If you're looking to keep mosquitoes away from your campsite or a backyard gathering, the Thermacell has you covered.
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Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Review: We Tried Two Outdoor Battery-Powered Repellers
Updated on Jul. 22, 2025
Whether reading in a backyard hammock or enjoying the sounds of a stream on a camping trip, I’d much rather be outdoors than anywhere else. But mosquitoes can quickly ruin any outside time, targeting even the smallest patch of uncovered skin.
Daniel Markowski, Ph.D., of the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), warns, “Mosquitoes are responsible for causing more human suffering than any other animal.” He suggests, “The best way to prevent mosquito bites while traveling, including in parks or other natural areas, is to use a personal repellent.”
There are plenty of options to ward off mosquitoes, like candles (which often don’t work well) or bug spray. Still, mosquitoes seem to find me no matter what. So, when a friend recommended a Thermacell portable mosquito repeller, I was eager to try it out.
We Tried It
Thermacell Mosquito Repeller
These handy gadgets are portable, easy to use and do a great job of keeping mosquitoes at bay.
What is a Thermacell?
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—they can carry serious diseases like the West Nile Virus, one of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 1,400 cases of the virus across the country. While that’s a small fraction of the population, it’s not something to take lightly. Beyond health risks, mosquito bites can ruin relaxing outdoor time.
That’s where Thermacell comes in. These portable devices use a battery to expel mosquito repellent. They’re silent and odorless, and it takes just 10 to 15 minutes to reach their full coverage area. Depending on the model, these devices offer up to 12 hours of protection, with refillable cartridges for extended use.
Though designed for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, Thermacell works just as well on a porch or patio, making it a versatile tool for keeping mosquitoes at bay during any outdoor activity.
How We Tested It
Thermacell MR450
On Sale
Thermacell MR450 Mosquito Repeller
I took the Thermacell MR450 on a weekend camping trip with my family along the Conejos River in Colorado’s Rio Grande National Forest in June—prime mosquito season. After a short hike along the river, we returned to camp around 5 p.m. to prepare dinner, and the mosquitoes were already bothering us, so I fired up the Thermacell.
Once you understand the activation process, the Thermacell MR450 is easy to use. To start, insert a repellent mat, load the fuel cartridge, turn it on and press the start button twice or thrice (it won’t activate with a single push). After that, place it in a central spot and let it do its job. Refueling follows the same process as activation. However, the mats last four hours each, while the fuel canister lasts 12 hours, meaning you’ll need to swap mats more often than the fuel cartridge.
It was my first time using it, and in hindsight, I should have tested it beforehand. Setting it up was straightforward, but it took me a few minutes to figure out how to turn it on. The push-button ignition is easy, but there’s no clear indicator that the device is running—aside from a faint sound. Once it started, it took about 15 minutes to kick in. Patience is key here, or a more thorough reading of the instructions than I managed.
The MR450 covers about 15 feet in all directions and works best when stationary. It has a belt clip for portability, but movement may affect performance. The device operates almost silently and without odor, making it tricky to tell if it’s on. It’s durable enough for outdoor use, but keep it dry to avoid damage and maintain its mosquito-repelling power.
I eventually left it on the picnic table to do its thing. After about 15 minutes, the constant buzzing of mosquitoes around us stopped. It stayed that way as we prepared dinner, cleaned up and played card games. We stayed up later than usual, so I swapped the mat once before bed.
The 15-foot protection zone seemed accurate enough—while I didn’t measure it precisely, it covered the area with our stove, coolers and washing station. However, when I left that zone to use the restroom, the mosquitoes immediately found me until I returned. That’s the main drawback of the Thermacell—it’s only effective within its range, and moving outside that radius makes it less effective. But it’s compact enough to attach to a pack or slip into a pocket for portability. Wind can also impact its coverage in a single spot, but it sometimes helps keep the bugs at bay, too.
Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable
On Sale
Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski also tried the new rechargeable Thermacell E-Series. She opted for the E65 model with a 20-foot coverage area and a 6.5-hour battery life.
“I love spending summer nights out on the patio,” Katie explains. “But nothing kills the mood faster than buzzing, biting mosquitoes. I was eager to see if this rechargeable gadget would make a difference.”
The Thermacell arrived in a standard box and came with a charging cable, dock and one refill cartridge. Unlike the Thermacell MR450, the Thermacell E65 is rechargeable, so there’s no need to replace fuel canisters. Katie plugged the device in and let it charge up. Then, she popped in the repellent cartridge.
“Right away, I was impressed with the sleek look of the Thermacell,” Katie says. “It’s small and compact, making it easy to store on our patio table. I fired it up for the first time by simply pressing the middle button. It does take a few seconds to get started, but once it does, the lights will stay solid and you’ll be able to see a slight waft emanating from the center.”
Like the MR450, it takes 15-20 minutes to establish a coverage zone. “The E-Series protects up to 20 feet, which was the perfect size for my patio—and then some,” Katie says. “I could sense it was working because, well, I stopped getting mosquito bites! I’m amazed how well this thing operates.”
Katie has been testing the E-Series for about a month and is continually impressed. “I usually wait until around dusk—or when I inevitably get that first bite—to turn the Thermacell on. And once I do, I’m protected for the rest of the night. This is such a great investment for anyone who deals with pesky pests.”
Recharging the device is easy. Simply turn it off, attach it to the dock and plug in the charging cable. It takes about two hours to fully charge. “My only concern is the cost of the refills,” Katie says. “But that price is worth the peace of mind and protection.”
Pros:
- Easy to use and portable
- Creates a wide zone of protection
- Scent-free and quiet operation
- Rugged build for outdoor activities
Cons:
- Fuel and repellent refills are pricey
- Initial cost might be higher compared to traditional repellents
- Not as effective in high-wind areas or when moving
What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say
“We love Thermacell,” says Amazon reviewer Kara Chittim. “I am almost embarrassed to admit how many we have. We use them all the time and everywhere. I pack them in my hunting vest. They are small and easy to use. Make sure you have plenty of refills because you don’t want to be caught running out and realizing just how good they work! 100000% worth the money!”
5-star reviewer Chuck Rasco agrees, saying: “I was a little skeptical at first, as there are plenty of these types of things on the market that don’t work. But we decided to take a chance and give it a try. It was impressive! There’s no noise, no smell, nothing…it just sits there quietly working away. We sat out on our patio last evening at dusk. Usually, we’d get a handful of mosquitoes flying around. With the Thermacell running, we got none. I didn’t venture too far away from it, so I’m not sure how far it was effective, but sitting it on the table between my wife and I, it definitely worked. I’ll probably add another one to our patio just to make sure the entire area is covered, but it definitely did its job!”
We also scanned online forums to see what folks think of the Thermacell, and there’s a lot of positive reviews out there. A nice summing up would be this Reddit user who said, “I bought the Thermacell MR450 this summer and I’m very happy with its effectiveness. Only used it a few times, but so far, so good. It’s very lightweight too. I got the holster for it so that I can carry an extra cartridge and mats.” Users often highlight Thermacell’s incredible effectiveness, while others note the slightly higher price point compared to alternative options.
Product Comparison
Overall, Thermacell is an effective solution for repelling mosquitoes outdoors. While it may not match the potency of direct bug-repellent sprays, it offers a solid alternative without the sticky, unpleasant residue on your skin. It’s also more effective than bug zappers, which don’t work well on biting insects like mosquitoes, and offers a better range than citronella candles.
It’s simple to operate once you get the hang of turning it on and replacing mats and fuel cartridges. However, the cost of regularly replacing these components can add up compared to cheaper options like bug spray or candles.
Thermacell vs. Dynatrap
Other similar devices and gadgets on the market are specifically meant to eliminate or deter mosquitoes, like the Dynatrap. The Dynatrap is a mosquito and flying insect killer with a radius of 1 acre. Unlike the Thermacell, it’s not portable (instead, you hang it like an outdoor light), but it’s still meant to prevent bites from nearby mosquitoes. It’s definitely way pricier at around $115 as opposed to the Thermacell’s $30 cost, but it also has a much higher coverage area. And although it’s not designed to be portable, the Dynatrap only weighs in at around 6 pounds, so you could take it camping with you if you were headed on a trip.
Final Verdict on Thermacell
Spray-on repellents remain the most effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay, but they have some drawbacks. These range from minor annoyances like sticky skin and unpleasant smells to more severe concerns, such as skin irritation and rashes (particularly with DEET-containing sprays). For situations where you’d rather avoid these issues or can’t use bug spray, a spatial repellent like the Thermacell is an excellent alternative—especially for relatively stationary activities like backyard dinners.
Thermacells are ideal for backyard use (on the deck, around a campfire, or other outdoor gatherings) and, thanks to its portability, can be taken to various locations. Remember that you’ll need to bring replacement repellent cartridges to maintain its mosquito-repelling capabilities.
Where to Buy a Thermacell Mosquito Repellent
We Tried It
Thermacell Mosquito Repeller
Say goodbye to buzzing, pesky mosquitoes when you bring a Thermacell repeller to your outdoor activities.
Thermacell mosquito repellers are available at most places that sell outdoor and backyard equipment, including big-box retailers. The full range of Thermacell products is available on Amazon and the brand’s website. Prices vary depending on the model and size, but most cost between $20 and $40.
FAQ
How long does Thermacell protection last?
The Thermacell MR450 includes one fuel cartridge and three repellent mats. Each fuel cartridge provides around 12 hours of protection, while a single repellent mat lasts for four hours, meaning you’ll go through three mats per cartridge before needing replacements.
For the rechargeable E-Series, refills last 12, 24 or 36 hours, depending on the exact model. The rechargeable battery lasts for 5.5 to 9 hours, depending on the model.
Is the repellent safe for pets and children?
Yes, Thermacell mosquito repellent is safe for use around pets and children, as it does not contain DEET or other harmful chemicals.
Can I use it while walking, or does it need to remain stationary?
Thermacell promotes the MR450 for mobile use, such as hiking. However, we found that its mosquito-repelling power is more effective when stationary, making it ideal for activities like sitting around a campfire or relaxing in the backyard.
How effective is Thermacell?
When we tested it out, we found it to work fairly well, although it didn’t completely prevent mosquito bites altogether. It was most effective in stationary areas, and the 15- to 20-foot zone seemed pretty accurate.
What are the drawbacks of Thermacell?
For one, you’ll have to eventually replace the cartridge or repellent mat, which is an added expense as opposed to just using mosquito repellent spray over time. It also wasn’t super effective once our tester, Ryan, left the allotted 15-foot zone, and he ran into mosquitoes immediately after leaving the area.
Why You Should Trust Us
Ryan Van Bibber is an award-winning editor and writer with over two decades of experience in DIY and product testing, a passion he developed from working alongside his father, a carpenter and general contractor. He also created the Family Handyman Approved product testing initiative and previously worked as an editor for Outside Magazine, contributing to his expertise in testing products like Thermacell’s MR450 mosquito repellent.
For this hands-on review, we also consulted Daniel Markowski, Ph.D. from the American Mosquito Control Association. He holds degrees from Memphis State University (B.S. in biology) and the University of Rhode Island (M.S. in zoology; Ph.D. in biological sciences). With over 25 years of experience, Markowski has directed pest and vector management programs nationwide.
Paul Rankin, content updates editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul also writes for Reader’s Digest, Bob Vila and Taste of Home and has written shopping guides since 2021.
