We recently interviewed our friend Jeff regarding his use of the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Appliance. Thermacell makes a few different items which repel mosquitoes. He mentioned to us that his neighbor Warren uses one of Thermacell’s other bug repellents, the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern. Of course, we ran right over to get the scoop.

After hearing how Warren uses the Thermacell lantern, the title of this review could have been, “How to avoid mosquitoes this 4th of July picnic”, or “How to stay mosquito bite free when you barbeque.” Here’s why.

Repellent Review: Thanks for speaking with us Warren. Jeff says you have an effective use for the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern.

Warren: No Problem. Yes. I like to barbeque on my deck during the summer, but the no-see-ums, and mosquitoes can become quite irritating. I live directly behind a greenbelt which is great for the privacy, but full of mosquitoes. Without a decent mosquito repellent, we get bit pretty bad. I take a couple of the Thermacell lanterns, and place them on the corners of my deck. The thing I like about the Thermacell mosquito repellent lantern is that it blends in with my deck, and creates a little ambiance near evening using the lantern light. I swap out my regular ones, and replace them with these containing mosquito repellent.

Repellent Review: You use the Thermacell lantern almost like your own mosquito repellent tiki lanterns.

Warren: (laughing) Yes. The Thermacell lantern is an innovative idea. (as mentioned in this review, Thermacell mosquito repellent products use butane cartridges and blue mats containing small amounts of allethrin. This is the synthetic form of a natural mosquito repellent found in certain chrysanthemums. Bugs such as mosquitoes and no-see-ums hate this stuff. A press-button igniter starts the cartridge, igniting the mosquito repellent inside the Thermacell lantern. The odorless vapor enters the air deterring the mosquitoes.) I’ll be using them this 4th of July, as we always have a family barbeque at my home that day. These are easy to use, safe, and pretty darn good at keeping the bugs away. The cartridges don’t cost much and last through a few barbeques.

• Use the Thermacell lantern to protect your deck from mosquitoes
• The Thermacell mosquito repellent produces an odorless, safe vapor
• US Army field tests found an 81-98% level of protection against malaria mosquitoes using Thermacell in open bunkers and guard posts
• Cartridges for the Thermacell lantern last up to 12 hours

We know Warren’s family will stay bite free this barbeque season, and thank him for describing to us how he uses the Thermacell lantern. Repellent Review recognizes the Thermacell lantern as another great product in their line of mosquito repellent equipment, and gives it a thumbs up.

You can find the Thermacell Lantern online.

One of our buddies, Jeff, loves to camp and swears by the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Appliance. We asked him if he’d be willing to give us some feedback on this deterrent.  Here’s his opinion on the Thermacell repellent.

Repellent Review: We know you’re a big camper Jeff, and have heard you mention Thermacell repellents to us. Would you tell us exactly what these are and how they work to deter mosquitoes.

Jeff: Sure. I mainly use the mosquito repellent appliance that Thermacell makes. It’s a little unit that uses refillable butane cartridges. You use an electronic igniter to start the repellent. The Thermacell cartridges heat up enough to release vapor into the air. Thermacell figured out that mosquitoes don’t like a certain natuaral insecticide found in some types of chrysanthemum. So. Thermacell put the repellent on these cartridges and the vapor goes into the air around you, protecting you from mosquitoes and other bugs.

Repellent Review: Does the Thermacell unit produce an odor?

Jeff:  No.  That’s one of the benefits.  I also avoid having to put as much bug repellent on my body.  I’ll go into an area that may be thick with mosquitoes or black flies.  Fire up the Thermacell appliance, and within a half hour the bugs disappear.  I’ve used it in the boat, fishing, or at my campsite.  It really cuts down on getting bit.

Repellent Review: That’s great.  You mentioned that the Thermacell repellent uses cartridges.  How long do they last?

Jeff:  One of the Thermacell cartridges will usually last me through a couple mornings of fishing plus a night camping.  Thermacell claims it lasts around 12 hours, and I’d say that’s accurate.  I usually buy a 4-pack of the butane cartridges for around $20.  I’ve found some good deals on them at ebay.  Well worth the money to avoid being eaten alive.

Repellent Review:  Is there anthing else you’d like to mention?

Jeff:  I think that covers it.  I’d recommend Thermacell for anyone wanting a portable mosquito repellent.

      Thermacell repellents can be found here online.