Murphy's Naturals
Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks
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
Bamboo-core incense sticks infused with plant essential oils, including citronella, rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and cedarwood, that smolder to give off a scented repellent smoke over a small outdoor area. They are DEET-free and pleasant to be around, and each stick burns for a couple of hours. Botanical smoke is a mild deterrent that helps somewhat in calm air near the stick, but it is weaker than pyrethroid coils and fades quickly in a breeze.
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 provides a modest, close-range deterrent in still air and is weaker and less consistent than pyrethroid coils. Any breeze carries the smoke away and cuts the effect. The protective reach is small, so treat these as a light supplement near where you sit rather than area coverage, and avoid breathing the smoke directly.
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, made with plant-based essential oils”
NaturalStrongAccurate. The actives are citronella, rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and cedarwood oils, with no DEET.
“Repels mosquitoes with citronella and other essential oils”
EfficacyWeakBotanical smoke is a mild, close-range deterrent in still air and drops off quickly in a breeze; the effective zone is small.
“Each stick protects for about 2.5 hours”
DurationModerateBurn time is roughly accurate; realized repellency is weaker and depends on wind and how close you sit.
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 →