When you’re outside, using Thermacell can help keep mosquitoes at bay. It repels mosquitoes within a 15 to 20-foot range. radius. Read more to learn how does Thermacell mosquito repellent work and how to set up.
What is Thermacell Radius?
Numerous products from Thermacell are aimed at offering transportable mosquito protection. Thermacell achieved a major milestone with the release of the Radius model, a rechargeable mosquito repellent that weighs less than 200 grams and can protect users for up to half a day on a single cartridge.
I must also emphasize how adorable the Radius is! It has two color options, black and sky blue, and resembles an oversized charging case for wireless earbuds. Or a giant egg.
How Does It Work?
The product name already gives a clue on how the mosquito repellent works – “Therma” because it generates heat to vaporize a liquid solution in a swappable cartridge, “cell” because it gets the energy from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and “Radius” because of Up to 15 feet of protection from mosquitoes, according to Thermacell. On paper, these ideas don’t sound all that novel, but the Thermacell Radius stands out thanks to its distinctive features and design.
How to Set Up Thermacell Mosquito Repellent?
Setting up the Thermacell Radius was simple for me. All you have to do is take the refill cartridge’s protective cap off, open the Radius’ top cover, insert the refill cartridge, and snap it shut.
There is only one power button on the Thermacell Radius, and while it serves the expected purpose, it also serves a few additional purposes. When the button is pressed twice, the Thermacell Radius is told to turn off automatically after 120 minutes. To stop any unintentional triggering, pressing and holding the button will lock the device. Since it is silent, having this feature is helpful when traveling.
Takes About 15 Minutes to Warm Up
The Radius uses only batteries for power, so it takes some time for the device to heat up and diffuse the fluid inside. It will take about 15 minutes for it to power up and form your cone of solitude, according to Thermacell’s upfront instructions. Therefore, if after turning it on for a while you still see some mosquitoes, don’t get alarmed. Keep the unit where it is and allow it to do its magic. That is when I first noticed that we were all no longer slapping at each other and were all waving our arms around less.
Using Thermacell Radius: Does It Really Work?
Thermacell Radius was used in my backyard at home as well as on a camping trip to a nearby lake. There were six of us on the camping trip, and we all thought the mosquitoes were noticeably fewer.
Similar results were obtained when I used it in my backyard. We didn’t have to worry about being bitten by mosquitoes, so we could spend hours outside enjoying the warm evenings.
Although I didn’t think to time it, our 12-hour cartridge seems to have lasted longer than that. A refill cartridge with a 40-hour battery costs about $19 USD.
Does It Smell Or Make Noise?
When I tested the Thermacell Radius, I smelled nothing. Metofluthrin serves as the primary component of the liquid in the Thermacell Radius refill cartridge. The neurotoxin metofluthrin, which is odorless and free of DEET and is safe for both people and pets to use, is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away. It may surprise you to learn that some mosquito coils sold commercially also contain metofluthrin.
Thermacell Radius’ primary purpose is to ignite the heating element so that metofluthrin can be dispersed. During my testing, I heard no noise from the device’s internal fans. It was a nice experience having no wafting smoke, so stink and no buzzing ZAP! of an electrical element.
Battery Life / Charging Time
The battery has a 6.5-hour rating from Thermacell, but I only got about 6 hours out of a full charge. If you don’t mind a slower charging speed, you can leave the Radius on while it is charging. Charging a fully depleted Radius took about 5 hours. Simply connect a spare powerbank, and you should be able to use the entire cartridge without moving it if the slow charging is a major concern for you (it isn’t for me).
Is Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Effective?
The effectiveness of Thermacell insect repellents is the most crucial question. Nobody wants to spend money on an item that is ineffective, especially when it comes to deterring and preventing mosquitoes. Thermacell’s effectiveness, even when compared to that of other mosquito repellents, has, thankfully, been the subject of actual scientific research.
Not only does Thermacell provide a “functional alternative to DEET”, but it can be used to significantly reduce human exposure to diseases carried by mosquitos. This is so that fewer bites can be received and fewer insects can be found in the area, thanks to Allethrin, the main ingredient in Thermacell products.
Is Thermacell Safe?
Safety is the second main issue with Thermacell. Is this insect repellent safe for people and pets if it’s intended to deter and even kill mosquitoes in the area?
Thermacell’s main ingredient, allethrin, is categorized as a non-persistent insecticide, which means it degrades relatively quickly in the environment. Although Thermacell doesn’t leave any residue behind when used, a well-ventilated area should always be used when using it. To avoid consuming the ingredient directly, the Thermacell product should be kept away from eating and cooking areas.
Those who are considering going camping with their cat may want to choose another mosquito repellent because Allethrin is highly toxic to cats.
How Much Do Thermacell Mosquito Repellents Cost?
There are seven distinct Thermacell products, as was already mentioned. Each of them comes with unique features and a unique price.
The difference in price is due to the fact that there are various models of the Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller. The Portable Mosquito Repeller, as its name suggests, is made for portability and is perfect for hiking and hunting. This insect repellent is powered by fuel.
Radius Zone: $49.99
This is the only mosquito repellent that uses Thermacell batteries. The Radius Zone can cover an area of 110 square feet and is very portable. After 6.5 hours of use, the device needs to be recharged, and each refill can keep mosquitoes away for up to 40 hours.
Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller: $24.99 – $34.99
A metal version, a patio lantern, and a torch are just a few of the different models that the Patio Shield mosquito repellents are available in. This mosquito repellent looks great on any patio or deck and is best used during entertaining times. It is a bug zapper that runs on fuel.
Perimeter Mosquito Repellent: $39.99
The Permiter Mosquito Repellent is the only multi-unit system and was designed with your yard in mind. features two units that each offer 15 feet of protection. This fuel-powered mosquito repellent has two mounting options and is ideal for patios, decks, and backyards.
Is Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Worth Buying?
It’s much simpler to decide whether the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent fits into your budget when you consider prices and features. The Radius Zone is a reusable repellent option, but it’s important to keep in mind that mats or refills will always need to be bought, and for all Thermacell products other than the Radius Zone, fuel must also be taken into account. Refills are priced by protection time at Thermacell.
12 For both fuel-powered products and the Radius Zone, Hours of Protection are $7.99.
It’s crucial to comprehend how Thermacell mosquito repellents compare to other mosquito protection options before forming a final opinion about these products.
Disadvantages of Thermacell Mosquito Repellent
Despite our best efforts, no product is perfect because there are always two sides to every story. While Thermacell continues to be a fantastic option, prospective customers should be aware of a few drawbacks.
Because Thermacell does not contact your skin, this is one of its biggest disadvantages. Even though avoiding harmful chemicals is great news, it may lead to less effective protection. This is particularly true when you’re moving or outside when it’s windy. One fixed 15-foot zone can be protected by a Thermacell.
The cost of replacing Thermacells can be an additional drawback for people who spend a lot of time outside. One could expect to spend at least $20 for a weekend camping trip at $7.99 for 12 hours. While that’s not a big deal if you only go out occasionally, it adds up if you spend a lot of time outside and need to be protected from mosquitoes.
Final Verdict
The most effective method for warding off mosquitoes is still thought to be spray-on repellents with DEET. But if you’re outdoors and intend to remain still, a spatial repellent like the Thermacell is a great alternative. It’s also great for situations like backyard dinner parties where you can’t cover up with bug spray. The spray provides protection while you’re moving around, so keep both options in your camping gear.
A fantastic addition to your deck would be the Thermacell. For them, the Radius and E55 models with battery power are intended.
FAQs
How Effective is a Thermacell?
According to studies, this chemical is 95–97% effective at keeping mosquitoes away. The Radius can run on a single battery charge for about 6.5 hours.
Does a Thermacell Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Fuel-powered Thermacell mosquito repellents work by establishing a 15-foot invisible mosquito protection zone. With no need for messy lotions or sprays, Thermacell’s zone repellent technology stops mosquitoes before they can bother you or bite you.
How Does Thermacell Work for Mosquitoes?
An internal heater that silently warms and activates the repellent is powered by a lithium-ion battery in Thermacell rechargeable repellents. When the repellent is activated, it spreads to create an imperceptible 20-foot zone of protection that prevents mosquitoes from entering your outdoor space.