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Is The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern a Must-Have for RVers?

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Silly me. I thought that graduating from tent camping to RVing meant enjoying more protection from the elements, but I quickly learned that mosquitoes have no mercy. Thankfully, the Thermacell® Mosquito Repellent Lantern is making my summertime ritual of slathering on toxic DEET and ineffective natural bug sprays a thing of the past.

This is a mosquito repellant? Yes!

Thermacell Mosquito Repellant Lantern
Thermacell

Those of us who mosquitoes love to attack need to check out this new camping must-have that’s getting rave reviews on Amazon. Here’s why:

Thermacell Mosquito Repellant Lantern

Camping alongside a beautiful lake is my summertime dream and probably that of most RVers.

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Unfortunately, mosquitoes seem to love that fantasy too, since they lay their eggs on water surfaces and moist soil in order to complete their life cycle. My fantasy of a lazy sunset cocktail hour with fellow RVers usually implodes as soon as mosquitoes smell blood and invite themselves to the party.

I hate the thought of using chemical mosquito repellants (or ineffective “all natural” sprays) but there’s never been much of a choice to do otherwise, until now.

A zone of protection against bloodsucking bugs!

Thermacell Mosquito Repellant Lantern
Thermacell

The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern uses the power of a nature-made substance known as “allethrin” to keep mosquitoes, black flies and no-see-ums away. Allethrin is found in chrysanthemum flowers. Thermacell lanterns use a synthetic version of it to ward off bugs.

Each lantern includes a small, replaceable repellant mat that’s soaked with the substance. When the lantern is turned on, it heats the repellant mat using a small, built-in butane cartridge. Within 15 minutes, a 15 by 15-foot (225 square foot) protection zone shields users. The closer you are to the lantern, the more protection it provides.

According to the company, the U.S. Department of Defense tested the lantern on troops after discovering that it provided between 87.5 percent and 98.6 percent protection from biting insects in Costa Rica, Turkey and Korea. If it’s good enough for GI Joes and Janes, I’m guessing it’s good enough for an RVer like me.

Thermacell refills: a small price to pay for bug protection.

Thermacell Repellant Lantern
Thermacell

The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern emits 300 lumens of LED light using four D-cell batteries. The batteries last for around 50 hours of continuous use. Each repellant mat lasts about three to four hours and the butane cartridges last for 9 to 12 hours.

In ideal conditions with little wind, the Theramcell lantern works like a dream. However, it won’t be nearly as effective in rain. The company also admits on its website that one of the biggest limitations is it becomes difficult to operate at altitudes above 4500′.

So, if your perfect camping experience is always in high altitude locations, the Thermacell might not be for you. But for flatlanders, this unique mosquito repellent lantern is a dream come true.

Check out the Amazon reviews:

Thermacell Repellent Lantern
Amazon

Watch a video demonstration of a similar Thermacell model.

Original video by PREPAREDMIND101

Here’s the model that’s shown in the video.

SEE ALSO: The 35+ Best RV Must Haves As Told By Seasoned RV Owners




2 thoughts on “Is The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern a Must-Have for RVers?”

  1. The how to article about the floor repair was excellent!!! But what about repairing a wall? We have water damage to our slide wall as well. How can we repair that part?

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