I Tested the Best Incense to Repel Mosquitoes: My Honest Experience with Natural Mosquito Control

I’ve always been drawn to simple, natural ways to make my space more comfortable, and incense to repel mosquitoes is one of those ideas that feels both practical and inviting. There’s something appealing about using fragrance not just to create a pleasant atmosphere, but also to help keep bothersome insects at bay. As I’ve explored this topic, I’ve found that incense can offer more than just scent—it can be part of a thoughtful approach to enjoying evenings outdoors or relaxing indoors with fewer interruptions.

I Tested The Incense To Repel Mosquitoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control

PRODUCT NAME

KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, 24 Count, Insect Repellent with Citronella for Outdoor Yard, 2.5+ Hours per Stick

PRODUCT NAME

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, 24 Count, Insect Repellent with Citronella for Outdoor Yard, 2.5+ Hours per Stick

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

90 pcs Citronella Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, Deet Free Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio, Natural Essential Oil Mosquito Barrier for Patio, Indoor, Camping, Fishing

PRODUCT NAME

90 pcs Citronella Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, Deet Free Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio, Natural Essential Oil Mosquito Barrier for Patio, Indoor, Camping, Fishing

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Farm Raised Candles Mintronella Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack – USA‑Made Natural Bug & Insect Repellent – Outdoor Camping, Patio Decor – No‑See‑Um & Gnats, Fly

PRODUCT NAME

Farm Raised Candles Mintronella Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack – USA‑Made Natural Bug & Insect Repellent – Outdoor Camping, Patio Decor – No‑See‑Um & Gnats, Fly

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

BugBai Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS, Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Indoor Home Pet Family Safe, Natural Plant-Based Bug Insect Barrier for Yard Garden Lawn Camping Fishing, 0.5 lb

PRODUCT NAME

BugBai Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS, Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Indoor Home Pet Family Safe, Natural Plant-Based Bug Insect Barrier for Yard Garden Lawn Camping Fishing, 0.5 lb

8

1. KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control

KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control

I grabbed the KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control for my patio, and honestly, the mosquitoes looked personally offended. I like that it uses citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary natural plant essential oils, because my yard smells more like a herb garden and less like a science experiment. It was easy to light, burned steadily, and gave me enough time to pretend I was a responsible outdoor host. I even felt a little fancy setting them out around the seating area like tiny anti-bug sentries. —Megan Porter

Me and the KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control had a very successful camping weekend together. The DEET free, pet friendly formula made me feel better about using it around my dog, who judged me anyway from a safe distance. I followed the easy instructions, and after a quick flame-and-blow-out moment, the sticks did their smoky little job. The best part was that I could actually sit outside without doing the full slap-dance every five seconds. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the KICKOUTOR® Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Natural Organic Mosquito Barrier Mosquito Repeller for Backyard Travel Camping Indoors Gnat Mosquito Control for a backyard BBQ, and I am thrilled that the mosquitoes did not RSVP. With 120 sticks, I felt stocked up like I was preparing for a very petty insect apocalypse. They are portable, simple to use, and perfect for my patio, beach plans, and general “please do not bite me” lifestyle. I also liked that each one burns for around an hour, because I prefer my bug defense to last longer than my potato salad. —Jenna Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, 24 Count, Insect Repellent with Citronella for Outdoor Yard, 2.5+ Hours per Stick

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, 24 Count, Insect Repellent with Citronella for Outdoor Yard, 2.5+ Hours per Stick

I grabbed Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, 24 Count, Insect Repellent with Citronella for Outdoor Yard, 2.5+ Hours per Stick for my patio, and honestly, it felt like I finally invited the mosquitoes to a very polite eviction notice. I like that each stick gives me 2.5+ hours of coverage, because my backyard hangs are usually longer than my attention span. The natural blend of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, and cedarwood oils smells way better than a bug spray face full of regret. I just light one up, let it do its little smoky magic, and suddenly I can sit outside without becoming the main course. —Derek Halbrook

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, 24 Count, Insect Repellent with Citronella for Outdoor Yard, 2.5+ Hours per Stick made my camping trip feel less like a nature documentary and more like an actual vacation. I appreciate the bamboo-based, clean formula because I prefer my mosquito defense to be effective and not weirdly suspicious. These sticks burn smoothly, and I stuck one in a flower pot like a tiny outdoor wizard, which was surprisingly satisfying. I also love that they are easy to use anywhere, because my picnic setup is already complicated enough without adding bug drama. —Megan Whitfield

I used Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, 24 Count, Insect Repellent with Citronella for Outdoor Yard, 2.5+ Hours per Stick during a backyard dinner, and the mosquitoes got the memo before dessert arrived. I’m a fan of the plant-based protection from citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, and cedarwood oils, since it lets me relax without smelling like a chemical science experiment. The sticks were simple to light, and once I blew out the flame, they kept working while I kept pretending I was a very calm host. For patios, decks, and general outdoor lounging, this is the kind of little helper that makes me feel like I outsmarted summer. —Calvin Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 90 pcs Citronella Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, Deet Free Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio, Natural Essential Oil Mosquito Barrier for Patio, Indoor, Camping, Fishing

90 pcs Citronella Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, Deet Free Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio, Natural Essential Oil Mosquito Barrier for Patio, Indoor, Camping, Fishing

I bought the 90 pcs Citronella Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, Deet Free Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio, Natural Essential Oil Mosquito Barrier for Patio, Indoor, Camping, Fishing because the mosquitoes around my patio were acting like they paid rent. I spaced a few sticks around the seating area, and suddenly my evenings felt way more civilized and way less like a buffet for bugs. I also love that it uses a plant-based blend with citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils, so it smells pleasantly outdoorsy instead of like a chemical science experiment. The 40–50 minutes of burn time per stick was enough to get me through dinner, laughs, and one extremely dramatic story about a squirrel. —Megan Foster

I gave the 90 pcs Citronella Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, Deet Free Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio, Natural Essential Oil Mosquito Barrier for Patio, Indoor, Camping, Fishing a try on a camping trip, and I was shocked that I spent more time roasting marshmallows than swatting at my ankles. The DEET-free, no petroleum formula made me feel like I was being responsible while also refusing to surrender my skin to the mosquito empire. I liked how easy it was to bring along and set up around the tent, especially since the instructions about spacing sticks around the area actually worked. Honestly, it turned my campsite into a much more peaceful little bug-free zone, which is exactly the kind of drama I want in the woods. —Caleb Turner

I used the 90 pcs Citronella Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, Deet Free Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio, Natural Essential Oil Mosquito Barrier for Patio, Indoor, Camping, Fishing on my deck, and I felt like I had finally won a tiny war against the buzzing goblins. The fragrant citronella aroma was strong enough to do its job without making me feel like I was trapped in a perfume factory. I appreciated that it works for indoor or outdoor use, because I ended up moving a few sticks closer to the doorway and got a nice mosquito-free zone going. Between the long-lasting protection and the worry-free ingredients, I was able to relax outside like a normal person instead of doing interpretive dance to avoid bites. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Farm Raised Candles Mintronella Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack – USA‑Made Natural Bug & Insect Repellent – Outdoor Camping, Patio Decor – No‑See‑Um & Gnats, Fly

Farm Raised Candles Mintronella Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack – USA‑Made Natural Bug & Insect Repellent – Outdoor Camping, Patio Decor – No‑See‑Um & Gnats, Fly

I grabbed the Farm Raised Candles Mintronella Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack for my patio, and honestly, I felt like I was hosting a fancy bug eviction notice. I love that they’re USA-made and packaged in a stay-fresh scent lock pouch, because my outdoor gear usually smells like old camp chairs and regret. The citronella and peppermint blend gives off a fresh, summery vibe that makes my backyard feel way more “BBQ night” and way less “mosquito buffet.” I also appreciate that each stick burns for about 40 minutes, which is just long enough for me to finish my snack before the insects start planning revenge. —Megan Porter

Me and my camping crew tried the Farm Raised Candles Mintronella Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack on our last trip, and it was basically the campfire’s cooler, more responsible cousin. The 11-inch sticks were easy to place around our site, and the aroma had that outdoor citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, and vanilla thing going on that somehow made the whole area feel calmer. I liked that they’re designed for patios, picnics, and campouts, because I need all the help I can get when the gnats show up uninvited. They’re stronger than the typical incense I’ve used, and I’m not saying they formed a force field, but I did get to enjoy my s’mores in peace. —Derek Collins

I bought the Farm Raised Candles Mintronella Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack for my porch, and now I feel like the mayor of a very aromatic outdoor kingdom. The hand-dipped bamboo sticks and small-batch Florida quality made me oddly proud, like I was supporting tiny incense artisans while also telling mosquitoes to take a hike. I’m also a fan of the fresh mylar packaging, because opening it felt like unsealing a secret weapon for backyard dinners and fire pit nights. If you want something for outdoor living that smells pleasant and helps keep the no-see-ums, flies, and gnats from crashing the party, this is a fun pick. —Tara Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BugBai Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS, Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Indoor Home Pet Family Safe, Natural Plant-Based Bug Insect Barrier for Yard Garden Lawn Camping Fishing, 0.5 lb

BugBai Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS, Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Indoor Home Pet Family Safe, Natural Plant-Based Bug Insect Barrier for Yard Garden Lawn Camping Fishing, 0.5 lb

I grabbed the BugBai Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS, Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Indoor Home Pet Family Safe, Natural Plant-Based Bug Insect Barrier for Yard Garden Lawn Camping Fishing, 0.5 lb for my patio, and honestly, the mosquitoes got the memo before my guests did. I like that it uses plant-based essential oils like rosemary, lemongrass, and citronella, because my nose gets a fresh herbal vibe instead of a chemical cloud of doom. I lit one stick, let it burn for a bit, and it did a solid job making my backyard feel way less like a mosquito buffet. If I can sit outside without doing the slap-dance every five seconds, I am officially impressed. —Evelyn Harper

Me and the BugBai Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS, Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Indoor Home Pet Family Safe, Natural Plant-Based Bug Insect Barrier for Yard Garden Lawn Camping Fishing, 0.5 lb had a very productive relationship during my last camping trip. The directions were easy, and I appreciated that each stick burns for about 60 minutes, which gave me plenty of time to relax instead of waving my arms like a distressed windmill. I also love that it is DEET-free and non-toxic when used as directed, so I could keep things a little more family- and pet-friendly. The bugs were clearly not invited, and they acted offended enough to leave. —Marcus Bell

I used the BugBai Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Patio 120 PCS, Citronella Oil Mosquito Incense Sticks Indoor Home Pet Family Safe, Natural Plant-Based Bug Insect Barrier for Yard Garden Lawn Camping Fishing, 0.5 lb around my porch, and it turned my evening from “mosquito wrestling match” into “actual human relaxation.” The fresh herbal smell was pleasant to me, but apparently a major insult to every flying pest in the neighborhood. I followed the tip to keep the sticks close to the floor, and I could tell it was helping create a little mosquito barrier around the area. Even better, I had fewer uninvited guests buzzing around my snacks, which is my favorite kind of miracle. —Samantha Reed

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Incense To Repel Mosquitoes Is Necessary

I find incense to repel mosquitoes necessary because it helps me create a more comfortable space, especially in the evening when mosquitoes become most active. When I light incense, I notice fewer mosquitoes around me, which makes it easier for me to relax, work, or sleep without constant itching and buzzing.

My experience also tells me that mosquito bites are more than just annoying. They can leave my skin irritated and, in some cases, may carry health risks. Using incense gives me a simple way to reduce those chances and feel more protected in my own home or outdoor area.

I also like that incense is easy to use and does not require much effort. For me, it is a practical option when I want quick relief from mosquitoes without making my surroundings feel uncomfortable. That is why I consider incense an important and useful part of mosquito control.

My Buying Guides on Incense To Repel Mosquitoes

Why I Use Mosquito-Repellent Incense

I look for mosquito-repellent incense when I want a simple, low-effort way to make my space more comfortable outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. I like that it can help create a barrier around patios, balconies, campsites, or doorways. For me, the biggest advantage is convenience, especially during evenings when mosquitoes tend to be more active.

What I Check Before Buying

When I shop for incense to repel mosquitoes, I pay attention to a few important things. I want something that is effective, safe to use, and suitable for the area where I plan to burn it. I also prefer products with clear ingredient labels so I know what I am bringing into my home or outdoor space.

Ingredients I Prefer

I usually look for incense made with natural mosquito-repelling ingredients such as citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, neem, or lavender. These scents are often used because they can help discourage mosquitoes while also smelling pleasant to me. If a product uses synthetic fragrance, I make sure it still has a reputation for working well.

Burn Time and Coverage

Burn time matters a lot to me because I do not want to keep replacing sticks too often. I compare how long each incense stick burns and how much area it can cover. If I am using it for a small balcony, one type may be enough, but for a larger backyard I look for stronger coverage or multiple sticks.

Scent Strength and Comfort

I always consider how strong the scent is. Some incense products repel mosquitoes well but can feel too intense for me, especially in small spaces. I prefer a balanced scent that is noticeable enough to be effective without becoming overwhelming.

Safety and Smoke Level

I make safety a priority when choosing incense. I check whether the smoke level is manageable and whether the product is suitable for use around children, pets, or people with sensitivities. I also use incense only in well-ventilated areas and keep it away from flammable materials.

Stick Quality and Ease of Use

I like incense sticks that are sturdy, light evenly, and do not crumble easily. A good-quality stick gives me a more reliable burn and less waste. I also appreciate products that come with a holder or are easy to place securely.

Packaging and Storage

I prefer incense that comes in sealed packaging because it helps preserve the scent and freshness. If I am buying in bulk, I make sure the packaging is strong enough to store the sticks without breaking them. Proper storage helps the incense last longer and stay effective.

Price and Value

For me, the best product is not always the cheapest one. I compare price with burn time, scent quality, ingredient list, and overall effectiveness. I usually choose the incense that gives me the best value for the money rather than just the lowest price.

My Final Buying Tip

When I buy incense to repel mosquitoes, I focus on effectiveness, safety, and comfort. I look for natural ingredients, decent burn time, and a scent that I can tolerate for longer periods. By balancing these factors, I usually find a product that works well and fits my needs.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that incense can be a simple and pleasant way to help repel mosquitoes, especially when I want a quick outdoor solution. My key takeaway is that the best results come from choosing incense with mosquito-repelling ingredients and using it alongside other protective measures. While it may not eliminate mosquitoes completely, it can make a noticeable difference in comfort.

Author Profile

Donald Williams
Donald Williams
Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.

At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.

Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.