It is a rare thing — that a brand has grown into a separate type of repellent. And this is exactly what happened to Thermacell. Why are Thermacell products so popular? The thing is that they combine the efficiency of chemical insecticides and the safety of electric repellers. Not to mention convenience, portability, and ease of use. Now, let’s look into the main features of these products, customer feedback, and what makes them effective. A review of the six Thermacell repellers of different designs and potency will help you make the right choice.
Thermacell repellers are electric devices that work by releasing allethrin, an effective synthetic compound used in insecticides. This chemical repellent contains refill mats that are inserted in the device. After that, close the repeller and push a button to start. Once the mat is heated, it will begin to release the insecticide that will ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects. Different models have different coverage and potency.
What is the best and most powerful Thermacell repellent? The Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller is the second-generation Thermacell product with the longest-lasting effect.
How Do Thermacell Mosquito Repellents Work?
At its core, Thermacell works the same way as any other type of mosquito repellents. The major active ingredient is allethrin, which is based on a chemical found in chrysanthemum plants and that naturally repels mosquitoes. Thermacell ups the efficacy of the ingredient by dispersing it in the air via a heat-based release system.
In short, it takes a chemical that’s already known to help push away mosquitoes and then releases it into the air through the addition of heat, creating a zone of discomfort that keeps away mosquitoes until the compound has been completely dispersed.
Are Thermacell Mosquito Repellents Effective?
In all honesty, the Thermacell mosquito repellents really are fairly effective. They only have a limited amount of range – about fifteen feet – but they slowly create a no-fly zone for mosquitoes as long as the device is working. They’re much more effective than traditional sprays and bug zappers, without having to deal with messy residue or even with the clean-up.
With that said, the devices aren’t perfect and they aren’t going to start getting rid of all the bugs right away. Because the devices rely on saturating the air with the right kind of compound, it usually takes about ten minutes for the mosquitoes to stop biting.
At this juncture, it feels fairly safe to trust Thermacell’s productions because Thermacell itself is a company with a good reputation. They’ve definitely put in the work to make a compound that stands up to real-world use, and enough people seem to like the company’s products that the company doesn’t seem to want to do away with that goodwill.
Though there is every chance that a future product might not quite live up to the standards set by the current generation of products, the Thermacell product lines of today really are worth the trust of the average consumer.
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Reviews
Below, you will find a review of the 6 best Thermacell mosquito repellents at a price ranging from $17 to $50. You can pick the most appropriate model depending on whether you are going to take it with you on camping trips or install the device in your backyard. Also, there is a Thermacell repeller that not only keeps away mosquitoes but also functions as a lantern.
1. Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller, Gen 2.0 | Best for Camping
Size and weight are two of the most important factors when you’re looking at any type of camping gear. Even when it comes to something as important as mosquito repellent, you still want to opt for a device that’s going to be as easy to transport with you as possible. Fortunately, this device from Thermacell does seem to pack a fairly good punch even though it’s definitely on the smaller size. Weighing in at as little as 4 ounces!
At four ounces, the Backpacker is absolutely meant for those hikers and campers who are keeping track of the weight of each item. The good news, though, is that this little device doesn’t give up efficacy in the name of shedding weight. It is still capable of creating a fifteen-foot zone in which mosquitoes are unlikely to fly, and it still does so quite reliably. Though the weight does go up when you consider adding extra pads or butane, this is still a great lightweight repellent option.
Thermacell Backpacker: Check the current price
2. Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller from Thermacell | Best Long-Lasting
While Thermacell’s products are largely quite user-friendly, there’s always a segment of the population that wants things a little bit easier. After all, using a Thermacell product has often required using butane fuel sources that can run out, and those who are out of cartridges typically find themselves having to deal with mosquitoes when it is least convenient. Fortunately, the Radius Zone takes a huge leap forward in ensuring that kind of problem will be a thing of the past.
The Radius Zone is a rechargeable unit that no longer uses the butane pods. You can charge up the Radius Zone and expect it to work for several hours, only taking a few minutes longer to reach full strength than the other Thermacell products. An easy-to-use option that is great for smaller spaces, this product is a good choice for those who want to keep mosquitoes away with as little work as possible.
Thermacell Radius Zone: Check the current price
3. Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent, Glacial Blue | Best for Patio
Having a patio is great. Having to deal with the bugs while you are trying to enjoy your patio, however, is an exercise in frustration. There are plenty of products out there meant to help homeowners get the most of their outdoor spaces, but many of them have unwanted side-effects. Fortunately, the Thermacell Patio Shield really does make it much easier to get more use out of your patio without the mosquitoes.
Thermacell’s Patio Shield is designed along the same lines as its other products, meant to ward off mosquitos as long as there is a sufficient chemical supply. In this case, that means getting to enjoy a porch without having to deal with smoke or chemical smells. Just as effective as Thermacell’s other products, this clever little patio product really does help users to reclaim their outdoor spaces without having to give up much in the way of comfort. It also comes in a variety of colors to match any decorative theme.
Thermacell Patio Shield: Check the current price
4. Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repellent | Best Design
If you are looking for serious mosquito protection, it’s natural to look for a product that’s a bit more rugged and ready for real-world use. While Thermacell has a number of products that look great around the home and work well, the MR450 stands out because it still looks like an outdoor enthusiast’s product. Tough and without frills, this is a device that helps to eliminate mosquito bites without requiring the user to worry about drops and shocks.
This is really one of the most utilitarian designs that Thermacell has. You can hook it directly to your belt while you are in the woods and you can even tell when it runs low on fuel at a glance. This is a very simple mosquito repellent that works wonders, all while allowing the user to feel comfortable taking it along even when the going is going to get tough.
Thermacell MR450: Check the current price
5. Thermacell Scout Mosquito Repellent Camp Lantern | Best Multi-Use
It’s always nice to have camping gear that can do more than one thing at a time. Not only does this cut down on the amount of space that your various devices take up, but it also goes a long way towards cutting down on your gear expenses. One great device that not only keeps away mosquitoes but that also functions well as a lantern is the Thermacell Scout.
This device does a great job on the mosquito front, keeping away insects in a fifteen-foot radius so long as there is enough fuel and chemical compound available. It also serves well as a secondary camp light, great for hanging outside a tent or even using when it’s not quite safe to have a fire. An excellent two-in-one device, the Thermacell Scout is a must-have for anyone who is going on a camping trip and who doesn’t want to have to deal with the threat of mosquito bites.
Thermacell Scout: Check the current price
What Do Buyers Say About Thermacell Mosquito Repellents?
Generally speaking, consumers seem to like Thermacell’s mosquito repellent products. There are definitely a few that have problems with the efficacy of the products, but the vast majority really do seem to get a lot of use out of the devices.
People who are looking for hunting gear or for outdoor gadgets tend to be the biggest fans, while those who are looking for larger areas of long-term coverage tend to have more problems with the devices. Still, most professional reviews rave about each of these products and the user reviews tend to be overwhelmingly above four stars.
