How Mosquito Coils and Citronella Candles Work: Are They Safe?

Mosquitoes are pesky insects that can leave you with itchy bug bites and carry dangerous infectious diseases. To keep these bothersome bugs away, many people turn to mosquito repellents, including mosquito coils and citronella candles. But how do they work, and are they safe? Let’s take a closer look at these popular mosquito repellents and find out.

What Are Mosquito Coils?

Mosquito coils are small, spiral-shaped coils that release smoke when burned. In South Africa, they are common household insecticide products that are widely used as a repellent, especially at night. They contain an active ingredient, usually pyrethroid insecticides, that repels mosquitoes. Mosquito coils are a popular mosquito repellent in many other countries around the world, too.

The efficacy of mosquito coils in protecting against mosquitoes depends on the type of mosquito species and the level of exposure to the smoke. According to systematic reviews, burning of mosquito coils can provide short-term protection against mosquitoes but may not be effective in the long term.

What Are Citronella Candles?

Citronella candles are made with citronella oil, an organic compound extracted from certain types of lemongrass. The oil is known to have mosquito-repelling properties and is often used in topical insect repellents. Citronella candles work by releasing the scent of citronella oil into the air, which masks the carbon dioxide and other scents that attract mosquitoes.

However, the efficacy of citronella candles in repelling mosquitoes is still up for debate. Some studies have shown that citronella candles can reduce the number of mosquitoes in the immediate area, while others have found that they have little to no effect.

Are Mosquito Coils and Citronella Candles Safe?

Both mosquito coils and citronella candles have health implications that users should be aware of. While they are generally considered safe when used as directed, prolonged exposures to their smoke can be harmful, especially for people with respiratory issues or sensitive mucous membranes.

Coils

The smoke from mosquito coils contains pyrethroid insecticides, which can be toxic when inhaled in large quantities. Prolonged exposure to the smoke from mosquito coils may increase the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues. The coils can also be a fire risk if left unattended near flammable materials. Finally, a practical challenge, the coil stand can cause injury to the feet of unsuspecting family members in your home, such as children and pets.

Candles

Citronella candles are considered to be safer than insecticide-containing mosquito coils. However, sublethal exposure to the organic compounds in citronella oil may have health implications, too, including skin irritation, eye irritation, and allergic reactions.

Passive emanators, like citronella coils and citronella incense, can also pose environmental health risks. The constant burning of these products can release organic compounds into the air, leading to higher indoor levels of these compounds and potential environmental health risks.

What Should You Use to Stop Mosquito Bites Instead?

If you’re looking for an effective and safe way to protect yourself against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases, consider using Mozzie Skin Patches. These patches use vitamin B1 (Thiamine) to keep mosquitoes away without the use of harmful insecticides or the need to inhale smoke.