Japanese Mosquito Coils - Katorisenko Repellent

Emily and I demostrate how we protect ourselves from mosquitos in Japan during summer.

Mosquitoes are an annoying problem during the hot and humid Japanese summer and people have for centuries been swatting at the insects during the day and taking refuge under tent-like nets at night. One of the most successful methods of discouraging bites is the use of special insect repellent incense coils called katorisenko. This unique form of incense makes use of a natural plant compound called pyrethrum which is derived from Old World plants of the genus Chrysanthemum. Pyrenthrum has very little effect on mammals and birds though it is a natural nerve poison to insects and will repel and discourage mosquitoes from biting. The compound is naturally biodegradable and will break down readily with prolonged exposure to sunlight and is considered one of the safest insecticides for use around food. The Japanese have developed many unique and interesting incense burners (koro) for use with katorisenko. One of the most popular is the classic pig koro which is shaped like a pig and provides openings at the front and back for smoke ventilation.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Japan
• Mosquito
• Coils
• Katorisenko
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[Zhinzhu]

are i mosquito coils safe? plz answer

[softypapa]

@Zhinzhu This is a great question though sadly I do not know if these coils are safe. I suspect that overuse may indeed cause a problem though this is simply a guess on my part. Sorry. ~Kurt :-)

[hlhover]

Amazing!! I've never seen anything like that! What a cute idea to store it in the little pig. It's been 95 degrees and higher this past week here. Your weather looks delicious!! Mom is coming for a visit tomorrow....can't wait! Hugs to everyone :)

[softypapa]

Hi Heather, Please say hi to your mom from us and tell her we miss her as we do all of you. -Kurt :-)

[BusanKevin]

Cool! I've seen the coils but never the holders. The pig is cool!

Are you able to burn them inside? Is there any worry of them being harmful to people? Just curious....I'm thinking of buying some for my place.

[softypapa]

Hi BusanKevin, Thanks for watching and commenting. The active agent in katorisenko "pyrethrum" is supposed to have little effect on humans as it was developed in plants to protect them from insects. Japanese people do indeed use katorisenko in the home though the smoke can be a bit cloying in a closed space. I'm also not sure if there is any allergy consideration though I have not heard of this. I'm no expert though I hope that this info is helpful. Sincerely, -Kurt (softypapa)

[Mslolibear]

I made one in class. ^_6

[samn100]

mines smells awful

[AZNROCKER]

you gotta tell me where you've got that holder, it looks way more appealing than tin foil haha.

[cheekyfumes]

The mosquitos in Maryland would pick that pig up and carry it away.

[transonicbuoy1]

Cheap as chips - 500Yen for the litle kit. Quite effective they are - I had a dog fight with four Mosquitoes last night, knocked out three, couldn't get the fourth. At 4am, got the smoke thing out, its presence is felt across a wide radius. Fourth mosquito seen dead this morning - nothing can escape this repellent.

[advenavee]

How much is that? I mean the Buta thingy,,

[ireallydontcare18]

i want a piggy!!!!!  not fair!!!

[yamato1941]

もう何年も蚊取り線香は焚いてないな。俺は日本人として如何なも­のか。