PIC
PIC Mosquito Repellent Coils
Coil · EPA-registered pesticide
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Pros
- A real allethrin coil (0.25%), EPA-registered and pennies apiece, cutting bites 30 to 60% in the still air right around it.
Cons
- The trade-off is the smoke: you sit in it, breathing fine particulates for the few feet it actually covers.
- Wind erases it, and the pyrethroid smoke can affect cats, so keep them clear.
The full review
Classic green spiral coils that smolder to release an allethrin smoke over a small outdoor space, a longstanding low-cost option sold in most hardware and garden aisles. PIC directs users to place one coil roughly every 10 feet, and each coil burns for several hours. As with any coil, it does something only in calm, sheltered air and fades fast in a breeze, and it produces smoke that should not be inhaled directly.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%30This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 30–60% 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 30–60% 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%54Allethrin is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 56). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 0 strong, 2 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (-2).
Allethrin is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 56). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 0 strong, 2 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (-2).
Safety15%46This is an area device, not applied to skin, so dermal risk does not apply. Scored on moderate inhalation risk from the smoke (−18); burning it releases fine-particle smoke (PM2.5) and combustion byproducts you breathe (−14); high toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−22). 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 moderate inhalation risk from the smoke (−18); burning it releases fine-particle smoke (PM2.5) and combustion byproducts you breathe (−14); high toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−22). 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%85This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses the strength of every active (+35); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses the strength of every active (+35); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
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
EstimatedModerate- Protected zone
- ~5 ft zone
- Fewer bites
- 30–60%
Allethrin coils reduce biting only in still, sheltered air, where coil studies report roughly 24 to 64 percent mosquito mortality. The maker's guidance to place a coil every 10 feet reflects calm conditions; the real zone is smaller and shrinks in wind. Burning the coil releases smoke with fine particulate (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and volatile compounds, so keep it clear of where you breathe.
Ingredient disclosure
This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses the strength of every active (+35); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
Only active ingredients are disclosed. The full ingredient list (inerts/carriers) is not published, so this may not be the complete formula.
- AllethrinActive
Active repellent · 0.25%
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Place one coil every 10 feet to repel mosquitoes”
EfficacyWeakReflects still-air conditions. Coil efficacy is inconsistent (about 24 to 64 percent mortality in studies) and drops in any breeze.
“Each coil burns 5 to 7 hours”
DurationModerateBurn time is generally accurate; realized protection still depends on airflow and placement.
“For outdoor use on patios and porches”
OtherModerateAppropriate use guidance. These coils are for open outdoor areas only, not enclosed spaces, because of the smoke.
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 Allethrin.
Not veterinary advice. Full guide to repellents around pets →