Why we love Thermacell
After spending 65 hours researching a category full of marketing hype and debunked methods, we found that the Thermacell products stand out by actually working. We recommend four different Thermacell products in our guide to the best mosquito control gear for your patio or yard, two for home use and two that are better suited for camping or hunting.
Thermacell makes devices that work like diffusers, using heat to vaporize a small amount of insecticide into the air to create a bug-free zone. The active chemical is either metofluthrin or allethrin, which in numerous studies have proved to be an effective spatial repellent for mosquitoes. They have both undergone thorough vetting by the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory agencies around the world, and it’s deemed safe for this intended use.
Our favorite Thermacell products for home use
Our pick
Our testing confirmed the company’s claim that the Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent protects just over 300 square feet (about a 20-foot diameter circle) in still conditions. This repellent’s simple interface and rechargeable lithium-ion battery (with 9 hours of battery life) make it convenient and easy to use. The E90 comes with a 12-hour repellent cartridge, but 40-hour cartridges are also available.
Upgrade pick
The Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System is a substantially bigger investment towards larger-space coverage. It consists of 3, 4 or 5 metal emitters that look like high-end landscape lights. The devices are connected to an app which provides total control over the system, including turning the repellers on and off, putting them on a schedule or a timer, checking the amount of repellent remaining, and even changing the color of the little lights on the repellers. It can also be connected to a smart home system.
Our favorite Thermacell products for camping or hunting
Also great
Thermacell EX90 Mosquito Repellent
Thermacell’s EX90 has the same mechanics as the E90, but with a few features that make it a better option for camping or other outdoor activities.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $50.
Internally, the EX90 is identical to the E90, but the EX90 has a more compact design, rubbery grip areas on the sides, a lanyard and carabiner (to hang it from a branch), and a locking lid (the E90’s lid is held in place with magnets). The EX90 costs the same as the E90, so it’s really a matter of if you think you’ll need the added durability of the EX90.
Also great
Thermacell MR450 Mosquito Repellent
The MR450 is more rugged and portable than our other picks. And its butane fuel source makes it better for situations like extended camping trips. But it isn’t as convenient as having one with a lithium-ion battery.
We really only recommend this model if you need something even more rugged and durable for long camping trips. The MR450 runs on a butane cartridge, which is faster to burn through and harder to replace than simply recharging a battery. This model also uses four-hour repellent pads, which last for far less time than repellent cartridges, and it’s harder to tell when they’re used up.
Use your Thermacell better
Don’t expect your Thermacell to work the moment you turn it on. You need to turn it on about 10 to 15 minutes before you plan to be outside, to allow the repellent to “saturate” an area.
It won’t work in windy conditions. Thermacells are all about building up an area of protection around the emitter, so it just takes one good breeze to blow it all away.
Also, be careful when opening the repellent replacement cartridges. Some users have accidentally broken the cartridge wicks when they didn’t pull the cap straight up—and if the wick breaks, the cartridge no longer works.
The refill cartridges are all compatible among the E90, the E55, and Thermacell’s older Radius models. But you want to choose the refills that are labeled Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Refill, as they have a higher concentration of repellent, so they offer better protection. If you already own a Radius, you don’t need to upgrade. The E90 cartridges fit and will increase the effectiveness of the older unit.
A version of this post was originally published as part of our 2021 “52 Things We Love” series, an ode to Wirecutter picks that have withstood the test of time. Read the entire series. The latest version was edited by Annemarie Conte and Doug Mahoney.
