Problem being addressed[edit | edit source]
Malaria mosquitos are common in wetlands, especially in rice growing regions and in cool shaded wooded areas and pools. Individuals are in danger of being bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito when in proximity to these types of landscapes. For this reason, individuals can benefit from using a portable, non-toxic device that protects against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Detailed description of the solution[edit | edit source]
ThermaCELL is a portable, battery-less, non-toxic device that dispenses a small amount of heated mosquito repellent into the air over a long period of time. This device is powered by a butane cartridge which provides the cordless, portable heat necessary to vaporize the repellant, which mimics naturally occurring insecticide. The repellant creates an area of 15 x 15 ft (225 sq ft) of protection against mosquitoes. The product promises to keep 98% of biting insects at a distance.
Designed by[edit | edit source]
- Design: This device was developed under a cooperative research and development agreement between The Schawbel Corporation and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
- Manufacturing: United States
When and where it was tested/implemented[edit | edit source]
ThermaCELL was tested by the United States Army and it was used by the U.S. Army in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
Funding Source[edit | edit source]
The U.S. Army
References[edit | edit source]
Peer-reviewed publication[edit | edit source]
Alten, B., Caglar, S.S., Simsek. F.M., Kaynas, S., & Perich, M.J. (2003). Field evaluation of an area repellent system (Thermacell) against Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Ochlerotatus caspius (Diptera: Culicidaw) in Sanliurfa Province, Turkey. Journal of Medical Entomology, 40(6), 930-934.
Kitchen, L.W., Lawrence, K.L., & Coleman, R.E. (2009). The role of the United States military in the development of vector control products, including insect repellents, insecticides, and bed nets. Journal of Vector Ecology, 34(1), 50-61.
Other internally generated reports[edit | edit source]
ThermaCELL's main website is found here.
ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent Home and Garden Product Fact Sheet. PDF available.
IP and copyright[edit | edit source]
US Patent No. 7,835,631 Link available here.