Have you ever woke up one morning with your legs tattered with red dots? I’m a certified mosquito magnet and this is exactly one of my pet peeves. These tiny suckers feed on my blood and leave not-so-appealing souvenirs of their midnight trip on my skin. I’ve done everything from lighting up mosquito coils, applying repellent lotions, and turning the electric fan in full blast. It’s either I end up smelling smoky, sticky or intensely shivering. Not until I found this product. On this Thermacell review, I’m going to share with you some points about the new mosquito repellent that’s making a buzz in the market.
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Table of Contents
How does it stop the critters?
Thermacell review: heating mat and butane cartridge
What is this device?
The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent is like an appliance that emits repellant substance and heat to drive the mosquitoes away. There’s no spraying required here.
It’s marketed as a protector against mosquitoes with a range of 15 feet. So far, this is an impressive device for me, but we’re yet to see how long it will last and if it will actually succeed in driving the insects for good.
The Thermacell device doesn’t emit any smoke or flames so you don’t have to worry about burning anything. It’s also scent and DEET-free for the least invasive operation.
This device uses a butane cartridge to work. It will usually last for up to 12 hours together with the heating mats that will work for up to four hours each (3 pieces included in the package).
How does it stop the critters?
The pad that comes in the package is soaked with a mosquito repellent substance. After sliding this to the grill, you have to turn the Thermacell device on to heat it up. Make sure that the butane cartridge is still filled if you want the protection to last overnight.
Particles of the mosquito repellent will be released to the air the moment the mat heats up. There’s nothing to worry since there would be no flare-ups or fumes here. The device is also safe to use on top of fabrics and with children around. Still, I recommend that you avoid the mats from getting into your kiddo’s skin to prevent any irritation.
If ever you run out of butane, you can easily refill it with commercially available ones. You can also purchase the tiny mats anywhere.
Thermacell review: heating mat and butane cartridge
The tiny mats that you slide inside the device can last for up to four hours. As the repellent substance gets dispersed in the air the blue pad turns white. This will be an indicator that you have to change the mats with a new one.
Although the manufacturers claim that this repellent is smell-free, there would be a chemical whiff the first time that you heat it up. Still, it’s not as overpowering as a lit mosquito coil or the flowery smell of lotions. But as a safety precaution, don’t place the device near your bed or your face. Although the vapor isn’t really health threatening, I don’t think it’s a good idea to inhale it.
As for the butane cartridge, you should screw it at the bottom of the Thermacell device. It’s easy to screw this on but make sure that you remove the cap and it fits tightly to the device.
Once you have the butane in place, turn the device on. There would be a slight hissing sound as the butane is released from the small tank. After that, press the “Start” button where you should hear a muffled whoomp. The mat will start to heat up after this.
The repellent device
As for this Thermacell review, the device itself is straightforward and easy to use. It’s also lightweight and portable enough to bring while you travel or hike in the mountains. But be careful not to touch the grill part. This is the surface that heats up and releases the chemical from the pad you inserted.
The good thing about this repellent is it uses a natural insecticide called allethrin. This is extracted from chrysanthemum flowers which is somehow similar to the potent pyrethrin desiccant. Although this is safe for humans, you should avoid disposing of the mats in rivers, ponds, or open trash cans. The chemical is harmful to fishes and small animals. There would still be residues on the pad even if it’s already in white color.
Where can I use it?
This repellent device is very versatile since you can use it indoors and outdoors. You can place it in your bedroom at night or in the garden. If you’re mountain climbing or hiking, you can clip this on your rucksack using the holster that comes in the package.
Just make sure that you don’t move too fast or the vapors will find it hard to catch up or re-establish its consistent protection. I suggest that you stay within the 225 sq. ft. area if you want to have optimal coverage. If you’re going to bring it on camping vacations (just like what I did) this will be excellent. Again, avoid the grill from touching the tent material. Mine got a slight burn after I obliviously left in hanging at night.
The verdict
So far in this Thermacell review, I’m impressed with the device. My red dots have vanished ever since I started using it. A plus point here is the one-year warranty coverage which can double if you register yours on the Thermacell site. The manufacturer also guarantees replacements if you discovered defects while in use.
Anyway, this isn’t an instant solution. You have to wait for ten minutes before the repellent starts to take effect. You should also check the mat from time to time to see if it should be replaced. I know this can be a bit of a pain if you want full protection while sleeping. But if you pee at least once every night, this wouldn’t be a problem.
Did this Thermacell review help you? Share it with your friends so they, too, will have a solution to their mosquito problems.
