Cindy's Recipes and WritingsI received a free Thermacell unit from the manufacturer to review. I received no further compensation for my post from Thermacell. All opinions are my own.
How do you deal with mosquitoes, black flies and biting insects?
I was never a fan of spraying repellants on my skin or clothes. Burning citronella candles are only effective in a small area. You can either huddle around the candle or set out a dozen that you need to keep an eye on at one time.
Torches just plain scare me.
Sometimes we just want to sit outside and enjoy the day or night, bug free.
That is where a product like Thermacell comes in handy.
Thermacell Repellents create a zone that is 98 percent effective against these biting pests.
How does it work?
Small mats containing a synthetic form of pyrethrin are inserted into the device. This mat is heated by a butane source. No flames. No matches needed. Thermacell devices emit puffs of smoke that instantly vaporize.
All these devices from -tabletop versions to lanterns-operate on a single butane cartridge. These cartridges are easy to use and last up to 12 hours equaling 30 times longer protection than alkaline batteries can provide.
Sounds too good to be true? I thought so too, so I put Thermacell to the test.
One of the best places to find mosquitos is near standing water.
I chose to test this device at a clearing well away from the canal.
Pyrethrin and synthetic allethrin are toxic to aquatic wildlife. Remember to dispose of any used mats or empty butane cartridges responsibly.
I found the device very easy to set up and use.
After 15 minutes of warming up I was ready to find out how it performed.
After 20 minutes at a distance of 15 feet, I only had one bite. I normally would look like I had the chicken pox.
Don’t take my word for it.
This device was extensively tested by the U.S. Department of Defense and evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for safety and effectiveness.
You can use these repellent devices for home entertaining, gardening, camping, fishing (along banks) and hunting.
What is also nice is that you can purchase refills at most major department stores, hardware stores, outdoor and sporting goods stores. For store locations and more information on Thermacell products, please visit www.thermacell.com or call 1-8-NO-SKEETERS.
Warning: For use outdoors. This device is not to be used near food. Drifting vapors may be harmful to aquatic wildlife.
