9 Best Incense Sticks to Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

To begin eliminating mosquito attractions, you should remove all standing water around your house; after that, the next option many people choose is incense. Some scents from natural materials will do much to make an area less likely for mosquitoes to visit. To help you out, here’s a list of 9 incense sticks to use at your front door, window or near your bed.

Do Incense Sticks Actually Repel Mosquitoes?

To some extent, yes! Many of the plants that provide the scent for natural incense, such as citronella, lemongrass, lavender and eucalyptus are known to have qualities that will be overwhelming or bothersome to the smell of mosquitoes, just like synthetic repellants like DEET do. The effectiveness of incense will vary depending on what scent you’re using, how strong the concentration is, whether or not you are using it indoors/ outdoors, and using incense as a layer of protection cannot be substituted for using a mosquito net at night time. 

1. Citronella

Citronella is the most commonly used scent to repel mosquitoes. It masks human odors that attract mosquitoes to humans. Use outdoors on patios or balconies. When lighting citronella dhoop sticks, place it in a holder about 10 to 12 feet away from where you will be sitting for best smoke dispersal; since the scent dissipates quickly outdoors, plan on lighting additional candles every few hours at outdoor evening gatherings. 

2. Lemongrass

As a type of lemongrass, citronella is just as effective at concealing human scent. However, lemongrass has a softer and fresher scent than citronella, thus can be easily used indoors. Best uses for lemongrass include using it around a living room or indoors at night. Place it near windows and door openings (the primary areas mosquitoes enter), which can usually be done by placing a lit candle in the outside entrance. 

3. Lavender

The scent of lavender is produced from an organic compound called linalool, which is highly distasteful to mosquitoes' olfactory senses. Because lavender is also relaxing, it is widely used in bedrooms as an insect deterrent. Best uses for lavender incense sticks would be indoors, specifically in bedrooms, about 20 to 30 minutes prior to requiring a mosquito-free zone (i.e., before going to bed); place the lit candle next to the bed or next to the entrance door. Lavender is generally safe for use; however, pregnant women and asthmatics should check with their physicians prior to habitual use (similar to most incense). 

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has a fresh, pungent fragrance that attracts mosquitoes and also helps to keep the airways open. Best used indoors when mosquitoes are most active. Place this oil in central areas of your home instead of placing it in corners to maximize its scent in the room.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint oil works well at repelling adult mosquitoes from coming into your home, and it has one of the longest-lasting natural repelling effects compared to other oils. Best used inside your home or on a covered porch. Place this oil in areas where you will be sitting; the concentrated smell of peppermint produces the best results when used in enclosed spaces.

6. Sandalwood

The smoke from burning natural sandalwood incense sticks is a proven mosquito deterrent used for hundreds of years in India. Many Indian families burn sandalwood in their homes every evening as part of their nightly rituals and not just as a way to keep mosquitoes away. Best used inside the house in the evenings. When using this oil, place it where you would normally burn incense to create an atmosphere; this acts as both a repellant and an air freshener.

7. Neem

Neem oil has been used for centuries in India for two reasons: to repel insects and its sanitary properties as an antibacterial compound. The smoke from burning neem oil is extremely prepellentd strong smelling; as such, it is very effective at repelling mosquitoes from your home. Best used outside, especially at entry points to your house (doorways and windows) because of its overpowering odor. If you decide to use neem oil in your home, ensure that the rooms where you burn this oil have good air circulation, as this oil may cause respiratory issues if burned in poorly vented areas. 

8. Rosemary

The herbal and slightly smoky aroma of rosemary is another classic repellent solution, and is preferred by many people as it smells good but is disliked by mosquitoes. Best used in kitchens, dining areas, or outdoor dining areas, it’s best to keep the rosemary stick close to the dining table while eating when mosquitoes tend to swarm.

9. Clove

The clove’s pungent and spicy aroma makes it one of the most effective natural repellents - just a small amount of clove will kill off mosquitoes. It is recommended to use the clove in small, hot spaces, such as bathrooms or rooms with little airflow, as you will fill the space quickly with a small amount of clove smoke.

Quick Comparison

Using Incense Sticks Effectively

• Light stick completely and allow to smolder; once lit, blow on the tip of the stick to extinguish any flames and allow it to smolder producing a steady stream of smoke.

• Use incense sticks near doors, windows, and balconies, as these are the main points of entry for mosquitoes and where your incense will work best.

• Mixing different scents creates a stronger barrier; using citronella and lavender together creates a strong outdoor mosquito deterrent and a calming indoor fragrance.

• Expect each incense to last approximately 30-40 minutes; plan accordingly to the occasion/length of gathering. 

Safety Notes

• To prevent the build-up of smoke, incense should be burned in a well-ventilated area.

• Burning incense regularly may not be safe for people who have asthma or any other lung issue. 

• Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider regarding regular incense use.

FAQs

Does incense really repel mosquitoes? 

Incense will help repel mosquitoes when used indoors or in areas that are partially enclosed. Incense will be most effective when used together with removing any standing water.

Which incense is best for mosquitoes? 

Incense with citronella and neem is the most effective against mosquitoes outdoors; however, when used indoors, using lavender or lemongrass would give good results without overwhelming potency.

How long does incense keep mosquitoes away? 

Generally, one stick of incense will burn for approximately 30-40 minutes, so if you require continued effectiveness throughout an evening, you should have extra incense to relight as necessary.

Can I use incense every night? 

If you are an occasional user of incense, it is generally safe. However, if you burn incense daily in a poorly ventilated area, you should open a window or leave a door ajar as much as possible.