Skeeter Screen
Skeeter Screen Patio Candle
Candle · FIFRA 25(b) minimum-risk
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Pros
- It is a fine ambiance candle, and the citronella gives a mild scent some people like on a still evening.
Cons
- As bug control it is close to a placebo: a 3 ft reach and maybe 10 to 40% fewer bites that a light breeze erases.
- No disclosed citronella concentration, so there is no way to know how much active you are getting.
The full review
Outdoor patio candle with Skeeter Screen's Scents of Nature essential-oil formula to help deter mosquitoes from decks, balconies, and patios. Floral scent alternative to citronella.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%10This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 10–40% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 3 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 10–40% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 3 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%48Citronella oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 2 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 1 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+5).
Citronella oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 2 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 1 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+5).
Safety15%88This is an area device, not applied to skin, so dermal risk does not apply. Scored on no notable per-ingredient inhalation risk on file; moderate toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−12). It burns an open flame, so never leave it unattended or within reach of children or pets, and keep it clear of anything that can catch, 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; moderate toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−12). It burns an open flame, so never leave it unattended or within reach of children or pets, and keep it clear of anything that can catch, keep cats away. Keep it well away from ponds, aquariums, and water features.
Transparency15%50This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses 0% of its active strengths (+0); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses 0% of its active strengths (+0); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
Every pillar is scored from published rules. Read how we score.
Ingredient disclosure
This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses 0% of its active strengths (+0); 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.
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.
“DEET-free Scents of Nature formula”
Deet FreeStrongWell supported by published evidence
“Helps deter mosquitoes from outdoor living areas”
EfficacyModeratePer manufacturer marketing.
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 →