Nothing ruins a fun backyard party faster than mosquitoes. They are annoying and can spread diseases that are harmful to both humans and pets. One way homeowners can combat this outdoor onslaught is to install mosquito coils. These coils are the most common mosquito repellent product for homeowners. These coils smolder and emit smoke that repels mosquitoes from the area, but there are some disadvantages you should consider.
Are mosquito coils useful?
Mosquito coils are repellents that stop mosquitoes from hanging around but do not kill them or their larvae. Repellents only act as a deterrent and do not guarantee that your outdoor space is fully protected.
When used correctly, mosquito coils are effective at deterring mosquitoes and other biting insects, but even at their best, their protective layer is thin. The most beneficial way to use mosquito coils on your property is in conjunction with a mosquito control system to fully protect your outdoor space.
Those who choose to use mosquito coils primarily to repel insects will be affected by climate, daily weather, and other environmental variables. Wind can blow coils of smoke in different directions, making their protection spotty at best. Additionally, different manufacturers use different amounts of repellent substances, resulting in different effects.
How does mosquito coils work?
As the name suggests, mosquito coils are coil-shaped. The ends of the coil are ignited, and as the coil burns, it emits smoke that keeps mosquitoes and other flying pests at bay for about eight hours, depending on the size of the coil and the nature of the flammable material used.
Mosquito coils usually come with a bracket to hold them in place, making them more stable than when left alone.
For small spaces, such as an apartment patio, one coil may be enough. However, for those with larger, more open spaces, multiple mosquito coils will be needed to cover the entire area.
When preparing to return indoors, mosquito coils must be extinguished. It's important to plan how to stop mosquito coils from burning so they don't become a fire risk. A common way to stop using it and keep the remaining coils the next time you go out is to wrap aluminum foil around the lit end of the mosquito coil to extinguish it and keep the remaining coils. Once the flame reaches the edge of the foil, it will extinguish itself.
Are mosquito coils dangerous?
Many studies have shown that coils pose no health risks when used responsibly, although some experts have questioned these findings. Mosquito repellent coils themselves are harmless to humans. However, depending on your sensitivity to certain chemicals and how long you use the coil, you may experience some breathing issues, especially if you have asthma, allergies, or other conditions that affect your breathing.
Follow these safety tips when using mosquito coils:
- Never leave burning mosquito coils unattended.
- Only use mosquito coils in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
- Insist on using coils made by nationally recognized brands.
- Consider using smokeless mosquito coils to avoid combustion by-products (which can affect your health).
