Murphy's Naturals
Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Cones
Coil · FIFRA 25 minimum risk pesticide
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Pros
- Meaningful landing/bite reduction (20–50%)
- Active ingredient concentration disclosed
Cons
- Protects only the treated zone, and effectiveness drops sharply in wind or open air
- You have to sit in the smoke, which carries fine particulates (PM2.5) and combustion byproducts
- Pyrethroid smoke — keep cats away and never run it in an enclosed space
The full review
The cone form of Murphy's Naturals botanical incense, using the same plant essential oil blend of citronella, rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and cedarwood and a ceramic burning dish. Each cone burns for only a short while, so they suit brief sessions on a table close to where you sit. Like the sticks, the citronella smoke is a mild, DEET-free deterrent in calm air that offers little once a breeze picks up.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%13This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 20–50% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 4 ft zone. Scored 60% on that reduction and 40% on how much space it protects, so a larger zone counts for real. Reduction figures come from controlled or semi-field trials, not backyard conditions. Real-world protection drops sharply in wind and open air, so this is scored with lower confidence.
This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 20–50% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 4 ft zone. Scored 60% on that reduction and 40% on how much space it protects, so a larger zone counts for real. Reduction figures come from controlled or semi-field trials, not backyard conditions. Real-world protection drops sharply in wind and open air, so this is scored with lower confidence.
Evidence & honest claims25%35Citronella oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 34). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 1 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (+1).
Citronella oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 34). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 1 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (+1).
Safety15%74This is an area device, not applied to skin, so dermal risk does not apply. Scored on no notable per-ingredient inhalation risk on file; burning it releases fine-particle smoke (PM2.5) and combustion byproducts you breathe (−14); moderate toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−12). Burn it outdoors in the open air only and stay out of the smoke stream, keep cats away. Keep it well away from ponds, aquariums, and water features.
This is an area device, not applied to skin, so dermal risk does not apply. Scored on no notable per-ingredient inhalation risk on file; burning it releases fine-particle smoke (PM2.5) and combustion byproducts you breathe (−14); moderate toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−12). Burn it outdoors in the open air only and stay out of the smoke stream, keep cats away. Keep it well away from ponds, aquariums, and water features.
Transparency15%75This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
Every pillar is scored from published rules. Read how we score.
Coverage & effectiveness
This is an area device: it protects a zone around it rather than your skin. Effectiveness is the published reduction in mosquito landings or bites. Real-world protection is best in still air and drops in wind or open space.
Mosquitoes
EstimatedLow- Protected zone
- ~4 ft zone
- Fewer bites
- 20–50%
Botanical citronella smoke is a mild, short-range deterrent in still air and is weaker and less reliable than pyrethroid coils. The cones burn only about 24 minutes each, so protection is brief, and any breeze cuts the effect. Keep the smoke away from where you are breathing.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
Only active ingredients are disclosed. The full ingredient list (inerts/carriers) is not published, so this may not be the complete formula.
- Citronella oilActive
Active repellent · 1.5%
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“DEET-free plant-based essential oil incense”
NaturalStrongAccurate. Same botanical oil blend as the sticks, with no DEET.
“Repels mosquitoes outdoors”
EfficacyWeakBotanical smoke gives a small, close-range deterrent in still air; it does little in a breeze and the reach is short.
“Each cone burns about 24 minutes”
DurationModerateBurn time is accurate but short, so a cone covers only a brief session.
Safe around dogs & cats?
Worst case from this product’s active ingredients. Do not apply this or any human repellent to your pet.
Mainly from Citronella oil.
Not veterinary advice. Full guide to repellents around pets →