Skeeter Screen
Skeeter Screen Patio Candle
Spatial Device · FIFRA 25 minimum-risk
Retailer links may earn us a commission. Scores are never affected.
Pros
- Meaningful landing/bite reduction (10–40%)
Cons
- Protects only the treated zone, and effectiveness drops sharply in wind or open air
- Very short range, protecting a small personal cloud rather than an area
- Pyrethroid vapor, so keep cats away and never run it in an enclosed space
- Active ingredient concentration is not disclosed
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%6This 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). Use it outdoors in the open air only, 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). Use it outdoors in the open air only, 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
- ~3 ft zone
- Fewer bites
- 10–40%
A citronella candle protects only the still air right around the flame, and independent testing has repeatedly found citronella candles do little once there is any air movement. An oscillating fan outperforms one. Treat it as ambiance with a slight deterrent, not real protection.
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.
“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 →