Product Review

BY RON & VIV MOON

Mossie Repeller

Over the years we have tried all the mossie repellers and insect repellents on the market, mainly because Viv is an attraction for them, while I’m not so much bothered by the little buggers.

On our last trip to the Kimberley we met up with friends in Broome and as we were heading out fishing he told us about this new mossie repeller, the ‘Thermacell’, which he now swore by. Next day we were down at the local fishing and camping store buying a unit and a couple of refill kits. Since then they have become more widely available as well as coming down a little in price, which makes them even more worthwhile. In the last few months we’ve used them at home, out camping and fishing. These units work best in calm conditions and each unit will provide coverage over an area of 21 square metres or about 4.6m in diameter … or so the company says. Certainly, when we place a unit under Viv’s chair I also get the benefit of the repellent – if I’m not too far away. With each kit comes a number of butane gas cartridges and a few insert mats, the number depending on which kit you buy. Insert a gas bottle and a mat and then switch on the unit. Wait for a few seconds and press the start button a number of times. This lights the heater which warms the mat giving off the insect repellent. One mat lasts for up to four hours while the butane gas cartridge lasts up to 12 hours. So, would we recommend them? Viv does whole heartedly and we always carry one with us, or have one at home. They are easy to use and while they may seem a little expensive they have proven to be effective, even for keeping mossies at bay for more than one person! If you go to the Thermacell website you’ll find a number of units available suitable for a tent, caravan or camper trailer use, outside in the patio area, or even sitting around a campfire.

For more information, go to: http://thermacellrepellents.com.au RRP $40 or so for basic unit which includes 12-hour refill kit. 48-hour refill kit costs around $38.50.