ThermacellMosquito Portable Repeller; Includes 12-Hour Refill; 15 Foot Zone of Protection; Highly Effective Mosquito Repellent; Bug Spray Alternative; Scent Free

If you like the outdoors but live in an area with mosquitoes this is a Must Have! They are not a gimmick I'm going to start giving them as gifts as they work so well! I just purchased a second one for myself so I always have one with me.

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.

I'm pretty sure it's working. I sit outside A LOT as a smoker. Usually I'm looking at my phone unless it's summer. Then it's constantly monitoring for stupid skeeters on my legs. So I tried this. So far, so good! It's basically a little heating element that heats a chemical pad fueled by butane. The pad says it's supposed to last 4 hrs. Docking a star because it's already turned white after 75 mins. Not sure how long the little butane tank will last but it's a really tiny heating element. Is it better than a citronella candle costwise? I don't know. But it is unassuming and doesn't stink.

It works!!

Works very well to keep the nooseeums and mosquitoes away. We turn it on for 15 minutes for every 2 or 3 hours and have rarely gotten bitten doing this. Only nessary in the evening we find.

I have used in my backyard in SW florida, and honestly, I "think" it helps a little bit, maybe. Any breeze neutralizes efficency.great idea especially if you get the clip (extra accessory)..I ended up buying extra butane cartridges and bug repellent pads, doubt I will use

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.

The good: the chemical in the pads does work against skeeters.The bad: the devices themselves are designed for religious people only. First you pray for them to start, then you pray for them to stay lit. You keep praying or they stop working. Out of the two repellers I bought, one wouldn't start at all, the other one would start fine after a few clicks, but would randomly turn off after several seconds or several minutes. I gave up after 2 hours of trying.I decided to use USB-powered repellers with Thermacell mats. No need to carry the device or the fuel, just cut the Thermacell mat in half and stick it in the USB thingy (or two for a greater effect).