Thermacell Technology Keeps Mosquitoes & Blackflies at Bay

Leo Maloney

Outdoors

As I mentioned in last week’s column the dreaded blackflies are out, especially in central New York. However the rainy weather will also certainly produce an abundance of mosquitoes everywhere this season. If you are going to spend time outdoors this spring or summer you had better be prepared for protecting yourself against mosquitoes or blackflies, whether in the Adirondacks, central New York or elsewhere.

One of the things that I have found that really works is the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent. I have used the hand held (Appliance) model successfully for many years and it provides silent, odorless, and long-lasting protection for a 15 foot radius. It utilizes a butane cartridge that heats a pad and gives off a synthetic copy of natural insecticides. There is even a holster with belt clip available. Whether it is in the turkey woods, trout fishing, or sitting around the campfire I find it really works.

The chances are that many of us are going to be staying close to home this summer and spending evenings on our back

porch or deck. Mosquitoes are a constant threat and often make it impossible to enjoy an evening outdoors. Most citronella candles or similar devices are not very effective in keeping them away.

Since I have discovered the Thermacell Outdoor Lanterns, I have introduced a lot of friends and family to them. It is both a powerful insect repellent and portable long-lasting LED lantern. The functions can be used together or separately. Whether camping, relaxing on the dock, or even on your backyard deck you should consider this compact, effective device.

The insect repellent function is powered by a butane cartridge which heats a mat releasing allethrin, a synthetic copy of a natural insecticide. Each mat provides up to four hours of protection. The butane cartridge provides up to 12 hours of operation. It’s non-toxic, lightweight, portable, odor free, and very effective.

It provides light with eight LEDS, has 2 illumination settings, and operates on four AA batteries. It has a rugged structure to withstand mishaps and an easy grip handle. We use them all spring and summer.

A simple switch lights the butane while another operates the led lights separately. You can use them independently. They are effective against biting insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, or no-see-ums.

Now Thermacell has several outdoor lanterns that combines the same insect repellent with a lantern using LEDS for ambient

lighting at your campsite or back deck. There is the Patio style lantern which gives a soft light or the Scout or Camp lanterns which produce more light. They are lightweight, can be hung or set on a stand, and gives you hours of protection. The lighting and insect repellent functions operate independently. See www.thermacell.com or check local sporting goods stores.

The Thermacell Radius is a cool new product that uses proven technology to repel mosquitoes and is scent-free, highly effective and portable. Plus, they are aesthetically appealing, just the thing to set on your deck and patio. The Radius is the first rechargeable, compact and powerful mosquito solution. Just the touch of a button provides hours of comfort. Instead of the usual butane cartridge it runs on a battery and has timing features.

The Radius features a rechargeable USB Lithium-ion battery. It is cordless, lightweight, minimalist design, and has an automatic shut off timer. It is fast acting - the zone of protection forms in just minutes with up to six hours of run time per charge.

Long life refills are available, up to 40 hours each. There are no sticky sprays, oily lotions, or active ingredients that can damage gear, or messy fuels or smoke. For those who travel to southern climates in winter it is airtravel friendly.

A Lithium Ion battery choice of power enables a single refill system. Longlife Radius refills are available with up to 40 hours of repellent action and can be started and stopped as often as needed. The lithium-ion

battery is USB rechargeable, allowing for up to six hours of run time per charge, and even features an automatic shut off timer.

The Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent System is available for purchase in many outdoor supply stores or check Thermacell.com for information.

Disgusting insects are a fact of life, but they do not have to dominate or ruin our summer. Whether it is on the lake, at camp, camping on your own, or relaxing in your own backyard, choose the Thermacell products that best suit your needs. Summer is too short to not enjoy it.

SHORT CASTS

Chicken BBQ Take Out The Vernon Rod & Gun Club will hold its annual popular chicken barbeque although this time it will be take-out only. Save the date of Saturday, May 16, rain or shine. Hours are 12 until all are gone. Menu is half a barbeque chicken, salt potatoes, roll, coleslaw, and dessert. Cost is $10 for dinner, or halves at $5. Enjoy the take-out and support a good cause. Fishing Report Opening week was generally good for fishermen on Oneida Lake with a variety of lures or techniques taking walleye. Last weekend the weather took a turn for the worse and

fishing suffered as a result. Water temperature dropped and the cool temperatures and stiff northwest winds made conditions tougher and the fishing more unpredictable.

Anglers had to try many different lures or techniques instead of relying on jigging. Jerk baits and plastics seemed to be the best bet. Just before dark was the prime time. Some nice walleye were caught by anglers who kept changing lures. Walleyes that were caught were generally loaded with perch.

Grouse Survey Turkey hunters especially, but others who may be in the woods this spring are asked to help with a survey of ruffed grouse during the breeding season.

The sounds of drumming by a male ruffed grouse has always been a part of the spring woods. Sadly this sound is much less common these days. As the male stands on a fallen log and beats his wings it sounds like the staccato beat of a John Deer tractor.

Reports of grouse drumming survey provides a index of grouse distribution and abundance during the critical breeding season in spring. There is still two weeks of turkey hunting season and some others

may be afield hiking or fishing in wooded spots to listen and report on drumming activity. Print or download a survey form from the DEC’S website.

Hunter Education Courses Online: Unfortunately, over 150 traditional hunter education classes have been cancelled due to the COVIC virus pandemic, leaving many new hunters wondering how to get a hunter safety certificate. Now there is a new option for earning a hunter education certificate. For a limited time first time hunters in New York can complete the required hunter education online. The course will be offered until June 30. A decision will be made later if it will still be available.

The online course is available to anyone ages 11 or older and can be completed from a computer, tablet, or smart phone at any time. Students who complete the online course and a virtual field day, and pass the final exam, will receive their hunter education certificate and can purchase a hunting license.

The cost of this course is $19.95. The online course will be available April 15 through June 30, 2020 on the Kalkomey website (www.hunter-ed. com/newyork/). There is no intention of eliminating in-person courses in the future.

Online Boating Safety Courses

Because of the pandemic rules against gatherings or social contact, the various safe boating classes have been cancelled.

Remember that this is still a law requiring that all operators of motorized watercraft must complete a state-approved course by 2025. For example anyone born after January 1, 1988 must complete this course by 2022. Others are required by year according to age.

Office of Parks & Recreation spokesman Dan Keefe said that there are several online courses to meet the demand. Prices vary from free to $29.95 or $31.95, depending on who is providing the course. See the NYS Parks website for the list.