Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent

THERMACELL RADIUS

There's only one button and a single switch on the device itself.

Thermacell’s mosquito-repelling devices ward off biters by vaporizing an oil containing Allethrin. It’s a synthetic version of a compound found in chrysanthemum flowers that acts as a natural mosquito repellent. In fact, chrysanthemum extract is a common ingredient in many popular skeeter stoppers; similarly, many gardeners plant mums around gardens and outdoor living areas to keep insects out.

Previous Thermacell gadgets have used disposable mats infused with the oil or one-shot fuel canisters that create two types of trash. The company’s new Radius system, however, uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to heat and diffuse the oil. The repellent still comes in disposable cartridges, but it at least cuts down on waste in one area. The resulting protected zone covers roughly 110 square feet.

Compared to typical techniques like a citronella candle, it’s clear that the Radius is more effective, especially as you get further away from the device itself. The Radius takes a few minutes to heat up, but I did considerably less slapping at bugs with it on than without.