Thermacell
Thermacell EX90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
Spatial Device · EPA-registered spatial repellent device
Retailer links may earn us a commission. Scores are never affected.
Pros
- Strong landing/bite reduction in field trials (70–97%)
- Protects a real zone (about 20 ft in still air)
- EPA-registered device
- Active ingredient concentration disclosed
Cons
- Protects only the treated zone, and effectiveness drops sharply in wind or open air
- Highly toxic to fish and aquatic life — keep well away from water
The full review
Rechargeable area repeller that warms a metofluthrin cartridge to release a mosquito-repelling vapor over roughly a 20-foot zone, protecting the space around you rather than your skin. Runs about 9 hours per charge on a 12-hour refill, with no open flame or fuel canister. Like all vapor emanators it works best in still air, and the effective zone shrinks in wind or open conditions.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%89This 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%66Metofluthrin is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 56). Of 4 marketing claims audited: 2 strong, 2 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+10).
Metofluthrin is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 56). Of 4 marketing claims audited: 2 strong, 2 moderate, 0 weak, 0 unsupported (+10).
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%75This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
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 trials of metofluthrin emanators show roughly 91 to 97 percent fewer mosquito landings. Real backyard performance runs lower and drops sharply in wind or open air, so treat the 20-foot zone as a still-air best case rather than a guarantee.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 100% of active concentrations (+40); discloses 100% of all ingredient concentrations (+15); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
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 zone of mosquito protection”
EfficacyModerateZone figure reflects favorable, still-air conditions. Wind and open air reduce the effective range.
“Independently tested and EPA reviewed for safety and effectiveness”
SafetyStrongMetofluthrin is EPA-reviewed and classified as practically nontoxic; the device is EPA-registered.
“DEET-free and scent-free”
Deet FreeStrongActive is metofluthrin, not DEET.
“About 9 hours of protection per charge with a 12-hour refill”
DurationModerateBattery and refill runtimes are per manufacturer; realized protection still depends on wind and placement.
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 →