Take backoutdoor spaceswhile keeping people — andmosquitoes— at a safephysical distance
As sunny days and warmer temperatures begin to light up communities across the country, Canadians are as eager as ever to get outside while still respecting physical distancing requirements due to COVID-19 — and avoiding mosquitoes, our most annoying summer pests.
This year, summer gettogethers will likely take place at home, on backyard patios or around fire pits a stone’s throw from our living rooms. But mosquitoes are as big a problem here as anywhere, with the power to literally take a bite — or several — out of summer fun.
“Staying home doesn’t have to mean staying inside,” says Kyle Adelman, senior marketing manager for Thermacell, an innovative company from Bedford, Ma. that designs, manufactures and markets area mosquito repellents and other insect control solutions.
“Unfortunately, a lot of the well- known and best- selling mosquito repellent products leave a lot to be desired.”
A recent Thermacell survey found 80 per cent of Canadians agree mosquitoes are the worst part of summer, and more than half ( 55 per cent) admitted to stopping an outdoor activity to move inside and avoid the pesky bugs.
Traditionally, Canadians have relied on sprays containing DEET or citronella candles and torches, which are primarily designed for ambience rather than repelling mosquitoes, to keep mosquitoes at bay. But the study found that many are uneasy about spraying chemicals on their skin, and 48 per cent of respondents said they feel the need to shower after using sprays due to the greasy residue.
“Thermacell offers a highly effective alternative repellency,” says Adelman. “This summer especially, mosquitoes should be the least of your worries.”
Originally developed for hardcore outdoor adventurers — hunters, anglers and campers — Thermacell products provide an effective, convenient, odourless and sprayfree alternative that uses new tech to solve a centuries- old problem. They’ve become the ultimate summer staple for everyone, whether you’re in the backcountry, or enjoying your own backyard.
The sleek, stylish and compact Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller — roughly the size of a bluetooth speaker — is modern, portable and Deet-free.
It looks great on any patio and uses a butane cartridge — but no open flame — to heat and disperse an odourless, highly-effective repellent derived from chrysanthemum flowers. This compact, easy- to- use repeller creates a 15- foot zone of protection from mosquitoes, almost like a giant dome covering a backyard gathering.
Thermacell’s Radius Zone
Mosquito Repeller provides identical 15- foot protection and works like an oil diffuser, heating and dispersing odourless, DEET- free repellent using rechargeable lithiumion battery power.
“Our mission is to liberate people who love the outdoors from the harmful effects of insects,” says Adelman.
“When you remove mosquitoes from the equation, it creates a better opportunity for folks to gather and enjoy themselves.”
Thermacell products are available at all Canadian Tire stores, and with other select outdoor home improvement retailers.