PIC
PIC Citronella Mosquito Repelling Coils
Coil · FIFRA 25 minimum risk pesticide
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Pros
- Meaningful landing/bite reduction (20–50%)
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
- Active ingredient concentration is not disclosed
The full review
The citronella version of PIC's coils, which smolder to give off a citronella-scented smoke rather than a pyrethroid one, sold as a plant-based alternative for patios and yards. Each coil burns for several hours. Citronella smoke is a milder deterrent than an allethrin coil and, like all coils, only does much in calm, sheltered air, tailing off quickly once a breeze moves the smoke away.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%15This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 20–50% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 5 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 5 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%41Citronella oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 0 strong, 2 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (-2).
Citronella oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 0 strong, 2 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (-2).
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%20This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); 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
- ~5 ft zone
- Fewer bites
- 20–50%
Citronella coil smoke is a mild deterrent in still air and weaker and less consistent than an allethrin coil. Any breeze carries the smoke off and cuts the effect, so the useful zone is small. Burning still produces smoke with fine particulate and combustion byproducts, so keep it away from where you breathe.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); 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.
Active ingredient concentrations are not published for this product.
- Citronella oilActive
Active repellent · concentration not disclosed
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Made with citronella to repel mosquitoes”
NaturalModerateCitronella is a genuine botanical repellent, but as smoke it is a mild, short-range deterrent, not strong area protection.
“Repels mosquitoes on patios, porches, and decks”
EfficacyWeakOnly in calm air and close to the coil. Citronella smoke fades quickly in a breeze and covers a small zone.
“Each coil burns 5 to 7 hours”
DurationModerateBurn time is generally accurate; repellency is weaker than the burn time might suggest.
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 →