Mosquito Coils

Mosquito Coils

Oftentimes, it takes more than just one repellent tactic to keep away mosquitoes. For years now, use of mosquito coils has been criticized from different quarters, but despite the heavy criticism, mosquito coils are still being used today to repel mosquitoes for a good reason; they work.

Mosquito coils is nothing more than an incense which gives off a scent too strong for mosquitoes to stand when burned.

A brief history of mosquito coils

Mosquito coils have been around for over 2 centuries now. They were first used by the Japanese when they discovered that pyrethrum, an ingredient used for the making of insecticides at that time could be made into coils. Years later, mosquito coils are still being used to repel mosquitoes even though health experts have warned people to desist from its use.

Mosquito coil contains 6 active ingredients, namely; Pyrethrum, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Allethrin, Piperonyl butoxide, Esbiothrin and Pyrethrins.

Direction of use

To use, get the mosquito coil, mount it on a fireproof wedge and then ignite at either ends. As the coil burns, it would give off a scent mosquito can’t stand. Ideally, a mosquito coil can burn for up to 8 hours provided there the wind isn’t interfering.

How to make mosquito coil at home

Mosquito coils do not necessarily need to be made into coil. In fact, what you are about to learn is how to make mosquito incense using natural, harmless ingredient, as this is a better option than buying commercially prepared coils.

To get on with this, here are some of the tools you will need:

• A mortar and a pestle:You will need this to grind the needed ingredients into powder. But if you haven’t got the time and energy, go for a grinder (burr grinder will be the best option)
• Spoon: A lot of scooping has to be done, and you will need a spoon for this.
• Bowls: This is where all ingredients will be kept during the preparation process. 5 bowls will do for this.

That settled, here are the ingredients you will need:

• Rosemary (dried one):Rosemary is a natural repellent on its own
• Dried clove: Clove is essentially a herb used since ancient times to repel mosquitoes
• Frankincense resin: This will serve as a stabilizer for other ingredients. Before using, ensure the left overnight in the refrigerator prior to the day it will be used

To prepare, grind and mix all the ingredients together. You can add citronella oil to hold the ingredients together, but that is just a matter of personal choice. Once done, you now have a powerful mosquito incense.

The drawback with mosquito coil

The smoke produced by mosquito coil when burned is considered harmful by medical experts. For this reason, it is advised mosquito coil should be used only outdoors.