Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Patio Shield; Includes 12-Hour Refill; 15 Foot Zone of Protection; Highly Effective Mosquito Repellent for Patio; Bug Spray Alternative; Scent Free

I didn't get this item for free, so you can trust that my review is solid. Mosquitos are pretty picky about who they prey upon. They prefer a particular scent and blood chemistry which is why I can understand why the reviews range from "didn't work" to "changed my life." Let's face it - when you're in an area where mosquitos are so thick that you can hear them buzzing and watch them landing on your skin, you should just go inside. Not much is going to save you. However, if you're like me and your skin lights up with a neon sign for the mosquitos (and you are the ONLY one they're biting in a group), you're happy to try just about anything that will keep them away from you.My husband bought this Thermacell Repeller so I would stop complaining. I still haven't stopped complaining (sorry, honey), but I have stopped flapping my gums about mosquitos. We put this Repeller out on our porch during the beginning of summer, before the mosquitos were really out and about. About mid-summer I started telling my health care provider (and all of my friends) that I must be going through menopause early or having some major blood chemistry change, because mosquitos were no longer seeking me out of a group. As long as we were outside around our home, I just wasn't getting a bite. It was miraculous and beautiful. Then we went to a friend's house. Ouch. They were all over me again. It took me a while to realize (yeah, I'm a little slow) that the reason I wasn't getting bit at home was because my husband had lit the Thermacell each time we were outside. I honestly didn't even realize it was on and running. It doesn't make noise, doesn't product a smell, and doesn't really take up any room at all. Pretty dang amazing. We went through 3 scent pads this summer and one fill of butane and it keeps on going. It's easy to throw in a bag and take anywhere with us. Most everyone who visited this summer has purchased one. I advise you do the same if you're a mosquito magnet like me. It really is a game changer.

Mosquitos vanished within a few minutes of turning it on. The pads didn't last as long as advertized, and the igniter did not work on a second unit I bought. But the one unit worked perfectly and made a huge difference in our camping trip in Wyoming.

I really love this!! After 15 minutes you can tell it's working as the flying critters go away. I took one star away because it's hard to see if the light comes on after ignition. Each vial lasts approximately 12 hours and they give plenty of pads for the top. I did leave outside while it rained, I don't think that was the best. But once I replaced the pad it was fine. But I bring it inside to avoid in mishaps

I am a mosquito magnet and I was pretty skeptical about this product, but thought, "what do I have to lose?" I am blown away. For the first time in ever, I can sit outside without being doused in bug spray and not get one single mosquito bite. Pretty amazing. I wish the butane cartridges were refillable (even if as a proprietary system) so I don't: a) have to keep buying expense refills and b) add more plastic to the waste stream. (I did see where they now have a USB battery-operated one and I'll likely spring for that one when this one konks out) I've seen some reviews talking about how it doesn't work, but they're showing flies and I did notice it did not work on flies, but it is stellar on mosquitoes. Follow the directions and it is amazing! Highly recommend!

The first thermacel unit I purchased worked for a few months but then the orange light would not come on and unit did not heat. I purchased a second unit thinking it was a fluke, but after going through only one fuel source, same thing….cannot turn unit on……..when it worked it was great, but to have 2 units fail it is just wrong….there has to be something better on the market.Sadly I cannot recommend this product.

I feel like I can enjoy my backyard with this thing. Very Effective. The fuel and the pads last quite a while. It doesn't get too hot, so I don't feel like it's a safety concern. Perfect size to take with you camping.

We lived in Houston..where the mosquitos can breed in the air…This thing saved us when we were outside. We loved eating on our patio and always had this nearby. Used it for years!

I have an older version of this product that I’ve used for a long time. It works as advertised as does the new one. Mosquitoes are repelled in the area around the device. The device creates a repellant vapor so wind and obstructions effect efficiency. There is little or now odor and no noise.The device can be hard to light initially. Be sure to wait 5-10 seconds after turning “on” to allow gas to accumulate in the ignition chamber before turning to “start” to ignite the flame.It comes with a cap. Apparently, the cap is only for storage. The device won’t stay lit with the cap in place and the repellent vapor can’t escape. There is no mention of any of this in the directions. I bet they get a lot of help line calls as a result.The site glass for the flame is not aligned properly making it hard to see if it is lit. I have to look through it at an angle to see the flame. It is easier just to look through the grill at the top making the site glass unnecessary unless the cap is in place which, of course, guarantees that the flame isn’t lit.These things are kind of like printers: the device might be reasonably priced but the refills is where they make their money. Consider the cost of refills vs hours of use and compare to other options before you buy.