PIC
PIC Mosquito Repellent Coils
Coil · EPA-registered pesticide
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Pros
- Meaningful landing/bite reduction (30–60%)
- EPA-registered device
- 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
- Highly toxic to fish and aquatic life — keep well away from water
- Pyrethroid smoke — keep cats away and never run it in an enclosed space
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%24This 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%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
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 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.
- 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 →