Best Thermacell & Bug Gear for Southern Hunters and Anglers
September bow season in Florida, a turkey blind in April, a dock at dusk: Southern mosquitoes are part of every one of them. You can't hold still for a deer if you're slapping at bugs. Here's how Thermacell's popular repellers compare, and how permethrin rounds out the system.
Thermacell models compared
| Model | Power | Zone | Runtime | Charge time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX55 (Adventure) Check price → | Rechargeable, USB-C | 20 ft | Up to 5.5 hr | ~5.5 hr | Stands, blinds, boats |
| E55 (Patio) Check price → | Rechargeable | 20 ft | Up to 5.5 hr | ~5.5 hr | Camp, porch, dock |
| EL55 (Glow) Check price → | Rechargeable, dimmable light | 20 ft | 9 hr (5.5 with light) | ~9 hr | Camp at night |
| MR450 Check price → | Butane cartridge | 15 ft | 12 hr per cartridge, 4-hr mats | n/a | Long sits away from power |
Specs from Thermacell rechargeable support and the MR450 product page. Thermacell says to let any unit run about 15 minutes for full protection, and that it works best in still air.
1. Thermacell EX55: best for the stand and blind
Who it's for: hunters and kayak anglers. It's the outdoor version of the E55, with the same 20 ft zone and 5.5 hr runtime, plus rubber armor, a locking refill top, a lanyard/carabiner and USB-C charging. That means you can top it off from a power bank or truck outlet. It runs silent, with no flame and no butane to buy.
Check price on EX55 → Thermacell
2. Thermacell E55 and EL55: best for camp and porch
The E55 covers the same 20 ft and can charge while it runs. The EL55 adds a dimmable ambient light and runs up to 9 hours with the light off, which makes it the better pick for an evening at the cook shack. Both use the same refills as the other E-series repellers.
Check price on E55 → Thermacell Check price on EL55 → Thermacell
3. Thermacell MR450: best for long days away from power
Who it's for: multi-day camps and hunters who don't want to manage charging. A butane cartridge runs 12 hours, and each repellent mat lasts 4 hours. The zone is smaller (15 ft), and you can't fly with the fuel cartridges.
Check price on MR450 → Thermacell
Permethrin: the other half of the system
Thermacell works on mosquitoes in still air. Ticks and chiggers are a different problem in Southern grass and palmettos. Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment goes on clothing and gear, never on skin. Sawyer says one treatment lasts up to 6 weeks or 6 washes. Spray each side of a garment for about 30 seconds from 6–8 inches away, then let it dry at least 2 hours (4 in humid weather, which in the South means always).
Check price on Sawyer Permethrin → Sawyer
Usage per Sawyer. Follow label directions. Permethrin is toxic to cats while wet.
Southern bug tips
- Wind kills the Thermacell zone. On breezy days, place the unit upwind of you.
- Bring a spare refill. A dead mat mid-sit is a long evening.
- Treat boots, socks and pant legs with permethrin first. That's where ticks and chiggers climb on.
- Do a tick check after every hunt. Lone star ticks are common across the Southeast.
FAQ
Which Thermacell is best for a deer stand or blind?
The Thermacell EX55. It has a 20 ft zone, 5.5 hr runtime, rubber armor, a locking refill top and USB-C charging, and runs silent with no flame or butane.
Does Thermacell work on ticks and chiggers?
Thermacell works on mosquitoes in still air. For ticks and chiggers, treat clothing and gear with permethrin, never skin. Sawyer says one treatment lasts up to 6 weeks or 6 washes.
Why isn't my Thermacell working?
Wind kills the zone, so on breezy days place the unit upwind of you. Thermacell also says to let a unit run about 15 minutes for full protection.
