Thermacell

[Shyoldman]

I am sure they can smell it, but have never had that affect anything. I have had bucks right under my stand with it going and they never looked up.
I don't even use the pads, it still works. I have 5 also, gave one to all the kids,kep one in the truck.

[Dayelight]

How does it still work when you don't use the pads?
Isn't it just butane?
I don't understand.

[Masboy]

I don,t know how that would work? but I had mine on hunting tonight an would not be without it!

[Shyoldman]

I think they work by the lack of oxygen left after the butane burns, I am not a expert,nor do I play one on TV( )

All I know is I don't use the pads regulaor and it still works

[Matrix380NC]

If you do pick up a thermacell go to google and check out the youtube video on how to make your cartridges refillable. Very simple and I've already done one myself so no more paying for the expensive butane refills. Go to Lowes and look for the butane in the torch aisle. Definately saves quite a bit of money in the long run. This is the first year in NC that I've needed one but it's a lifesaver.

[Bullzeye]

I have thought about that also, but I have not found any place that sells just the pads, so in the end you still have to buy the refill kit with both pads and fuel.

[Tom]

I started using mine on the first day of season. I think the deer can smell it.
I was on a main travel route and had a doe and a nice buck intentionally detour my stand location when I had it on. They were both in thick brush and I wasn't visible. I also washed all my clothes recently, sprayed with scent killer, and took a scent killer shower. It's the only thing I can think that would have pushed them around me. It works for the skeeters but you can definitely smell it. If I can smell it, I know the deer can smell it.

Yes there is a slight smell which comes from the Thermacell. But there is no way for you to totally eliminate your body smell either. You breathe, pass gas (sorry to add that, but it happens ) sweat as well as all other normal day activities which all create different smells. So if the deer were able to smell the thermacell, they were also able to smell you, or the smells coming from you and your clothing.

I would rather chance them smelling me, then seeing me while I swat at the pesky insects since smell is only one directional (down wind) while movement can be seen in all directions (360 degrees). You can also position yourself to control your scent direction.

Good luck Tom

[robertyb]

I have thought about that also, but I have not found any place that sells just the pads, so in the end you still have to buy the refill kit with both pads and fuel.

A guy of the other forum says he buys direct from Thermacell. He did say they might ask why you only want pads and not fuel also and will refuse to sell pads only if you tell them you are refilling your own. He said he told them he thought that the pads were only good for about an hour each and had used all his up.

[VixChix]

You can also refill the pads - I read somewhere that you can use the dog flea dip (check the ingredients).

Another website showed a guy using the mosquito coils cut up and tucked between the grates, held in place by a bandana.