I'm considering picking one up. A friend and I used one this past turkey season, but didn't get a chance to put it through the wringer, so to speak, as the bugs weren't out in force back in April. I've never used any sort of repellent during deer season before due to the fear of spooking them.
Thanks for the real life tests. I have seen them on the hunt shows but that doesn't mean they work. Skeeters love me and I swell like a pumpkin. I will get one before I try my luck on the bushy tail guys. I won't be doing that until it gets below 100 a few days!!!!!!!!!!! I don't like them cooked before I get home!!!!!!!!
Since the first review, I have used the Thermocell several times and still getting great results UNTIL the thing ran out of fuel. I discovered there are no lingering "after affects" it was "game on" for the skeeters a couple of minutes later.
To solve that issue I picked up the $10 holster that has places for extra fuel and repellant pads. Well worth the money and it comes with an adjustable strap that fits most "average trees".
This is still the best thing out there IMHO for skeeter defense, add the holster and extra consumables and it gets pretty close to perfect.