Thermacell: An e-ffective solution for mosquitoes
“One second,” my friend said and popped up from his chair, swatting the bugs as he went inside. He popped back out and with this orb, a little smaller than a softball, in his hand. He pressed the button and it powered on with a very satisfying boop beep beep. “It’s a Thermacell and works awesome.”
Portable, affordable, and effective, the Thermacell is great for keeping mosquitoes away especially with the recent spike in Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Thermacell keeps the mosquitoes away
I happen to be one of those lucky people who don’t tend to attract mosquitoes. For example, my friends will be getting eaten alive on a camping trip and I’m usually just sitting there next to them, happily chomping on a s’more, bothered only by the occasional pest. It’s great for me, however, not so great for my friends. And for the majority of people that tend to attract skeeters.
There are always exceptions to the rule, of course, and sometimes, the mosquitoes just win. A couple of summers ago I was visiting a friend who was staying at a rustic, lakeside cabin. He and I were chatting on his porch under the pines in the early evening and the mosquitoes were very bad. JUST BRUTAL, even with my self-reported trait of not being a mosquito magnet.
“One second,” my friend said and popped up from his chair, swatting the bugs as he went inside. He pops back out and with this orb, a little smaller than a softball, in his hand. He pressed the button and it powered on with a very satisfying boop beep beep. “It’s a Thermacell and it’s awesome at keeping the bugs away.”
The satisfying beep of the Thermacell.
Now this is not a paid promotion, but I swear, within a few minutes, we had an odorless and scentless forcefield around us that made the mosquitoes disperse. No flame, no noise, and most importantly, no mosquitoes!
Look, I like the Zen feeling of lighting citronella incense, and I probably still will, but Thermacell really works!
That night I immediately ordered a Thermacell E-Series kit when I got home. Living out in the woods of Wayland, MA, I could see this gadget coming in handy in numerous settings: from when I go fishing, when we’re grilling in the backyard, or going to our kid’s soccer game on a muggy, early fall morning.
Even though Wayland sprays for mosquitoes, I believe this to be a handy device to bring on trips outdoors, especially to areas with high mosquito activity. Due to its portability and durability, this was a great gadget our family brought to the ponds of Cape Cod over this past summer. I love also that I can just throw it in my tackle bag and set it down next to me while I bank fish for largemouth bass or our beach bag while our kids swim!
EEE cases rise in Massachusetts
With two confirmed cases of EEE in Massachusetts, including the unfortunate EEE-related death in New Hampshire, the Thermacell is a very affordable solution to keep the mosquitoes away. The nearest town to Wayland deemed of EEE risk is neighboring Sudbury, MA with a “moderate” risk level. I am not sure if the town does or does not spray for mosquitoes however here is a link to Sudbury’s press release for more information regarding the recent change in risk level with the detection of mosquitoes carrying EEE.
The highest risk area according to mass.gov is Worcester country. If you’re curious to learn more, click here to view mass.gov’s interactive EEE tracker.
The EEE risk map for Massachusetts, as of Aug. 30, 2024
Certainly the Thermacell is not going to be 100% effective given wind etc but with the E-series’ 20’ radius and 9 hour battery life, this rechargeable unit is a game changer. And while my spouse and I certainly still have been putting bug spray or bug wipes on my children when they have gone outside to play, the ROI on this gadget is great.
Between the EEE cases and Anthony Fauci, former head of NIH, getting extremely sick from West Nile Virus, another mosquito-born virus, it does not hurt to take this extra precaution. I am never going to try to use fear to sell products or my services however I just truly like this product.
““I have to tell you, I’ve never been as sick in my life. Ever. By far, this is the worst I’ve ever been with an illness,.””
Between what Fauci said and other reports in Massachusetts of people suffering paralysis from Eastern Equine Encephalitis transmitted via mosquito bites, I just wanted to share this low tech gadget with you all.
Links to Thermacell Products
For your convenience, below are some quick links to purchase Thermacell products.
Since I first purchased my Thermacell I see they also have more portable versions of the device like this one designed for backpacking and this other handheld unit. Note that these two are smaller and also slightly cheaper than the E-series however the trade off is a smaller effective radius of 15’.
Stay Safe and Have Fun
I hope everyone can get outside and enjoy these beautiful fall days as much as possible! Enjoy that New England foliage and stay healthy and safe, friends!!!