Being from Wisconsin, a state where the mosquito is jokingly referred to as our “State Bird”, I was compelled to put the ThermaCELL® Mosquito Repellent product to the test.

Record spring and summer rains this year produced ideal conditions for a healthy crop of mosquitoes and generated an overpopulation of the pesky critters throughout the state. At a recent trip to our cabin in central Wisconsin, I was literally swarmed by mosquitoes as I exited my car. I quickly reached for the ThermaCELL® unit to test its effectiveness.

Each ThermaCELL® Mosquito Repellent package contains:

• 1 reusable appliance (camouflage units available for hunting use)
• 1 ThermaCELL® butane cartridge, and
• 3 Insect Repellent Mats.
  

Because they are odor free, provide insect protection (including black flies) for a 15 foot diameter area and can last for up to 12 hours, they’re ideal for any outdoor activity where mosquitoes and biting flies can be a problem. They’re a perfect solution for turkey, bear and deer hunters and also for fisherman, either on boat or on shore, who encounter the pesky biters.

I was immediately swarmed by mosquitoes as I began my test in the backyard at our cabin. After inserting an insect repellent mat into the ThermaCELL® appliance and pushing the start button to activate the butane gas flow which heats the repellent mat (releasing the active ingredient) I set my camouflage unit on the picnic table and exited the area. I planned to return after 15 minutes to see if I’d still be swarmed. The instructions clearly state that 10 – 30 minutes are needed for the product to take effect.

I was honestly skeptical that this device would give adequate protection from the abundant and nasty mosquitoes I’d just encountered.

Fifteen minutes later I returned and was astonished at its effectiveness. I stood within 5 feet of the unit for 10 minutes and had just one mosquito land on my leg. I was seriously amazed at its protection, but to further convince myself, I walked to the other side of our cabin, roughly 50 yards away, just to double check. I was again immediately covered by the buzzing and biting insects. As I flailed and swatted them away, I returned to the mosquito free “zone of safety” and saw for myself how effective the ThermaCELL® Mosquito Repellent device was. The mosquitoes were nonexistent near the ThermaCELL® unit.

Compact, inexpensive and lightweight, I’d definitely recommend the ThermaCELL® Mosquito Repellent device for other sportsmen and women who need protection outdoors. In fact, I’d recommend purchasing a couple; one for your hunting fanny pack and one for your boat, to ensure an enjoyable mosquito-free outing.