Every year, I’m confronted by a long list of gadgets and gizmos designed to make life for the hunter/angler/outdoorsperson better, more comfortable, more reliable, fill-in-the-blank. And each year, I’m disappointed to discover that the marketing surrounding said new gimmick is much more effective than is said gimmick.

Until now. For those of you who haven’t tried the Therma-CELL Units…well, let me put this simply - you should get one. Bottom line, at least for me, it’s the best $19.99 you’ll spend this season. I’ve used the small hand-held units in western Washington on August and September bear hunts, in September for squirrels and early geese in the Midwest, and in early May during Spring turkey season - NOTE: Nothing worse than a Double Bull blind filled with blood-thirsty mosquitoes! - and have but two works to say on their performance and effectiveness - THEY and WORK. During ‘07, Julie and I have cranked the units up during Spring gobbler season, Minnesota’s early goose season, squirrel outings in the skeeter-infested timber, and most recently, on a Youth Deer Hunt in Linn County, Iowa, where the does and the mosquitoes ran neck-and-neck in terms of numbers. Again, excellent performance - just as marketed.

Rather than repeat myself here, take a look at the company’s website - http://www.thermacell.com. Most Wal-Mart stores will carry both the units ranging in price from $16 to $20, along with the refill packs (butane canisters and repellent pads) for right around $6. Several accessories exist, including an illuminated “Patio Lantern” that combines both “mood lighting” and the same butane-powered heater/repellent as the smaller units. For my dollars, however, I would suggest one of the cordura holsters - the quick-release snap-click is worth the $10 or so alone, and makes the unit easy to hang on a fanny pack, blind bag, backpack, or belt. I snap one on the military style ammo pouch I carry while squirrel hunting - it keeps the unit accessible, yet out of the way.

I can’t say this about everything I see in the Spring and Fall, gadget-wise, but this one I highly recommend - M.D. Johnson

My experience with the Therma-Cell has been very positive.  It does indeed work.

hey fellow hunters,
I have been using this unit for 2 years now & I will not leave home either
huntin or fishing without it in my daypack. It is the best thing on the market
you can invest in for the money. I like it so much I purchased them for my
buddies & son-in-law for christmas presents last year. If you could talk to
them they would tell you not to leave home headed to the deer woods
without them. Here in upper east Tn. the mosquitoes are them little black
blood suckers that will leave a welp the size of a quarter & itch for 2 or 3
days, but with this little unit they don’t even come around. On a scale of
1 to 20 it would get a 20+

Remember that all the outdoors is a time to reflect on what GOD has given
to us, so it dosen’t matter if you kill something or not just enjoy being out
there & take it all-in because none of us has a promise of tomorrow. Have
a great time & good hunting to all.

Tn.Rick

Found that little gem this past turkey season. Man ,you talk about some mad GA swamp skeeters. A couple of brave ones tried to come in & take it away but it was too much for em! We got those little no-see-ums here to that bite through the net gloves when bow huntin for deer , way up in the deer stand. Queation tho about scent, will it spook the deer? Also will the holster handle the heat safely? Always shut mine off a few mins early to cool before i put it in the turkey vest.

Does anyone know if the Therma-CELL Units are made in the U.S.?

Mats are made in Italy,unit manufactured in Thailand. They have an earth scent this year. Havn’t read reviews of it yet. One note ,if your traveling by air don’t try to sneak the butane cartridges on. (No I didn’t) Take the unit w/ you but purchase refills at destination or buy them on line & have em shipped. Wish it was made here but this became a must have item real quick. Ranks right up there w/ the TP as a don’t leave leave home w/o it pc of gear.

Thanks for the info.  It must be essential if it ranks up there with TP.  I had a friend who learned the hard way just how essential TP is (poison shumac leaves)!

Oh my Kate,talk about a harsh lesson.

Yeah…he may not have seen the humor in it, but I had a good laugh!

I bet your still laughing at that one.Now he understands why some people wear extra socks when out in the woods least thats what I have been told.

I have used the therma cell on my last 2 fishing trips to Canada where the black flies and mosquitos are horrible.  I also used it on a spring turkey hunt and have found that this product works as well if not better than advertised.

i have the big Skeeter Vac that uses a 20lb propane tank and it keep skeeters away from the pool area. i love it.

i am going to get the thermal-cell this weekend and use it on the savannah river next week. they ate me alive last week.

ill let yall know how it works.

I have four therma-cells. I figured here we go again when I saw them at the archery shop but they REALLY work! I bought one and used it for opening of archery,September 1 in Delaware. I have since bought three more and space them about ten feet apart for a bug free area around bbq and picnic area next to our pool. They are worth more than the asking price,how often does that happen! Although I wouldn’t know or care if walmart sells them. 

been using the therma-cell unit for several weeks and it is GREAT. if you do not have 1 get 1.

where can i get cheaper refills?

Good question! Havn’t tried dollar stores or big lots. If you find em cheap let us know. They also coming out w/ a smaller version