One of the oldest and most proven methods of fighting mosquitoes is a fire. Light it in a forest clearing and wait until it flares up well. Heat and especially smoke will very quickly clear the air space above the clearing within a radius of several meters. Now throw two or three raw spruce paws into the fire. At this moment, not only all insects, but also people will leave the clearing.
Using smoke to control mosquitoes is a good idea.
But the smoke needs to be obtained in some less extreme way. This is probably exactly what an unknown resident of Japan thought a hundred years ago. Rating: 10 best mosquito repellents
Rating: 10 best mosquito repellents
Even the best spray against mosquitoes and ticks in nature does not always protect against other blood-sucking insects...
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Japan is the birthplace of mosquito coils
The first anti-mosquito coils were made in Japan in the 1890s. They were invented by Eiichiro Ueyama, who at that time was an ordinary entrepreneur. He experimented a lot and finally achieved amazing results using the dried and powdered Pyrethrum flower, or Persian chamomile as it is sometimes called. Eiichiro mixed flower dust with sawdust from various types of wood and set the resulting mixture on fire in small braziers. It's hard to say how he came up with it, but it worked great, although not for long. After 10-15 minutes, the mosquitoes returned and began to take revenge for the fallen brothers.
Everything ingenious is simple
After thinking thoroughly, he slightly improved the composition of the mixture and began to form small sticks from it. They still included ground pyrethrum, but added starch and dried, ground tangerine peel. These sticks worked great and no longer required a fryer. But the burning time was still very short - no more than 40 minutes. Ueyama tried to make the sticks longer, but they instantly broke into several pieces.
Perhaps mosquitoes could still take over Japan, and then the whole world, but Eiichiro Ueyama figured out how to make the stick longer, but less vulnerable. He simply rolled it into a spiral. And as you and I know, it helped.
What is it, how does it work?
The spiral is tightly compressed wood flour or other filler mixed with special insecticidal preparations and fragrances. The appropriate shape allows it to smolder for a long time after being set on fire, starting from the outside, gradually approaching the center. At this time, vapors of insecticides are released into the air along with smoke, and they work against mosquitoes.
Typically, these substances are grouped together as natural pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids. When they enter the respiratory system of mosquitoes, they have a nerve-paralytic effect. Destructive fumigants, as fumigation compounds are called, work against mosquitoes and other flying or crawling insects.
Modern composition
Subsequently, the composition of the spirals changed several times, but the principle of operation remained the same: they are made from wood flour, which is generously impregnated with substances poisonous to mosquitoes. Most often these are pyrethrins or pyrethroids. They have a detrimental effect on mosquitoes. Depending on what kind of poison is used, the spiral is green or black, but manufacturers may add dyes during production.
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Piperonyl butoxide and butylated hydroxytoluene are often added to modern coils (there is a popular saying that if you quickly say these words 6 times in a row and without mistakes, mosquitoes will not bite you for 4 years). These substances prevent toxins released during combustion from oxidizing and thereby retain their killing properties.
Method of use
All anti-mosquito coils have the same operating principle. The detailed method of use is indicated by the manufacturer on the product packaging. How to use a mosquito coil:
Mosquitol bracelet against mosquitoes
- Open the package with the product and separate the coils, if they are connected.
- On the special metal stand that is included in the kit, move it slightly to the side - it should be perpendicular to the surface.
- It is best to place the product stand at a distance of at least 50 cm from the floor or ground, on a fire-resistant surface - sand or bricks.
- Place the fixed product on the stand and set fire to its tip.
- When the fire is well lit, extinguish it.
- After complete combustion, the spiral is discarded.
The duration of action of a mosquito repellent device may vary depending on the manufacturer and the material used. Most often, the product burns out completely within 8-10 hours, after which it is thrown away. Spirals are available in packages of 10-15 pieces, which is very convenient for use.
The product is very easy to use - you set it on fire and leave it to smolder.
Effect on mosquitoes
Readers often ask: does the coil kill or repel mosquitoes? Most often, everything happens according to the following scenario:
- Mosquitoes come into contact with the smoke from the coils.
- After this, they briefly feel a surge of strength and energy. They feel like they can move mountains.
- But after a few seconds they lose orientation in space.
- The surge of strength gives way to paralysis and convulsions, followed by death.
If you place a source of smoke between you and the place where mosquitoes are flying towards you, they will die before they even get there. Thanks to this, there is no need to use any additional means of protection against mosquitoes, for example, repellents.
How are fish similar to mosquitoes?
Strange comparison, right? You should keep in mind that if you have an aquarium with fish at home, it is better to avoid using coils. The fact is that allertin, which is part of most of these products, is almost harmless to warm-blooded creatures, but fatal to most inhabitants of water bodies.
How dangerous are bites?
Insects are divided into males and females. The former are completely harmless to humans, but the females carry dangerous diseases. Females need protein, and blood is best suited for this. Insects feed only once, then lay eggs and die. A mosquito bite is painless, but the consequences can be very unpleasant. Females try to find the most vulnerable places located near the vessels. Next, they inject an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting. This causes redness and swelling (The most effective remedies for relieving swelling and redness from mosquito bites). Mosquito saliva quickly spreads through adjacent tissues, causing itching. If there are a lot of bites, it can cause discomfort. An allergic reaction may occur.
At the very beginning, it is impossible to determine that the insect has infected the infection. Each disease has its own incubation period. Only at the first symptoms will it be possible to judge the infection. After the bite, it can take from 3 months to a year.
Harm to humans
American scientists have conducted a number of studies to understand whether there is any danger to a person who breathes the combustion products of a spiral. The findings were disappointing. Manufacturers have long stopped adding tangerines and flowers to the crust. Only chemistry. And this chemistry, as it turns out, harms not only mosquitoes.
Important! Spirals can cause harm to human health if you use them at home as a fumigator, or if you breathe in the smoke they emit. But if the rules of use are followed, there is no harm to humans.
A simple and understandable image was used as a comparison. Imagine: you are in a small room where you have just smoked 100 cigarettes. Introduced? So, one green spiral emits approximately the same amount of harmful substances during its combustion.
On the other hand, if so many cigarettes were smoked in the room, would you sleep in it? Of course not. So just don't use coils indoors. They are intended for use outdoors.
Also in the section: Mosquito repellers for outdoors
Mosquito coils in a tin
An improved model of the fumigator, it is placed inside a metal can with slots. Thanks to this, the spiral itself is reliably protected from mechanical damage, and an additional advantage is increased safety of use. It is almost impossible to start a fire with such a can.
Jars are usually equipped with a handle, so they are convenient to carry with you if necessary. Unlike older models, the coils used in this case emit virtually no smoke, but are just as effective.
Rating
We have compiled a small rating in which we will tell you which coils are better and which are ineffective. This information will help you choose the best insect control product.
- According to users, the effectiveness is 8 out of 10 points. Mosquitol coils are not cheap, so it may make sense to consider alternatives.
- Fumitox . A brand that most Russians know very well. It releases green colored spirals. There are 10 of them in a pack. It fights mosquitoes well and has no unpleasant odor.
- Fumibat. A Russian brand whose products are manufactured at the Oboronkhim Production Association. The loud name hints at a connection with the defense industry, but no. The production association specializes in the production of insecticidal and rodenticidal products. Therefore, the spirals produced in this production work no worse than their famous counterparts. Most users rate its effectiveness positively.
- Gardex. Another Russian brand that has been ridding the world of insects for many years. The mosquito repellent coil he produces, “Gardex Raptor odorless,” will protect you for 7 hours. There are usually 10 or 20 pieces in a set. User rating 8 out of 10.
- Raid. The brand specializes in insect control and it does it very well. Raid coils are effective and safe when used outdoors. Rating 9 out of 10.
- Help. In their reviews, users point out that the composition of the spirals is changing. And this does not always lead to improved results. For example, in 2022, according to the author of one of the reviews, the spiral smelled extremely unpleasant, but had no effect on mosquitoes. Perhaps the expiration date was exceeded, which caused a drop in efficiency. Overall rating: 5 out of 10.
By the way, the shelf life of the product is on average five years.
What is a spiral?
A special mosquito repellent coil is a product whose main composition is wood flour.
The spiral has a dense base; when ignited, it begins to smolder, producing smoke. The smoke releases a harmful substance called d-allethrin 0.20%. D-alletrin is a viscous, yellow chemical that has a nerve agent effect on mosquitoes and other insects. It first paralyzes the victim, who then dies. This chemical component kills insects within 15-20 minutes of exposure and continues to work for up to 7-9 hours. Smoke destroys not only mosquitoes, but also other flying insects such as midges, wasps, mosquitoes. The insecticide prevents other insects from approaching the source of action, thereby ensuring a comfortable stay in nature.
Mosquito coils GOODNIGHT
Safety regulations
In order to get protection from mosquitoes, and not harm your health, please follow simple safety rules:
- The distance from the lit fumigator to a person must be at least one meter.
- It is prohibited to be directly in the smoke emitted by the coil.
- Use indoors is allowed, but only if there are no people in them.
- Do not inhale smoke under any circumstances.
- Young children, teenagers and pregnant women should be kept as far away from the source of smoke as possible.
- Take care of nature, do not “smoke” near ponds and other bodies of water.
Articles on the topic: Mosquito repellents in nature
The dangers of pyrotechnic fumigators
The pyrotechnic fumigator is not recommended for use in the presence of:
- children under 3 years old;
- people with asthma and allergies to any of the components of the drug;
- women expecting a baby or breastfeeding;
- people with chronic and acute respiratory diseases.
The first signs of poisoning by concentrated vapors of toxic smoke are as follows:
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- loss of consciousness;
- labored breathing;
- severe headache;
- cough, sore throat.
When they occur, the person is immediately taken to another room, ensuring the supply of clean air. The victim is given plenty of warm drinks and absorbents (activated carbon, polysorb). In severe cases of poisoning due to prolonged stay in a smoky room, a person needs medical assistance.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to use pyrotechnic mosquito fumigators indoors?
Yes, you can, but only if there are no people, fish or pets in it. Leaving a lit coil next to your bed overnight is strictly prohibited.
Is there a danger when used by children and pregnant women?
If possible, avoid using IUDs if you are around small children or pregnant women. If you do not breathe smoke, there will be no harm to your health, but it is better to be on the safe side or consult a doctor.
How to install the product outdoors?
Installation is carried out in accordance with the instructions. If you lost it or didn’t read it, we have already written above about the rules for using this tool. Let us repeat in a nutshell: do not breathe smoke and try to keep the distance from people to the spiral at least a meter. In addition to these rules, follow fire safety rules.
Is there an electric mosquito coil?
As far as we know, such funds are not available for free sale. Perhaps we are talking about classic fumigators, in which a plate with an insecticide is heated by electricity.
What to do if the remedy does not help?
Make sure that the expiration date has not expired. If the coil is fresh, try moving it or lighting 1-2 more pieces. If it still doesn’t help, study our rating again and choose a proven option.
How to light it?
You can use any source of open fire: lighter, gas burner, matches, fire. Heat the tip of the spiral well enough, and it will begin to smolder and will not go out. Don't try to make it burn like a tree branch. What is needed is smoldering.
Can smoke cause allergies or poisoning?
If the rules of use are followed, the risk to human health is minimal. If you do not inhale smoke, there will be no consequences for the body. But, of course, cases of personal intolerance are possible.
What is the range?
Under normal conditions, the spiral begins to operate 5-10 minutes after ignition and covers an area of approximately 20 m2.
How to choose a mosquito coil?
To choose, you can use our review. If you are considering purchasing a product that is not included, pay attention to the specifications. And above all, the presence/absence of smoke and burning time. Here are a few brands worth paying attention to: Frog, Insectum, Clean House, Data, Reftamid and others.
Table with brief characteristics of popular spirals.
Advantages and disadvantages
Insect repellent coil is one of the most popular insecticides and repellents on the market. This form of release has earned the attention of consumers and positive reviews from experts due to the following advantages:
- Ease of use.
- Collective protection and large area coverage radius.
- Low price.
- Double action: the insecticide destroys mosquitoes within its range of action, and the smoke drives away other insects.
- Easy to carry and take with you on long trips.
- Does not require special conditions (electricity, batteries).
However, the product is not without drawbacks, the most serious of which are:
- used only in open spaces, it is not recommended to set fire indoors;
- increased risk of fire if operating conditions are violated;
- the effect on the respiratory system of fine particles comparable to the effect of cigarettes;
- products from certain manufacturers emit acrid smoke with a strong odor;
- toxicity of smoke to humans - release of formaldehyde into the atmosphere.
