Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller; Highly Effective Mosquito Repellent; Includes 12 Hours of Long Lasting Refills; No Spray, No DEET, No Open Flame; Scent-Free Bug Spray Alternative

The Thermacell really works! (it's not 100%, but it pretty damn good and a life saver if the mosquitoes are out!) And for the most part, you do get about a 15 foot zone of protection against mosquitos. For whatever reason, I don't think it's quite as effective against the noseeums. It takes a few minutes after turning it on before you get the advertised 15 foot zone of protection. Wind does affect the size and shape of that zone of protection. There are different models of Thermacell, but I liked this one because its small. They do have a backpacking model that's even smaller, but it requires a separate gaz cartride to use; which imposes some logistic problems when using it for backpacking (i.e. if you only have one gaz cartridge remaining on a backpacking trip, you can't cook and use the backpacking model at the same time) For this model you need to use Themacell's small cartridge. The thermacell itself does not require batteries to use. Thermacell does have a model that includes a lantern; that model does require batteries if you intent to use the lantern. The Thermacell works by using a very small micro flame that heats a chemically treated pad. When the Thermacell is turn on, you don't really notice any smells. Thermacell claims that whatever chemical they are releasing into the air is safe for humans. When new, the treated pad's are a blue color. As you burn them, they turn white. When the pad looses it blue color, you need to replace the pad. The one drawback to the Thermacell is that the cartridge and pads replacements are a little more expensive than you would like them to be (i.e Amazon sells 48 hours refill kits for ~$20-$25). The Thermacell has a small peek hole with a lens that allow you to see if the flame is actually ignited. When you look through the peek hole you only have a small viewing angle to observe if the flame is on or not. Once the flame is on, you can move the device around; I've never had the flame go out by moving the device around. You need to move the switch to the off position to turn the flame off. To start the Thermacell you turn the devices switch on and push the igniter button. It may take a couple to clicks to start. You'll need to look through the peek hole to know for sure if it's turned on or not. When using the device, the area above the treated pad gets a little warm; I don't think there's any really fire safety concern in using the device.

This item does not work at all! In fact it seems to attract mosquitoes rather than repel them.

Mosquitoes think I am the best thing since sliced bread. I have tried everything to keep them away. I intensely dislike using chemicals on my skin, as I tend to have very sensitive skin that doesn’t react well to the chemicals. When several people I trusted recommended this brand – independently of each other – I decided to give it a try. Haven’t regretted it for a minute. One thing I recommend, is that you use the product In a stationary location rather than when trying to hike Or participate in other more active Pursuits. I find that the 15 foot bubble is more than adequate for me to be able to use my grill and eat and relax, but I am not normally very active outdoors. I have spoken with others who have tried to use the device when engaged in more active roles And they tend not to be as satisfied with the product. I think they are just out running the 15 foot protection area perhaps if they were to order a different model with wider coverage They would be more successful. Overall, I purchased this product to cover a small porch while I remain in the small area and it has performed gloriously. The refills can get expensive, but if you watch the different options when you order, there’s always something on sale that makes the pricing much more reasonable. The last time I ordered I got the 120 hour package for markedly less Then the 100 hour package, so pay attention on ordering the refills. But I find this device works wonders, and has allowed me to spend more time outside this summer than I have in years, and I am very grateful to all my friends who recommended it to me.

Made the swamps bearable. New addition to our outdoor gear.

Positive; This thing works great to keep bugs of all types away and especially mosquitoes. Negatives ; I am a carpenter, working outside all day long on a 6 acre pond surrounded by thick grasses and pine and hardwoods. Thousands of insects , BUT IT IS COSTLY TO RUN YOU MUST wear in a holster if you move around a lot like I do. IT gets hot enough to burn your arm if you try to wear on either side hooked to your belt. I have moved it to my back side and I wear it for 6-10 hours per day while working. My opinion ; IF Thermocel would build one about half the size , cut down on the size of fuel cell and pads. I would buy two. If the one I am using keeps away 15 feet then if I am constantly moving around ,1/2 size would equals 7 feet area covered , it would do the job and drop the operation cost in half; purchase price would drop.25% , it is currently costing me $4.00 per day which equals $120. Per month. I’m is South Carolina with temps 90* plus and 80-90% humidity in summer. It works but is to bulky to be comfortable to carry on a belt all day. Just my .2 cents worth.