In this article, you’ll learn:
- How some Thermacell mosquito repellents work
- How to use these products
- What kind of insects Thermacell products repel
Thermacell mosquito repellent products were originally created for campers, hikers, backpackers, mountain climbers, and other outdoor sportsmen. As time went on, Thermacell began producing products for home use.
Insect Repellent Thermacell
The active ingredient in Thermacell repellents is allethrin, a pyrethrin derived from chrysanthemum flowers.
Allethrin works by paralyzing insects, an action which eventually kills them.
Many people report seeing mosquitoes drop to the ground when entering a cloud of allethrin. Contrary to their perception, the mosquitoes aren’t dead, but merely paralyzed, and therefore unable to continue flying. They die soon after.
Thermacell mosquito repellers are portable, which means they’re cordless. A butane canister generates heat. The butane cartridge is completely enclosed within the cordless device, preventing punctures or accidental release from its connection.
Fortunately there’s no open flame to worry about. You won’t set anything on fire and it is safe to use around fabrics, furniture, and clothes.
The internal flame heats a metal plate. The metal plate, in turn, heats the repellent mats you put over it. There is a small grill to hold the mat in place.
Each mat is heavily impregnated with allethrin. As the mat heats up, it releases allethrin fumes into the air.
How To Use Thermacell Mosquito Repellent
Thermacell is not a bug spray. This means there is no spray to worry about getting in your eyes or flames like you have with citronella candles.
There are several types of Thermacell repellers. Most are powered by fuel, but one runs on batteries.
The battery powered option is the:
- Radius Zone mosquito repellent
The fuel-powered options are:
- Backpack repeller
- Various portable repellers
- Various lantern repellers
- Patio shield repellers
Despite their differences, these products all work in a similar way.
The lantern, patio shield, and portable repellers require two simple things: Replacement fuel cartridges and repellent mats.
In any Thermacell fuel-cartridge repeller, open the bottom and insert the cartridge.
Repellent mats are equally easy. The mats start out blue; when they turn white, replace them. To do so, slide a new mat in place, under the grill, which will push the used one out.
The Thermacell Backpack Repeller works differently. For one thing, it requires a camping gas canister, which is not included, nor are they sold by Thermacell.
When you turn the on/off switch to the “On” position, you’ll hear the hiss of gas. Give it a few moments to build up a ball of gas inside the combustion chamber, then press the igniter button. You’ll hear a soft “whump” sound as the gas ignites.
Let the device run for about five minutes to build up a cloud of scent-free fumes to create a zone of protection around it. As stated earlier, if there is a breeze blowing, we recommend using multiple devices on opposite sides of the area being protected.
How Long Does Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Last?
This is actually a two-part question that requires a two-part answer. The butane canister and the repellent mats have different effective life spans.
Butane Canister
Each butane canister has enough fuel in it to last for 12 hours. If you use the Thermacell device for three hours a night, out on the patio, for instance, it will last for four nights before you have to replace it.
Repellent Mat
Each DEET-free repellent mat has enough allethrin in it to last for four hours. This means you’ll use three repellent mats for every fuel cartridge.
Obviously, you’ll need to get more Thermacell mosquito repellent refills for the repellent mats to make up for the difference.
Are Thermacell Repellents Effective on Mosquitoes, Gnats, and Flies?
Yes. It has been tested against a wide assortment of insects and been found effective to varying degrees.
Thermacell Mosquito Repellents are effective against mosquitoes, gnats, and flies (such as black flies). This isn’t surprising since mosquitoes, gnats, and flies are all members of the order Diptera.
Any active ingredient that is effective against one of these insects will be effective against all of them. Therefore you can use the Thermacell repellers to protect your family and yourself against mosquitoes, gnats, and black flies.
The EPA has registered allethrins as an effective pest control product. It’s allowed to be used in the United States, but individual states such as California may not allow Thermacell products to be shipped there.
List Of Insect Repellent Thermacell
- EFFECTIVE MOSQUITO PROTECTION: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. Use this sleek repeller on patios, decks, pools, and more. Turn It On… Mosquitoes Gone.
- HEAT-ACTIVATED TECHNOLOGY: No cords or batteries. Powered by a safe and compact 12-hour fuel cartridge. Emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes. Unscented repellent mats last up to 4 hours each and change color when time to replace.
- EFFECTIVELY REPEL WITHOUT SPRAY OR SCENT: Repel mosquitoes without DEET sprays or lotions on your skin. No smoke, flames, or harsh odors like citronella. Enjoy max protection in 15 minutes.
- PLANT-INSPIRED REPELLENT FORMULA: Our synthetic allethrin formula is inspired by repellent extracts found in plants. Independently tested and EPA reviewed for safety & effectiveness. People and pet friendly.
- THERMACELL GUARANTEE: Extend warranty to 2 years with registration (automatic 1-year warranty included). Backed by Thermacell Guarantee. See packaging for details. Includes repeller, 12-hour fuel cartridge, and three repellent mats.
Additional Info :
| Color | Glacial Blue |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 6.5 Inches |
| Width | 3.4 Inches |
| Length | 3.4 Inches |
| Weight | 0.6 Pounds |
- EFFECTIVE MOSQUITO REPELLENT FORMULA: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. This 72-hour refill pack is compatible with all fuel-powered Thermacell repellers (except the Backpacker).
- HEAT-ACTIVATED TECHNOLOGY: No cords or batteries. Powered by a safe and compact 12-hour fuel cartridge. Emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes. Unscented repellent mats last up to 4 hours each and change color when time to replace.
- EFFECTIVELY REPEL WITHOUT SPRAY OR SCENT: Repel mosquitoes without DEET sprays or lotions on your skin. No smoke, flames, or harsh odors like citronella. Enjoy max protection in 15 minutes. No mess and easy to refill.
- PLANT-INSPIRED REPELLENT FORMULA: Our synthetic allethrin formula is inspired by repellent extracts found in plants. Independently tested and EPA reviewed for safety & effectiveness. People and pet friendly.
- THERMACELL GUARANTEE: Backed by the Thermacell Satisfaction Guarantee. See packaging for details. Includes six 12-hour fuel cartridges and eighteen 4-hour repellent mats.
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 5.25 Inches |
| Width | 2.25 Inches |
| Length | 5 Inches |
| Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
- EFFECTIVE MOSQUITO PROTECTION: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent creates a 15-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. Use this portable repeller for camping, fishing, hunting, and more.
- HEAT-ACTIVATED TECHNOLOGY: No cords or batteries. Powered by a safe and compact 12-hour fuel cartridge. Emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes. Unscented repellent mats last up to 4 hours each and change color when time to replace.
- EFFECTIVELY REPEL WITHOUT SPRAY OR SCENT: Repel mosquitoes without DEET sprays or lotions on your skin. No smoke, flames, or harsh odors like citronella. Enjoy max protection in 15 minutes.
- PLANT-INSPIRED REPELLENT FORMULA: Our synthetic allethrin formula is inspired by repellent extracts found in plants. Independently tested and EPA reviewed for safety & effectiveness. People and pet friendly.
- BACKED BY THERMACELL GUARANTEE: Extend warranty to 2 years with registration (automatic 1-year warranty included). See packaging for details. Includes one repeller, one 12-hour fuel cartridge, and three 4-hour repellent mats.
Additional Info :
| Color | Olive Green |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 Inches |
| Width | 3 Inches |
| Length | 7.6 Inches |
| Weight | 0.4 Pounds |
- EXTENDED MOSQUITO PROTECTION: Extend the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable E55 with this 120-hour refill bundle. The E55 (not included) creates a 20-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. Easy to use, one button keeps mosquitoes away.
- HEAT-ACTIVATED TECHNOLOGY: Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 5.5 hours of continuous mosquito protection per charge. No fuel to monitor and replace. Emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes.
- EFFECTIVELY REPEL WITHOUT SPRAY OR SCENT: Repel mosquitoes without DEET sprays or lotions on your skin. No smoke, flames, or harsh odors like citronella. Enjoy max protection in 15 minutes. Unscented, liquid repellent cartridges are easy to replace.
- ADVANCED REPELLENT: Independently tested and EPA reviewed for safety & effectiveness. Repels tough mosquitoes, including those that may transmit Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Zika Virus. People and pet friendly.
- THERMACELL GUARANTEE: Backed by Thermacell Guarantee. See packaging for details. Includes three 40-hour refills. Compatible with Thermacell Rechargeable repellers – Radius and E55 (does not work with fuel and mat powered repellers).
Additional Info :
| Color | Gray |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 6.5 Inches |
| Width | 0.8 Inches |
| Length | 0.8 Inches |
- EFFECTIVE MOSQUITO PROTECTION: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Rechargeable E55 creates a 20-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. Ideal for the backyard, poolside, patio, deck, and more. Easy to use, one button keeps mosquitoes away.
- HEAT-ACTIVATED TECHNOLOGY: Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 5.5 hours of continuous mosquito protection per charge. No fuel to monitor and replace. Emits scent-free repellent that drives away mosquitoes.
- EFFECTIVELY REPEL WITHOUT SPRAY OR SCENT: Repel mosquitoes without DEET sprays or lotions on your skin. No smoke, flames, or harsh odors like citronella. Enjoy max protection in 15 minutes. Unscented, liquid repellent cartridges are easy to replace.
- ADVANCED REPELLENT: Independently tested and EPA reviewed for safety & effectiveness. Repels tough mosquitoes, including those that may transmit Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Zika Virus. People and pet friendly.
- THERMACELL GUARANTEE: Extend warranty to 3 years with registration (automatic 2-year warranty included). Backed by Thermacell Guarantee. See packaging for details. Includes repeller, 12-hour refill repellent cartridge, and USB charging cable.
Additional Info :
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4.25 Inches |
| Width | 3.5 Inches |
| Length | 3.5 Inches |