ThermaCELL

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.

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.

• 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

ThermaCELL was tested by the United States Army and it was used by the U.S. Army in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

The U.S. Army

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.

ThermaCELL's main website is found here.

ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent Home and Garden Product Fact Sheet. PDF available.

US Patent No. 7,835,631 Link available here.