover, it is a long-lasting product. Each coil can burn up to 5 to 7 hours which is more than most commercially available products.

Many users think the smell is pleasant thanks to the citronella. But it all depends on your taste.

The material seems less dense than other products and can break easily when separating them. You can break it by trying to place it on the holder if you are not careful. Even still can be used by keeping the broken pieces together and lighting them up.

Just like other mosquito repellent coils, it should be placed out of reach of children and pets. Moreover, a burning coil should never be left unattended to avoid a fire hazard.

Manufacturers suggest using these coils only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in dust, fumes, or vapors of the product.

These coils should also not be released directly into the water as the active ingredient can be toxic to fish and other aquatic animals.

4.W4W Citronella Mosquito Repellent Coils

Citronella Mosquito Repellent Coils serves as another product that works remarkably well in keeping mosquitoes away. These coils are approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Unlike other chemical based products, the active ingredients present in these coil is natural essential oil of Citronella which works by masking the other attractive scents for the insects due to its strong smell–thus keeping mosquitoes and other insects away from humans and pets.

When citronella coils are burned, the oil in them turns into vapors. Then these vapors get broken down in a matter of hours as they have half-lives ranging from 38 minutes to 3.2 hours, according to the National Pesticide Information Center, US. Also, the major components of citronella oil get readily broken down by microbes—making these an eco-friendly product.

These Citronella mosquito repellent coils can be used outdoors and in confined areas with proper ventilation system but where there is little or no breeze.

These are perfect to be used for patios, porches, camping trips, pool areas, backyards and any outdoor activities to keep away those pesky mosquitoes.

Moreover, these citronella containing coils provide a long lasting mosquito control by burning burn for 5 to 7 hours and should be placed every 10 feet away in order to get the best results.

Each 5 pack contains 20 coils and 10 stands—providing good value for money.

These citronella coils are safe to be used around pets or children but prolonged exposure to smoke caused by the burning coil might lead to breathing problems or other similar issues.

Also it is advised by the manufacturers to never leave a burning coil unattended as it might lead to accidental contact by children or pets or may lead to a fire hazard.

In addition these citronella mosquito repellent coils are non-toxic to birds but can be slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Moreover, oil of citronella repels insects rather than killing them. Therefore, bees and other pollinators are not likely to be harmed.

These coils do not have a bad smell but a strong one which might be off putting for some people.

Conclusion

Coils are doing a good job at keeping mosquitos away. These are much better than using candles. They don’t blow out and are not a real fire hazard.

Most of the coil packages you buy are only refills. You will certainly need to buy the coil burner separately if you don’t have one at home.