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Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: Chako on June 01, 2016, 04:19:06 AM

Title: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Chako on June 01, 2016, 04:19:06 AM
Last weekend, I had an outdoor IPSC competition. It was a beautiful day, and the club shoot was in a sand pit. Needless to say, the black flies were in numbers and they were hungry. I did not have any bug spray...and to be honest, I tend to break out in a rash with most of that anyways. This meant I was unprotected for most of the day. My problem is that I am somewhat allergic to bug bites. I still wear my bites a little over a week now..and they still itch at times.

So I finally broke down and bought a ThermaCell Mosquito Area Repellent device. I know the products limitations. Must remain stationary, and it won't fully work until 30 minutes into the feeding frenzy. The supplies are a bit expensive as you need the butane cells and the insecticide pads. Each butane cell will operate the unit up to 8 to 12 hours, and each pad will last for 4 hours. If it works, a small price to pay from not having to suffer itching for weeks.

I am currently waiting for a belt pouch so that I can carry the device on my gun belt. I sincerely hope this device works. Guess I won't find out till the next competition which is in a few weeks time.

Does anyone have any experiences with this device? I would love to hear your experiences with it.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo003/IMG_1344small_zpsp9p4mxla.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo003/IMG_1344small_zpsp9p4mxla.jpg.html)
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Crow on June 01, 2016, 06:30:47 AM
Great buy. I used to sell these, and used one for outdoor happenings. Works very well, but as you said, has few limitations. Like wind. And supposed to be stationary as you said. Takes some time to warm up first.

What i heard from customers, they loved that thing. Many bought second one as backup or to work at bigger area at time.

There is one hack for it. Usually gas burns out, leaving you eccess pads. Take empty gas cardridge, and put valve from refillable lighter to it. Now you can fill your own cartridges...
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Aloha on June 01, 2016, 06:57:33 AM
I've also heard terrific things about the product.  Have you looked into using something natural?  DEET has its place but isn't for everyone.  Take a look into Lemon Eucalyptus Oil.  Since you have cats stay away from Permethrin. 
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Chako on June 01, 2016, 12:44:11 PM
I have tried Skin So Soft by Avon ages ago and swear all it did was to attract them.

Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Fortytwo on June 01, 2016, 01:53:35 PM
I've also heard terrific things about the product.  Have you looked into using something natural?  DEET has its place but isn't for everyone.  Take a look into Lemon Eucalyptus Oil.  Since you have cats stay away from Permethrin.

But the ThermaCELL is supposed to be natural (or pretty close), "This repellent, allethrin, is a synthetic copy of a natural repellent found in chrysanthemum plants".

They really do seem to work as others have stated, it helps that the main place where I have used it is fairly sheltered from wind I guess.
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: NKlamerus on June 01, 2016, 06:14:59 PM
Finally I have something that Chako does too :D

I have a Thermacell and I LOVE it!!

We hang one off the Slap Straps while hammock-ing, seems to keep the mosquitoes and horse flies away.

It does not have any effects on ants.

If you want to, i've heard of people buying the chemical and refillable butane cartridges. I just buy more....

I hate the sheath, it ripped on the first outing i have yet to find anything to hold it all.
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Chako on June 01, 2016, 11:21:32 PM
Oh I am sure we  have a lot more things in common such as multi-tools and most SAKs.
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Chako on June 10, 2016, 02:51:12 AM
I bought the carry pouch for it...man, that was a struggle to get on. It shall never come off now. I couldn't bear to do that again.
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: NKlamerus on June 12, 2016, 04:08:39 AM
I bought the carry pouch for it...man, that was a struggle to get on. It shall never come off now. I couldn't bear to do that again.
Have you used it yet?
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Chako on June 12, 2016, 11:44:22 AM
Not yet.
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Aloha on March 12, 2017, 09:39:29 PM
I now have one as well.  I watched the butane hacks which seem doable by me. 
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 12, 2017, 11:00:10 PM
I'd like to her your thoughts on it.  Mosquitoes love me, and they don't pay attention to the restraining order.

Def
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Smashie on March 12, 2017, 11:18:47 PM
I'm screwed now as the best repellent ever (alcohol) if off the menu for me  :ahhh

Be interested to see how this performs.
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Aloha on March 13, 2017, 01:00:32 AM
If I attracted wealth as easily as I attract mosquitos, suffice to say I'd be on the top 10 list of wealthiest people on the planet  :rofl:.

I was watching some great hacks on how to fill the butane bottles as well as some idea on how to recharge the pads.  I also say an interesting video of other pads that users found cheaper and worked just was well.

I've used essential oils like I mentioned earlier in the thread and they work for me. 

I wasn't aware the pads had a synthetic element as fourtytwo posted about which is what really sold me.   
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: lohman on March 23, 2017, 09:20:25 PM
Chako, what division you shoot, we shoot all divisions in USPSA ?


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Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Chako on March 24, 2017, 01:12:59 AM
Forgot about this thread. I did use it a few times in the summer and it works very well so long as there aren't strong winds around. I am happy with my purchase.

lohman, I shoot revolver in IPSC.
Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: lohman on March 25, 2017, 02:21:43 AM
Chako, we shoot revolver also, went the 627 route, 8 shot minor seems to have changed the game. You international or in the states?


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Title: Re: ThermaCELL Mosquito Area Repellent
Post by: Chako on March 25, 2017, 02:54:59 AM
In Canada.

I shoot a S&W 586 6" Silhouette 357 Magnum.