For centuries incense has been used for religious purposes and meditation — and as an insect repellent in the ongoing battle against mosquitoes. Now, there is a modern version of this ancient insect-repellent method. Our complete guide to mosquito incense will help you pick the right product to keep the pests at bay.

What is Mosquito Incense?

In its modern version, mosquito incense consists of a binding agent (which also serves as fuel) that is mixed with insecticide or natural ingredients like essential oils or plant-based extracts. As it burns, the mixture releases smoke and insecticide or repellent to help ward off mosquitoes. 

What Forms Does Mosquito Incense Come In?

When you shop for mosquito incense, you’ll find three popular types for use in outdoor areas:

Mosquito coils. This is a coiled rope of incense. Mosquito coils were developed in the late 19th century by Eiichiro Ueyama, a Japanese entrepreneur. They can be hung, mounted on a stand, or burned in a ceramic, metal, or terra-cotta holder.

Mosquito cones. Incense is molded into the shape of a cone that is lit on the pointed end. Cones come in many sizes and can be burned in ceramic, metal, or concrete holders.

Mosquito incense sticks. Usually, bamboo sticks coated with incense, though sandalwood may be used. They can be placed in a holder (also called a burner) of wood, ceramic, metal, or glass.

What Ingredients Are in Mosquito Incense?

You’ll find that most incense sticks and cones on the market contain repellents as the active ingredient. The most common is oil of citronella, made from two lemongrass species: Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass) and Cymbopogon winterianus (Java citronella). But other essential oils or plant-based materials can be used, including:

• Rosemary oil
• Peppermint oil
• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Cedarwood
• Lavender
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Insecticides

Some mosquito coils and sticks may contain insecticides, most commonly:

Pyrethrum powder: This comes from the crushed whole flowers of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, a type of chrysanthemum also known as pyrethrum. 

Pyrethrins: This is the more refined extract of pyrethrum powder. Pyrethrins affect the nervous systems of insects, including bees. Be careful using incense with pryrethrins if you have a pollinator garden.

Pyrethroids:  This is a group of synthetic pesticides similar to pyrethrum. One synthetic pyrethrin, metofluthrin, is considered to be very effective against mosquitoes, but it also is toxic to bees.

Binding Agents

Mosquito sticks and cones usually use bamboo sawdust as a binding agent.  Modern mosquito coils usually use some form of starch. In the late 1970s, SC Johnson and Son, Inc. was granted a patent to use potato starch in coils.

How to Use Mosquito Incense

You’ll use the same procedure for coils, cones, and sticks, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions:

Coils

• Follow the manufacturer’s directions to place the coil on a hanger or stand. Or place it in a metal or ceramic container.
• Light the end of the coil and allow it to burn ¼-inch down. Blow out the flame and allow the coil to smolder. If the coil is in a container, put the lid on.
• To extinguish, carefully break off the burning end of the coil. Put it in water or wrap it in aluminum foil. 

Cones 

• Light the tip and let burn for 10-20 seconds. Blow out the flame and let the cone smolder.
• Place the cone in its holder. Some manufacturers provide a metal disc to hold the cone.
• To extinguish, if it has burned to the base, put a lid or ashtray on top of the holder. Or you may place it in water. 

Sticks

• You can hold the stick or place it in a holder. 
• Light the tip and let burn for a few seconds, then put out the flame. At this point, place the stick in its holder.
• To extinguish, press or cut off the ember over a non-flammable surface

Safety Tips

All forms of incense carry a risk of fire, so to protect your home and family:

• Place the incense holder on a non-flammable surface. If you don’t have a holder  for your coil or cone, place it on a metal tray or ceramic dish.
• Ash can damage surfaces. If your burner doesn’t collect ash, put it on a non-flammable dish or tray. If you hang a coil, place it above a non-flammable surface and use a metal or ceramic container to catch the ash.
• Keep the holder away from flammable material and liquids.
• Don’t leave burners unattended or within reach of children or pets.
• Don’t put coils or cones in areas where they may be stepped on or knocked over.
• Don’t use incense sticks in windy conditions; a stiff breeze can knock them over.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after handling incense products.

How Does Mosquito Incense Work?

Mosquitoes are attracted to scents —  the ones we give off and the ones we wear. (Tip: Lay off the scented personal-care products before outdoor activity.) The smoke from burning incense in any form throws them off, as can scents from essential or plant-based oils. If the little vampires can’t smell you, they can’t bite.

However, incense that contains insecticides (usually coils and sticks) works differently. The insecticide released by burning will kill mosquitoes quickly or will produce a knockdown effect. (Knockdown is defined as a state of intoxication and partial paralysis that usually precedes death.) 

Does Mosquito Incense Work?

When used properly, mosquito incense can be an effective mosquito control tool, thus reducing the chances of bug bites. While there are plenty of product reviews and anecdotal testimony, few studies confirm the long-term effectiveness of incense using essential oils or plant-based extracts.

Oils and extracts: Most studies focus on the effectiveness of oils and extracts when used on the skin, most notably oil of lemon eucalyptus. One study concluded that repellents using this extract (which contains p-menthane-3,8-diol) have a similar effect as repellents using DEET. The CDC also suggests using products with this EPA-registered repellent.

Insecticides: Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of mosquito coils that use insecticides. One study found that coils with natural pyrethrin compounds deterred 45% to 64% of mosquitoes in testing. A study in Indonesia cited mortality rates of 5% to 100% for the pyrethroids d-allethrin, transfluthrin, and metofluthrin. 

For the best long-term mosquito control, consider incense as one means to provide mosquito protection. Use it with other methods to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard, including:

• Get rid of standing water.
• Clean out gutters.
• Cut the grass so mosquitoes have nowhere to rest.
• Spray a mosquito yard spray along thickets and shrubs.
• Use larvicides, such as mosquito dunks, for water that can’t be drained.
• Use mosquito repellent. There are also options for those who prefer to use natural mosquito repellents.

Are There Health Risks in Using Mosquito Incense?

Generally, mosquito incense is safe to use. But don’t use it indoors. First, it’s a fire hazard. Plus, according to one study, burning incense in a closed room can expose you to unhealthy levels of particulate matter and chemicals released by the smoke. (BTW: Manufacturers stress outdoor use.)

The ingredients in mosquito incense can trigger reactions, especially if you have allergies or are sensitive to some chemicals. A few ingredients to use caution with:

Citronella oil: According to the EPA, citronella oil can irritate the skin and eyes.

Peppermint oil: Babies and young children should not inhale menthol, which is found in peppermint oil, as it may affect their breathing.

Pyrethroids: Some people find that pyrethroids irritate their skin or eyes. Also, d-trans-allethrin can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma-like allergies.

What Are the Health Risks to Pets?

To keep pets safe, the ASPCA suggests keeping mosquito coils out of reach. Besides the risk of a burned nose or paw, inhaling the smoke can cause respiratory issues. The Animal Humane Society urges caution with essential oils, especially around cats. Tea tree oil is especially toxic for cats.

 And be careful with pyrethroid insecticide coils and sticks: Pyrethroids are toxic to cats. The most common, permethrin, can be deadly, PetMD says. To prevent a curious pet from chewing or swallowing the material, be sure to remove the extinguished incense (or bits of incense) as well as any ash when you’re finished. 

FAQ

When to Call in a Professional

If you have mosquito problems in areas where it isn’t safe to use incense, then call Pest Gnome, which connects you to the best professional mosquito control services in your area. A local pro has the tools and methods to banish mosquitoes from your yard and home and to help you keep them away.

Main Image Credit: sakai000 / Canva Pro / License

Linda Wolfla-Thomas

Linda Wolfla-Thomas is a Midwest-based writer who got a crash course in home maintenance when she bought her first house. She enjoys learning new repair skills, like replacing light fixtures and fixing a leaky toilet, but she’s learned that some things, like putting down floor tiles, are best left to the pros.

Posts by Linda Wolfla-Thomas