Skeeter Screen
Skeeter Screen Yard Sticks
Coil · FIFRA 25(b) minimum-risk
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Pros
- Ground-stake citronella sticks that look tidy in a garden bed and give off a mild scent while they burn.
Cons
- Weak and short-range, maybe 20 to 50% fewer bites within 4 feet, gone the moment a breeze picks up.
- The citronella strength is undisclosed, and you are still breathing burning-plant smoke.
The full review
DEET-free incense yard sticks with Skeeter Screen's Scents of Nature essential-oil formula. Creates a localized outdoor no-fly zone for patios and gatherings.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%20This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 20–50% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 4 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 4 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%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%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.
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
- ~4 ft zone
- Fewer bites
- 20–50%
Smoldering citronella incense sticks that work like a botanical coil: a modest deterrent in the still air near the smoke, weak in any breeze. As with any smoke-based product you have to sit in the smoke, and the effect is close-range only.
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 incense formula”
Deet FreeStrongWell supported by published evidence
“Helps deter mosquitoes in outdoor 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 →