Mosquitos are quite a nuisance. These critters can mess up your day. Mosquitoes make it hard for us to enjoy the summer. Even worse, they will make your camping experience a nightmare.
There have been many inventions throughout history to try and keep these insects at bay. They have wreaked havoc on people for generations.
Mosquitos also carry harmful pathogens called plasmodium. They are responsible for nearly all malaria cases within the tropics.
Of the many inventions created to combat mosquitoes, one of the most misunderstood appliances is Thermacell.
The obscure-looking tool might strike skepticism over its application and functionality. It is a mystery to many folks.
Thermacell is a portable mosquito repelling device. The manufacturers make a variety of products that have the same working principle.
So, how does Thermacell work?
Thermacell works by discreetly releasing mosquito repellant into the air. Each Thermacell device is equipped with a butane cartridge. Butane transfers latent heat to a small mat.
The mat is soaked in repellant. The cloth expels the repellant on heating, effectively keeping mosquitos at bay.
How To Use Thermacell Equipment
Thermacell makes a wide range of equipment. The equipment all has the same functionality. Some of the products are custom made for specific conditions, such as outdoors and campsites.
The basic functionality of the products is the same. These machines are automated repellant releasing devices.
They are pretty effective in keeping mosquitoes away. Many people love the devices as they are pretty convenient.
A typical Thermacell machine has the following parts:
- A single butane cartridge
- Three cloth mats
- Proprietary allethrin-based mosquito repellant.
Here is how you use the repellant:
Step 1: Screw in the butane cartridge to the bottom slot on your device. All the products have the cartridge located at the bottom.
A single cartridge will get you up to 12 hours under continuous use. Once you run out of butane, you can easily replace the cartridge by unscrewing and using a new one. Thermacell sells the cartridges.
Step 2: Insert the repellant pad into the device. The repellant-soaked pads come in sachet packages. These pads are tiny blue rectangular-shaped pieces. They slot in perfectly in the space allotted in the device.
The repellant pads last longer. Once the allethrin repellant is used up, you can replace it by ejecting the pad and slotting in a new one. These pads are also inexpensive, and Thermacell sells them.
Step 3: Place the machine in the desired area. Set the machine in a room or patio once you have inserted the butane cartridge and the repellant pad.
Step 4: Turn on the machine: You should hear a slight rumble on turning the machine on. Some models have indicator lights to notify you that the machine is working.
The machine should start working about five minutes after you have turned it on. The protection area depends on the model and size of the Thermacell product.
It would help if you replaced the pad once the repellant ran out. You will notice discoloration on the pad if the allethrin repellant is finished. It would help if you discarded used pads safely.
Note that the repellant is odorless, so don’t expect to smell anything when the machine is running.
Safety Measures When Using A Thermacell Product
Thermacell products are safe and convenient when used correctly.
You will need to take a few measures when using Thermacell products. These measures are essential and should not be disregarded. They are:
1. Dining restrictions
Do not use Thermacell equipment too close to food and drinking water, especially indoors. The insecticide vapors might contaminate the food. The vapors should not be ingested, leading to severe stomach upsets.
To avoid food poisoning, ensure that you use the product safely away from food and water.
2. Storage
When not in use, you should store Thermacell equipment in a cool and dry place. Avoid storing the machine in humid places or direct sunlight. It can be hazardous considering the presence of a butane cartridge on the devices.
To avoid contamination, you should also ensure that the Thermacell products are kept away from water supplies.
3. Keep away from children and pets.
It would help to store the Thermacell equipment away from children and pets. The insecticide is toxic to ingestion, likely to occur around curious animals and kids.
If your child or pet swallows the pad, you must rush them to the hospital immediately, with the material safety data sheet provided with all Thermacell products.
4. Ventilation
Ensure that you use the products in well-ventilated areas. The insecticide might not be toxic, but prolonged exposure to the vapors might cause nausea and irritation.
Decent airflow assists in dispersing the excess vapors. The insecticide is odorless, so be careful not to over-expose yourself.
5. Disposal
It is important that you safely dispose of the used pads. Discard them in a manner that pets and children shouldn’t find them. You should also ensure that they get discarded away from running water.
6. Open aquariums and fish tanks
The insecticide is very toxic to fish. It would be best to never use it in the same rooms as fish or near open aquariums.
They are likely to lead to the death of marine life. It is also part of why you must never dispose of used pads near running water.
How To Make The Most Out Of Thermacell Products
Thermacell products are excellent as they are convenient to use. You should ensure that the products last long to serve you properly. How can you get the best out of Thermacell products?
1. Time your tank replacement
Ensure that you replace your butane cartridge as soon as you run out. Keeping the machine running on an empty cartridge puts unnecessary strain on the device’s electrical components. It will shorten the lifespan of your Thermacell product.
2. Do not overuse insecticide pads.
Once the pads have become discolors, ensure that you replace them. Replacing pads will save you money on buying butane tanks. It is cheaper to replace cartridges than to waste butane on a used-up insecticide pad.
3. Run your rechargeable Thermacell repellant regularly
Like with any rechargeable device, you should use rechargeable Thermacell repellants regularly. Using the device regularly will assist immensely in optimizing the battery performance of the repellant.
4. Avoid using the machine in the rain.
The outdoor repellant should never be exposed to the rain.
Water or moisture will damage the device’s electrical components. It might even be a fire hazard.
5. Use proprietary parts
Ensure that the company issues the replacement parts for the Thermacell products. Non-proprietary parts could be substandard in quality or even incompatible with the Thermacell device.
Why Are Thermacell Products So Good?
Thermacell seems to have an excellent reputation and high customer satisfaction among product users. These devices have become quite popular, and their market has sky-rocketed in recent times.
Here is why many folk love Thermacell products:
1. Convenience
Thermacell products are super convenient to use. These devices are hustle-free compared to other means of keeping mosquitos at bay. You do not need to douse your relaxation space in aerosols or apply rancid repellants to your skin.
The products are more practical to use than mosquito nets. They cover a large area and are less restrictive.
2. Affordability
Compared to the cost of purchasing aerosol-based repellants, Thermacell products are pretty cheap in the long run.
With Thermacell, you will be saving hundreds of dollars every year. They will save you money and keep you protected from those pesky bugs.
3. Thermacell uses scentless repellants.
One of the biggest criticisms of using conventional repellants is the scent associated with these products. Many repellants are nauseous and uncomfortable. They may even induce sneezing fits and other skin allergies.
Thermacell products use allethrin-based mosquito repellants. They are scentless.
You do not have to suffer through terrible-smelling insecticides anymore.
4. Portability
Thermacell products are the ideal travel companions. These products are compact and can easily fit in bags.
Thermacell offers very tiny ideal options if you have limited space. It makes the product convenient for camping, hiking, fishing, and other general outdoor activities.
You can choose to have large options. They offer a bigger protection radius at the expense of portability.
5. Simple installation
All Thermacell products are easy to install. The workings and mechanisms are pretty rudimentary. It means that you don’t need a professional to have the machine up and running. Installing Thermacell products usually takes less than five minutes.
Conclusion
Thermacell technology is unique. It is convenient to the user, but it also works effectively. Thermacell devices work in both indoor areas and outdoor. It has made them a trendy choice for homeowners, campers, and hikers.
Thermacell technology uses an automated mosquito repellant ejecting mechanism. Both the repellant and butane are easy and cheap to refill. You also get an array of repellants. The repellants aren’t created artificially. Instead, Thermacell uses allethrin-based repellants.
