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. Does a lamp help against mosquitoes?
Does a lamp help against mosquitoes?
Review of popular models, rating, operating principle. Is it worth taking?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Or maybe we can try a spiral?
Spiral refers to fumigatory means of protection, i.e. those that immediately kill rather than repel insects. To use it, no electrical wiring is required; an open flame will suffice.
When purchasing such an insect repellent, many people ask the question: “How to use a mosquito coil?” It's quite easy to do.
- First of all, you need to remove the spiral from the packaging.
- Then it needs to be installed on a special stand, which is included in the kit.
- Next, you should carefully set the plate on fire and extinguish it so that there is a slight smoke and the smoldering process begins.
- Then you need to place the structure in a deep plate or bowl so that the ashes do not scatter.
- After all this, be sure to wash your hands.
After a few minutes, substances will begin to be released into the air that will be fatal to insects.
When considering a mosquito coil, the instructions for use of which are quite simple, you need to take into account several nuances.
- It will not work in strong, gusty winds. The smoke will be carried away, and you will not feel the desired effect.
- It is prohibited to use it during rain: the wick will quickly go out.
- The spiral can only be used when you are in one place, for example, on a picnic. It is not applicable for an active hike in the forest.
Before using the spiral, you must carefully read the instructions and composition of the product.
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
Why are mosquitoes dangerous?
Many people believe that mosquitoes do not pose any danger to humans, except for an unpleasant, annoying buzzing. This is wrong. They are carriers of serious diseases.
Among other things, cases of severe allergic reactions, itching, redness, and asthma attacks have been reported in response to the bites of these insects. Pregnant women and children are especially susceptible to them. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to use special sprays, fumigators, and spirals.
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.
How to use
- Unpack, carefully so as not to break, separate the connected spirals. The set usually contains five discs of two intertwined spirals.
- Bend down the metal stand. The latter is also included in the kit. However, for fastening you can use a nail, wire, or hang the spiral on an edge. The main thing is that nothing can catch fire from the smoldering end.
- We place the fixed spiral on a fireproof surface (an old saucer, an ashtray, or even a brick).
- We set the tip on fire, then extinguish it so that the spiral smolders.
- Be sure to wash your hands after installation.
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.
