NEED TO KNOW
- Thermacell’s E55 is one of the best mosquito repellents on the market, with a scent-free, portable, and rechargeable design.
- Users can enjoy a 28 square metre protection zone, and a generous 5.5 hours of power per charge.
- Alternative mosquito repellents, like citronella candles, aren’t always effective, often have a strong smell and can irritate sensitive skin.
Summer in Australia can be oh-so idyllic. Think days spent on picturesque beaches, lounging at a serene campsite, or simply hosting friends al fresco-style. However, there’s one irritating downside to making the most of the good weather; once the sun begins to go down, mosquitoes come out in full force, forcing us to either tough it out or pack up and retreat indoors. That was, until we were introduced to this clever little gadget.
How to keep mosquitoes away this summer
Shopping Editor’s tip: For keeping smaller areas mosquito-free, Thermacell’s Mini Halo Table Top Repeller ($64.99) is a cost effective solution. However, the E55 provides the best value, with a much larger coverage area for less than $30 more than the Halo.
If your citronella candle isn’t quite cutting it, it might be time to turn to a smarter solution. Enter: Thermacell’s E55, a portable, scent-free, and rechargeable mosquito repellent device that’s perfect for summer entertaining, camping, picnics, travel, watching sports, or simply warm nights spent outdoors.
Better yet, you don’t have to huddle around the Thermacell E55 to avoid creepy crawlies; this powerful gadget creates a safe zone spanning 28 square metres, which is plenty of space for larger groups to enjoy. And with one charge providing 5.5 hours of coverage, you don’t have to worry about dead batteries cutting your summer short.
E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
$91.99 at Thermacell
Mini Halo Tabletop Repeller in Graphite
$64.99 at Thermacell
EX90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller in Charcoal
$109.99 at Thermacell
E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller in Blue
$91.99 at Thermacell
Other tips for staying bite-free
1. Wear insect repellent
You can opt for natural, plant-based repellents like citronella or tea-tree oil, though these need to be reapplied more frequently. Our top choice is the Outdoorish Golden Hour Outdoor Body Oil, which our Shopping Editor, Paris Blanchfield, put to the test on her last camping trip:
“I was camping in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by mosquitoes, and remarkably, I wasn’t bitten once. The fact that it feels great on and doesn’t have a strong smell helps a lot too,” she says.
2. Stay Mint-y fresh
Turns out, mosquitoes hate the smell of mint. Place mint plants around outdoor areas (or grow them yourself!) or alternatively, you can spray some mint oil on your body.
3. Turn the fan on
Luckily, mozzies are naturally weak fliers – so a fan on the verandah or deck is actually a great way to keep the critters at bay (and keep you cool at the same time!). The New York Times also reports that the breeze from a fan “disperses the human emanations that allow female mosquitoes [the gender that bites us] to zero in on us.” It’s really that simple.
4. Don’t wear black
It’s true! Wearing darker colours like black, blue or green can actually attract mosquitoes, so stick to neutrals and loose clothing, as they can bite you through tight clothes.
5. Keep an eye out for likely breeding grounds
Stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Keep an eye out for any old pots or buckets around your home that have filled up with old water. Aside from avoiding going outside altogether during peak mosquito times, wearing protective, long clothing is an effective way to protect yourself without any harsh chemicals.
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