Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Reviews – How Effective Is It?

Mosquitoes are a flying insect that not only emits an annoying humming noise when you’re trying to sleep at night, but can leave itchy raised bites on the skin. Some people seem to suffer from the bites more than others, with large, inflamed welts that take several days to heal.

thermacell mosquito repellent reviews

Mosquitoes have been in the news lately as certain types are carriers of the Zika virus. But spraying entire cities is not the solution. This can kill the good bugs too, such as ladybugs and bees, and cause harm to the bird population, as they no longer have any food to eat.

Mosquitoes exist in almost every part of the world, except the Arctic or Antarctic. Their sizes can vary from small to large, which causes the worst bites. There are over 3500 different species of mosquitoes. They are considered the animal kingdom’s deadliest animal, as they can transmit yellow fever, Zika, malaria, and dengue fever. Yet most people who are bitten will no contract any serious illness. They will simply react with an itchy sore bite.

Many people seek alternative solutions to bug sprays or insect repellent lotions that can be irritating to the skin. And some devices, such as high-frequency, are questionably a scam at best. This can leave many people puzzled as to how to protect their families when they are on the balcony, patio, backyard, or hiking in the great outdoors.

One of the best solutions is the Thermacell MR-PTJ Realtree AP Mosquito Repeller. The reviews agree that this is a great affordable solution to avoid being bit by mosquitoes.


What is Thermacell Mosquito Repellent?

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent looks a lot like a small device or TV remote control. It’s enclosed within a rectangular case that has gently sloping sides to be easier to hold in the hands. It has a grill at the top where the repellent sits on a blue background. The on/off switch is on the middle front of the case. The butane bottle is inserted from the bottom, and the repellent strip refills are inserted into the grill from the top right.

The repellent has some cool features that will make it an easy buying choice. It works by acting as a mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes will stay away from your location, and this means that you won’t get any bites.

A mosquito repellent device can be more effective than using lotions or creams, as it keeps the mosquitoes away from you. With creams or lotions, the mosquitoes must get up close to you before they realize that they don’t want to bite you. And using bug sprays isn’t very healthy for your lungs, and sprays can sting your eyes. Some people like to burn a citronella candle, but that isn’t safe for hiking, and the smell can cause allergies.

The safest way to avoid mosquitoes is by buying the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent.

Features of Thermacell Mosquito Repellent

There are some cool features on this repeller that will make it the number one purchase for your outdoor adventures. When you examine it against the other mosquito repellents, the reviews announce it as the best solution.


  • It has six different colour options: brown, green, woodlands camo, gray, Realtree green, and Realtree pink. There is also a combo pack option of Realtree green and Realtree pink.
  • Provides a protective barrier of up to 15 square feet.
  • Provides 12 hours of protection on one butane refill.
  • Lightweight and portable at only 0.25 pounds.
  • Offers a safe no-flame option.
  • Effective mosquito control.
  • Also protects against other insects such as black flies and biting pests.
  • Will work with any Thermacell repeller mat, and any Thermacell refills.
  • Kit includes 1 repeller, 3 repeller mat refills and 1 butane cartridge.
  • Measures 11.5” x 14” x 1.17 inches.
  • Has 1 year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

What Are the Benefits of Thermacell Mosquito Repellent?

There are multiple benefits to using this mosquito repellent. The Thermacell company has done research only on insect repellents and knows that there are better solutions than your traditional bug spray or lotion repellents.

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Using the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent will enable you to stop spraying your home with harmful pesticides. Not only will it protect you and your family in a 15 by 15 square foot radius, but you’ll also be free of bites and annoying pests flying around while you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors.

The repellent is lightweight so you can clip it to your backpack with the additional purchase of a holster, or carry it in your hands. You can also prop it up against a fence, table, or rock. Since it’s portable, it will provide a constant source of protection even if you are moving from one location to another.

You can use it while lounging around in your yard, during gardening, hiking or camping, and even when working outdoors. It’s not necessary to carry repellent spray with you, or to slather sticky repellents on your skin that smell bad.

The Mosquito Repellent is also odour-free, so you won’t have to worry about smelling any chemicals while you are enjoying your outdoor time. This also gives you a break from citronella or scented lotions or sprays that are also used to repel mosquitoes.

This product has also been evaluated by the EPA for safety and effectiveness. While it takes butane to work, it requires no open flame. It does not require the purchase of batteries so you won’t have to worry about this additional expense.

What is the Active Ingredient in Thermacell?

The active ingredient in Thermacell is allethrin. The allethrin is a synthetic copy of one of the compounds found within chrysanthemum flowers, and proven to repel mosquitoes. It was originally discovered when scientists discovered that mosquitoes avoid being around chrysanthemum flowers.

It’s safe for use around people, since it doesn’t involve actually placing anything directly onto the skin. It’s also odour-free, which is perfect for the allergic person who needs a better solution to mosquito repellents than stinky lotions and creams.

This is a proven ingredient for repelling mosquitoes. It’s installed on a mat strip that fits into the the Thermacell. The butane heats up this repellent mat, which will release the allethrin, and repel mosquitoes within a fifteen square foot radius.

Each mat strip will last for four hours before it needs to be replaced.

How Long Does the Butane Last in Thermacell?

The butane comes in a plastic bottle that is inserted in the bottom of the device. This is what is used to heat up the allethrin strip that directly provides the chemical needed to repel the mosquitoes. One bottle of butane will last you for 12 hours of outdoor time. The mat strips last for 4 hours each, so you’ll need to replace three for every 12 hours of one butane bottle. Some people may wish to use them for a bit longer, but that will be at your own risk of the mosquitos finding you after their effectiveness has worn off.

You don’t need to use it for 12 consecutive hours either. You can use it for a couple of hours one day, and few the following week. The butane will last in the bottle until you need to use it next time.

Who is Thermacell?

Thermacell Inc. is a company that makes only insect repellents for the outdoors. They want to make the outdoors a more enjoyable experience. They are an industry leader in the development, engineering, and research of products for consumers. Each of their products is tested in the field by the USA Department of Defense. They are also endorsed by many companies, including Good Housekeeping and Parade Magazine.

The US Army uses the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent products to protect the troops against insects in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

Instructions for Repelling Mosquitoes using Thermacell

To use it, remove the lid from the butane and insert it into the base of the device. Remove the mat strip from the packaging and insert it into the right side of the grill at the top.

Now it’s ready to use. All you have to do to turn it on is click the switch on the front. You can then place the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent where you want. If you have a holster, you can place it in there. You can also carry it in your hands, but be aware that it will warm up over time. You can also prop it up against a table, or a table leg, or place on the ground.

When you are ready to head back indoors, simply turn it off. Some people may wish to remove the butane bottle and put the screw cap back on.

This anti-mosquito device will last for four hours on one strip, and the butane will last 12 hours before needing to be replaced. Some people may find that the mat lasts beyond the 4 hours, but if you start seeing mosquitoes, or they start biting you, you’ll need to replace it quickly.

Can I Buy Refills for Thermacell Mosquito Repellent?

Yes, you can buy additional butane bottles and the allethrin mat strips through Amazon. The butane bottle should last you about 12 hours before needing to be replaced again, and the mat strips will each last 4 hours.

Is it Safe to Use Thermacell Mosquito Repellent?

It’s safe to use this mosquito repellent around people, but recommended that you keep pets indoors, away from the vapours. Newborn babies should also be kept away the repellant as this is a sensitive time for them. You’ll also want to ensure that no pets try to lick or eat the allethrin mat strips when they are being stored in your home.

You’ll not want to directly breath in the vapours emitted from the Thermacell Repellent either.

This anti-mosquito product has been tested for humans and provides a much safer way to use allethrin than in a mosquito spray or a lotion or cream that is rubbed on the skin.

The device can also run warm while it’s in operation. If it’s a hot day you may wish to not carry it in your hands. The additional purchase of the holster will keep it from heating you up on your hikes. It’s also safer to keep in a holster than to toss the hot device in your backpack after usage.

If it’s a windy day, you may find that your Thermacell Mosquito Repellent doesn’t work as effectively. Some people like to buy two of them, so that if the vapours are pushed in one direction, the other mosquito repeller will also provide additional coverage.

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Reviews

If you check the reviews, you’ll find that most people are happy with their purchase. Here are some common points made after they try it out.

  1. Most people report there are no mosquitoes seen in their vicinity.
  2. Their skin is free of mosquito bites.
  3. It’s portable and the protection goes with them while they’re hiking, walking, or fishing.
  4. It’s simple to use.
  5. Four hours per mat strip is plenty of time for one outdoor activity, but they can easily be replaced if more outdoor time is needed.
  6. The butane lasts for 12 hours but a spare bottle is small enough to pack if you’re going on an extended trip.
  7. Replacement mat strips and butane bottles are affordable.
  8. It’s a relief not to have to rub sticky lotion over the skin.
  9. This product actually works.

People who frequently get bitten by mosquitoes will be seeking a great device that is not only affordable, but that actually works. This product not only protects you, but everyone else who is in the fifteen square foot range. Now you can enjoy lounging and barbecuing at home, and take your Thermacell Mosquito Repellent with you on your hiking, fishing, or camping trips. When you no longer experience any itchy sore bites you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy this product sooner!


3 Comments

  1. Kerry Perkins December 28, 2018
  2. Susan Hajec June 5, 2020
    • David Collins May 26, 2021

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