Thermacell
Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
Spatial Device · EPA-registered spatial repellent device
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Pros
- A full-size rechargeable that holds a 20 ft, 70 to 97% mosquito-free zone off a battery, good for a long evening on the patio.
- No spray, no smoke, no scent; you set it down and it quietly keeps the table clear.
Cons
- The bubble is the catch: wander out of it or let wind through and the protection drops off.
- Highly toxic to fish, so keep it away from ponds and water features.
The full review
Rechargeable metofluthrin emanator that projects a mosquito-repelling vapor zone of roughly 20 feet for area protection, the longer-runtime sibling of the E55. No fuel or open flame is needed, and the same EPA-reviewed metofluthrin cartridge is used across the rechargeable line. As with any emanator, still, sheltered air gives the best results and wind shrinks the zone.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%91This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 70–97% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 20 ft zone. Scored 60% on that reduction and 40% on how much space it protects, so a larger zone counts for real. Reduction figures come from controlled or semi-field trials, not backyard conditions. Real-world protection drops sharply in wind and open air, so this is scored with lower confidence.
This is an area device, not applied to skin: published field trials report roughly 70–97% fewer mosquito landings or bites, over about a 20 ft zone. Scored 60% on that reduction and 40% on how much space it protects, so a larger zone counts for real. Reduction figures come from controlled or semi-field trials, not backyard conditions. Real-world protection drops sharply in wind and open air, so this is scored with lower confidence.
Evidence & honest claims25%78Metofluthrin is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 72). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 2 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+6).
Metofluthrin is backed by definitive published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 72). Of 3 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 2 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+6).
Safety15%60This is an area device, not applied to skin, so dermal risk does not apply. Scored on moderate inhalation risk from the vapor (−18); high toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−22). Use it outdoors in the open air only. Keep it well away from ponds, aquariums, and water features.
This is an area device, not applied to skin, so dermal risk does not apply. Scored on moderate inhalation risk from the vapor (−18); high toxicity to fish and aquatic life (−22). Use it outdoors in the open air only. Keep it well away from ponds, aquariums, and water features.
Transparency15%85This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses the strength of every active (+35); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses the strength of every active (+35); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
Every pillar is scored from published rules. Read how we score.
Coverage & effectiveness
This is an area device: it protects a zone around it rather than your skin. Effectiveness is the published reduction in mosquito landings or bites. Real-world protection is best in still air and drops in wind or open space.
Mosquitoes
EstimatedModerate- Protected zone
- ~20 ft zone
- Fewer bites
- 70–97%
Controlled still-air studies of metofluthrin emanators report about 91 to 97 percent fewer mosquito landings. Backyard results are lower and the protective zone contracts in any breeze.
Ingredient disclosure
This product names its active ingredient (+30); discloses the strength of every active (+35); publishes a concrete coverage figure (+20).
Only active ingredients are disclosed. The full ingredient list (inerts/carriers) is not published, so this may not be the complete formula.
- MetofluthrinActive
Active repellent · 5.5%
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Creates a 20-foot mosquito protection zone”
EfficacyModerateBest-case still-air figure; the zone is smaller in wind.
“Extended rechargeable runtime for longer outings”
DurationModerateRuntime per manufacturer; efficacy still varies with airflow and placement.
“DEET-free and scent-free”
Deet FreeStrongActive is metofluthrin, not DEET.
Safe around dogs & cats?
Worst case from this product’s active ingredients. Do not apply this or any human repellent to your pet.
Mainly from Metofluthrin.
Not veterinary advice. Full guide to repellents around pets →