Life-saving anti-mosquito coil: how to choose and use

Mosquitoes are small, annoying insects that cause a lot of trouble for humans. They buzz, bite, and drink human blood. Many effective methods for controlling these bloodsuckers have been developed over time. One of them is using a mosquito coil. This method has its pros and cons.

Why a coil and how does it work?

Mosquito coils are chosen because they are convenient, inexpensive, and their use does not depend on a nearby power source, or, more simply, an electrical outlet.

What is a mosquito coil? It's a specially compressed, twisted wood flour with an insecticidal agent added. In order for the active substance to be activated, the spiral must be ignited. When it burns, it releases an insecticide that has a detrimental effect on insects: mosquitoes, wasps and various midges.

One of the most popular mosquito repellents is the Raptor coil.

Let's describe the entire process of using an anti-mosquito coil step by step:

1. Open the packaging carefully so as not to damage the spiral shape of the product.
2. We separate the spirals from each other (usually there are two pieces in the package, combined into a circle).
3. We take out a special stand, in which we bend the middle part at a right angle so that a kind of rod is formed.
4. We place the spiral on the resulting pin.
5. We place the structure at a distance of one meter from people and animals on some non-combustible surface.
6. Light the tip of the spiral with a match or lighter. You want the product to smolder, not burn. If the flame is strong, blow it out and allow it to glow evenly.
7. If you don't want the coil to burn out completely, you can extinguish it. To do this, simply drop a little water on the end of the coil or simply break off the smoldering tip.
8. Carefully collect the falling ashes and discard them when they have cooled.

Video: Detailed instructions for using Moskitol

It's best to use this product outdoors in windless weather. Wind reduces the coil's effectiveness.

It is believed that the damaging effect on insects occurs within 10-15 minutes from the start of smoldering and extends over a distance of up to three meters.

If we compare insecticidal agents with each other: various fumigators and coils, we can come to the conclusion that the latter are less effective.

In practice, there have been cases where mosquitoes, wasps, and flies flew freely in the smoke from a smoldering coil outdoors. Using a product from another manufacturer, the effect was much better: the smoke actually repelled the insects.

Only female mosquitoes bite. They suck the blood of both humans and other vertebrates, from elephants to mice and turtles. This food is essential for the females to bear their young. Some mosquito species can reproduce without first sucking blood, but will not refuse it if given the opportunity (Culex spp.). A single drop of blood produces thousands of mosquito eggs. The most "tastiest" blood for bloodsuckers is from people with blood types I and II, as well as children.

Which mosquito repellent should I choose?

In stores you can find products from various manufacturers and brands.

Let's look at the most popular of them:

• Raptor is a fairly effective mosquito repellent. The glowing coil releases d-allethrin into the air, which paralyzes the insects' nervous system and kills them. The effect range is two to three meters. According to the manufacturer, it is safe for humans. A fragrance is added to make the smoke less pungent.
• Raid has a similar effect on mosquitoes and other insects. It works outdoors even in light winds, but can also be used indoors with proper ventilation. The active ingredient is the same d-allethrin. According to user reviews, the smoke has an extremely unpleasant odor.
• Fumitox is an anti-mosquito coil containing d-allethrin. The active ingredient has a range of 50 m.²The complete combustion time is 7–8 hours.
• Komaroff are mosquito coils manufactured in Russia. They operate on the same principle as the previous coils.
• Gardex, unlike the products described above, has esbiothrin as its active ingredient. It's also an insecticide, helping to get rid of annoying blood-sucking insects. Its effects on humans and animals are similar to those described above.

It's difficult to say which method is best, as the principle and range of action are virtually identical for all. In some cases, Raid has proven more effective than Raptor.

Photo gallery: mosquito coils

Tips for use

We've discussed the technology for using these products above. However, here are some general recommendations for their use:

• The first thing to remember is that mosquito coils should be used outdoors. If you must use them in a closed tent outdoors or indoors, be sure to ventilate the room for 15–20 minutes after letting the coil burn.
• Most products are recommended for use in windless weather.
• To avoid fire, place the stand with the coil on a non-flammable surface.
• For greater coverage, use multiple coils at once, placing them a meter away from crowds.
• At the first sign of smoke inhalation, extinguish the coil immediately. Ventilate the room (if this occurred indoors) and provide any victims with clean water to drink.
• The product should be stored away from food products, at temperatures from -10 °C to +30 °C.
• Keep out of reach of children and animals.

What is the danger of using a mosquito coil?

Please read the instructions on the coil packaging carefully. If you follow the directions for use, there will be no health hazard:

• The fumigator contains insecticidal components, so after contact with the product, you must wash your hands thoroughly.
• It is not recommended to use coils indoors, as carcinogenic substances formed during combustion enter the lungs, where they settle and can cause serious health problems.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women, small children, as well as asthmatics and allergy sufferers should not be near the operating coil.

Reviews of mosquito coils

I consider the disgusting smell of smoke to be a huge drawback, as it apparently repels more than just mosquitoes. It made me feel nauseous, too. But they do have a significant advantage. They repel not only mosquitoes but all other insects as well. In particular, wasps, which have taken a liking to our dacha during our absence and made themselves at home on the balcony. I didn't see any while the coils were smoldering.

We light Raptor coils around the perimeter of the area where we pitch our tent and spend most of our time. I'll list why I like them. First, they're very effective and completely eliminate mosquitoes. Second, their smoke is odorless and does its job completely unobtrusively. Third, they last a long time; you can light any part of the coil if it breaks, and even that part will continue to smoke beautifully all the way to the tip, keeping those pesky mosquitoes away.

If you're planning to relax outdoors—by a body of water, at your dacha, in the forest, or in the city—bring one, or better yet, several mosquito coils with you. Carefully review the information on the effectiveness of coils from different manufacturers, their benefits, and precautions. This way, your outdoor recreation or work won't be marred by bites from these small but nasty bloodsuckers.