Mosquito control

This has been a bad year for mosquitoes at our particular campground. And if there's one thing that drives me nuts, it's mosquitoes! So I would normally be inside where it's comfortable, instead of outside with the bugs. However I think we have found a decent solution to the problem.

Thanks to our blogging friends Karen and Steve we bought a Thermacell mosquito repellant lantern a month or so ago. We've now used it a few times so it's time for a user report from someone who can't stand moquitoes.

So you open the box, and screw a little butane cartridge into the unit. Then, you open another packet that contains the repellant pad. You light the tiny flame that heats the pad, releasing the poison. Yes, it is a pesticide, and it does actually kill the little buggers within about a 15 sq foot area.

I sat out with the neighbour the first time I used it, and the mosquitoes were BAD. You're supposed to light this thing a half hour in advance of sitting outside to let it take effect, but this time we didn't. However, on an evening where I would normally have been driven indoors, I think I only got three bites the whole time. I was impressed!

The bugs have since gone away a little bit, and now when I light this thing and use it, there are no mosquitoes to be had. Very impressed, and you don't have to spray on bug stuff. Also, when using it at night, the flame gives off a little bit of useful light.

The only downside is that you have to buy replacement pads and cartridges, but so far they seem to both last a long time. We will be taking extras to Mexico with us, although there aren't normally too many problems with bugs down there.