Gardening Ideas Garden Pests This Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Really Works, According to Amazon Reviewers Yes, even on huge Southern pests. By Christie Calucchia Christie Calucchia Christie Calucchia is a writer, editor, and content strategist with five years of experience in the lifestyle digital media space. She has interviewed interior designers, organization experts, dermatologists, and celebrities to discover trends and provide product recommendations. Her work can be found on Real Simple, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, InStyle, People, Health, Shape, and more. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on June 16, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. While you might not be able to take the summer vacation you envisioned this year, you can still enjoy warm weather and relax outside in your backyard or on the front porch. Surely you've already picked out the perfect patio furniture and potted a few plants, but there's one other outdoor necessity you won't want to forget: mosquito repellent. Nothing ruins a day outside faster than pesky mosquitoes zipping in your ear. Luckily, there are ways to deter the insects from budding into your leisure time, and Amazon shoppers seem to have found an affordable and effective solution. The Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent is currently the number one best-seller in the online retailer's patio, lawn, and garden department. It's a compact and portable device that offers 12 hours of protection within a 15-foot area. Instead of spraying on chemical repellents like DEET, you can simply place the repeller on your patio table or on the ground by your lawn chair to enjoy a bit of fresh air without mosquitos getting in your way. In fact, according to the brand, this repellent is six times more effective than citronella candles, which are often touted as a natural alternative to insect repellent. The fuel-powered device uses heat-activated repellent mats to create a scent-free protection zone. All you have to do is insert one of the included mats, twist the fuel cartridge into place, and rotate the bottom of the cylinder to ignite the flame. The fuel cartridge gives off heat that will activate the repellant mat, keeping mosquitos at bay without harsh chemicals or strong scents. You'll know it's on when you see an orange glow on the side of the repeller, and you can easily tell when it's time to replace the mat when the blue color fades to white. Although the repellent is EPA-approved, you'll want to be sure to keep it away from uncovered food. Available in six colors, the repeller comes with three mats—each providing about four hours of protection—and one fuel cartridge, which lasts for roughly 12 hours of use before it needs to be replaced. You can stock up on replacement mats and fuel cartridges on Amazon so you're always ready to enjoy your favorite outdoor spaces. Along with its top spot on the Amazon best-seller list, the patio shield also boasts hundreds of positive reviews from happy customers who say it lives up to its claims. Some noted that buying mat and fuel cartridge refills can get a bit expensive if you use the repeller often, but most say it's well worth the cost. "This thing works!" one reviewer wrote. "I'm in South Carolina where the mosquitoes can be the size of aircraft carriers. It's nice to be able to sit on my porch with my sweet tea overlooking my gorgeous flower garden and not get eaten alive." Turn your outdoor space into a mosquito-free oasis with a little help from this compact repellant. It usually goes for $25, but it's 15 percent off right now. Amazon Buy It: $21 (orig. $25); amazon.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit