Citronella candles are out; incense sticks are in

TWIN LAKES, Wis. -- As consumers ramp up their shopping for summer essentials, a new brand is looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of incense by launching a new natural mosquito repellent.

Lotus Brands Citronella Outdoor Sticks are a smoking mosquito repellent made with six different essential oils including citronella. The addition of five other plant oils to citronella seems to supercharge the repellent effect. These five oils are thyme, rosemary, lemongrass, geranium and geraniol. The company says they were chosen because of their effectiveness as repellents in the scientific literature. Synergistically they create the magnified repellent action of Citronella Outdoor Sticks over citronella fragrance alone.

Lotus Brands says its Citronella Outdoor Sticks are 10 times more effective in repelling mosquitoes than citronella candles.

Citronella Outdoor Sticks burn for approximately one hour once lit. A package has 10 sticks and is economically priced at about the cost of most citronella candles. Several sticks can be placed around an outdoor area to increase outdoor enjoyment. They are great for decks and patios, and have a fragrance that is reminiscent of waking up in a citrus grove.

Citronella Outdoor Sticks are sold in the mass market by retailers nationwide.