On opening day of the 2008-2009 bow season I did something that would haunt me for the next week. After missing a doe at 20 yards, I was a little unsure of my shot when two giant bucks stepped out at 35 yards. After making up my mind just to sit and watch since it was just opening day, little did I know I was being attacked.
On that hot afternoon as I watched those bucks feed away, a few mosquitoes buzzed about my head but I paid them no attention. That was a big mistake because where there is one there is more. I had a few bites showing up on my hand but to me it was small price to pay for a chance at one of these nice bucks.
I never got a shot at those bucks but come the next morning I did get a big surprise. I had hundreds of mosquito bites from my shoulders to my head (remember I said it was hot well I also just had on thin camo t-shirt) and boy did I start to itch.
After coming home from church, I became sleepy and started to run a high temperature, which are some signs of West Nile Disease. As my temperature raced to 104 degrees, my mom rushed me to the hospital. After four hours in the emergency room and many shots later, I returned home. Then I wished I had died because I had to go one whole week without hunting to let the toxins get out of my body.
After that ordeal, my Dad went out and bought two ThermaCell devices. Best purchase ever made. Not only do they keep ALL bugs out but also they do not spook game. With their odorless scent of protection, now I can sit in a nest of bugs with no worries.
They are easy to operate and store in a pack, camper, vest, etc. You just insert a scent wafer, turn the unit on, and light it with one push of a button with virtually no noise. When you are done, you just pack it away and go, that simple.
There are a few downfalls to this product though. One scent wafer only lasts about four hours but they come in packs of three. It uses an open flame to heat the wafer so the unit does become a bit warm. Lastly as any other insect repellent, it has a small oily residue around the wafer area as the wafer is heated.
This product is an all around great product for anyone and everyone and really does work. I now put my life in its hands when I am hunting, fishing, or camping. I highly recommend this product to everyone. Once you try it, I promise you will never leave home with out it.
