Skip to main content
Support

Popular Questions by Topic

Ingredients & Safety

What are the main ingredients in Thermacell products?

Our products contain active ingredients that repel mosquitos and inactive ingredients that assist with their release into the air. Our rechargeable platform repellent cartridges use metofluthrin as the repellent active ingredient. The fuel powered repellers use allethrin as the active ingredient.

Are Thermacell products considered toxic?

The Thermacell product may be toxic to mosquitoes and if they are confined in the protective zone. The science and data on our ingredients indicate that they should not be of concern, as used the Thermacell product, for people or pets. Thermacell's extensive data is thoroughly reviewed by the US EPA and multiple other regulatory agencies around the world in the product approval process. You should always use the product according to label instructions.

Are Thermacell ingredients safe?

All of our formulations and active ingredients have been evaluated for potential human, animal, and environmental exposure scenarios. Data supporting these evaluations has been thoroughly reviewed and accepted by the US EPA and multiple regulatory agencies around the world. As such, they are approved for use when used as directed.

Can I wear a Thermacell repeller?

Thermacell products should be used according to label directions. This does not include wearing the repeller during use. Thermacell products work best when placed on a flat surface and may not be as effective when worn. Accessories that may allow for attaching the repeller to your body are only meant for transporting the device. Our products should not be worn while in the holster or with the clip, the devices get hot 385F. Our products work best when they are placed flat on a surface with the heat plate facing up, this is the optimal positioning of the device in order to heat and dispense the repellent effectively. If your wearing the device and it's in the vertical, it's not heating the repellent MAT effectively it's only being heated to about 50%. The clip and holster are only meant for transporting the device hands free.

Is Thermacell safe around my vegetable garden?

Our tests have shown that the amount of ingredient deposited on surfaces near the Thermacell device is below what even sophisticated scientific instruments can measure, which is less than one billionth of a gram on one cm2. But, in instances where the product is used around fruit and vegetable production, we recommend as best practice that the produce should be thoroughly washed before consumption.

Is Thermacell repellent safe around children?

There are no EPA or other governing agency use restrictions for use around children. The science and data on our ingredients indicate that they should not be of concern, if used according to label instructions, for people or pets. Thermacell's extensive data is thoroughly reviewed by the US EPA and multiple other regulatory agencies around the world in the product approval process. The review process includes evaluating pregnant women, infants and toddlers. You should always use according to the label instructions. If you have questions about using the product around your children, you should contact your physician.

Is Thermacell repellents safe for pets?

 Thermacell devices have low acute toxicity to mammals when used outdoors as directed. Rechargeable Thermacell devices use metofluthrin as the active repellent ingredient. Fuel-powered Thermacell devices use allethrin as the active repellent ingredient. Dogs tolerate both synthetic pyrethroids well at normal use levels. Thermacell's data is thoroughly reviewed by the US EPA.

Are Thermacell repellents safe around pregnant women?

There are no EPA or other governing agency use restrictions for use while pregnant. The science and data on our ingredients indicate that they should not be of concern, if used according to label instructions, for people or pets. The review process includes evaluating pregnant women, infants and toddlers. If you have questions about using the product while pregnant, you should contact your physician.

Can Thermacell products be used around fire pits or camp fires?

Thermacell Repellers may be used around fire pits or camp fires. For safety, we recommend that the repellers be no closer than three feet from the fire. Performance may also be affected if the repeller is too hot.

Are Thermacell repellents harmful to wildlife and bees?

The US EPA and WHO have concluded that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to bees or other terrestrial wildlife if using the product according to label instructions. The mosquito repellent vapors produced by our product rapidly disseminate in the air and little of the repellent ingredient falls on surfaces such as surrounding foliage where bees might land. Our mosquito products are also most often used in the evening when bees are returning to their nest (also true of butterflies and other foraging insects). If you raise bees, avoid using repellent in the immediate vicinity of the bee hives.

Is it safe to use a Thermacell device around food?

There are no restrictions on the use of our products in backyards or anywhere food may be served. Please, be sure to always use the product according to the label instructions.

Does the E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable Repeller kill mosquitoes?

 

The Thermacell E-ZoneGuard  Repeller is designed to repel mosquitoes, not kill them. The device creates a zone of protection that helps keep mosquitoes away.  In a confined or enclosed spaces with no airflow, mosquitoes are exposed to higher concentrations of repellent for an extended period may become incapacitated or die. The primary purpose of the product, though, is to repel mosquitoes and prevent them from entering the protected area.

Are The E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable Repellers considered toxic?

The Thermacell product is designed to affect mosquitoes within the protected area it creates. While the active ingredient is effective against mosquitoes in that zone, extensive scientific research and regulatory reviews have shown that, when used as directed, Thermacell products do not pose a concern for people or pets.

Thermacell's safety data has been thoroughly evaluated and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as multiple regulatory agencies around the world as part of the product registration process.

As with any pest-control product, it is important to always use Thermacell products according to the label instructions.

Can I Use E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable Repellers Near Water or a Fish Pond?

The US EPA and WHO have concluded that there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the environment from use of the product. We will be approaching the EPA with additional data, which we hope will allow us to be clearer going forward about the products safety around water. In the meantime, we must recommend as best practice to run battery powered Thermacell repellers 10 feet away from a body of water and 7.5 feet away if you are using the Multi Insect repellent. Thermacell products should not be applied to water per label instructions. Thank you

Do you use chemicals in the E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable Repeller

The chemical in the E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable Repeller repellent is Metofluthrin 

Are The Active Ingredients in the E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable Repellers safe?

All of our formulations and active ingredients have been evaluated for potential human, animal, and environmental exposure scenarios. Data supporting these evaluations has been thoroughly reviewed and accepted by the US EPA and multiple regulatory agencies around the world. As such, they are approved for use when used as directed.

What are the active ingredients in the E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable repellers?

Our E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable platform repellent cartridges use metofluthrin as the repellent active ingredient. The inactive ingredients in the product are isoparaffinic solvents used to dissolve and act as carriers for our repellent.

How do you dispose of E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable repellers?

If your E-ZoneGuard Rechargeable repeller is empty of repellent, dispose in the trash according to label directions. If your rechargeable device is partially filled, contact your local solid waste agency for disposal instruction. Never place unused refills down any indoor or outdoor drain.

How is Prallethrin Different From Allethrin?

Prallethrin is a member of the same family as Allethrin, the active repellent used in our fuel-powered E-ZoneGaurd repellers. In addition to being effective against mosquitoes, prallethrin has also demonstrated effectiveness against black flies (not common house fly) and no-see-ums, making it a broader-spectrum insect repellent.

What are the ingredients in Fuel-ZoneGuard Repellers.

Our products contain active ingredients that repel mosquitos and inactive ingredients that assist with their release into the air. Our products contain active ingredients that repel mosquitos and inactive ingredients that assist with their release into the air. Our Fuel-ZoneGuard platform repellent mats use d-allethrin or Prallethrin as the repellent active ingredient. The inactive ingredients include isopropl myristate, a phenolic preservative, pertroleum disllates and blue dye.

Do Fuel-ZoneGuard Repellers Kill Mosquitos?

When used as directed, Thermacell products are designed to repel mosquitoes, not kill them. However, if a mosquito remains within a confined, enclosed area containing Thermacell repellent for an extended period, it may eventually die from prolonged exposure.

Thermacell products are rigorously tested in real-world conditions against dense mosquito populations and have been proven effective against multiple mosquito species, including those most likely to bite and bother people. The effectiveness of our products is supported by extensive efficacy studies, which are reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and regulatory agencies around the world as part of the product registration and approval process.

How effective are Fuel-ZoneGuard Repellers against other insects?

The Fuel-ZoneGuard™ Multi-Insect Refill (prallethrin mat) has demonstrated effectiveness against black flies, biting gnats, and no-see-ums.

For the Fuel-ZoneGuard Allethrin Repellent Platform, Thermacell has submitted efficacy data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support protection claims against black flies and no-see-ums. These claims are currently under EPA review, and until approval is received, Thermacell cannot officially advertise or market protection against these insects for products on the Allethrin platform.

Thermacell products have also been tested against several mosquito species, including the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), and have demonstrated strong effectiveness against both. When used as directed, Thermacell products provide reliable mosquito protection during both daytime and nighttime hours.

Can Fuel-ZoneGuard Repellers Be Used Near Water?

The US EPA and WHO have concluded that there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the environment from use of this product, therefore they are approved to be used near bodies of water, fish ponds, while fishing, at the beach or swimming.

Safety Data Sheets for Fuel-ZoneGuard Products

We are happy to provide the SDS sheets for your Thermacell. Please note that these sheets are for essential occupational exposure. OSHAs Globally Harmonized Guidelines (GHS) are followed for the preparation of the SDS and address large scale and repeated exposures that may be encountered when manufacturing, moving, and storing bulk quantities. Please reach out to our consumer services for Safety Data Sheets by filling out this form.

Why is smoke coming from my Thermacell Fuel-ZoneGuard repeller?

A small amount of smoke coming from the MAT is normal, eventually it becomes less visible as the MAT heats up. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Are Tick Tubes harmful to food crops?

Tick tubes contain permethrin and cotton. It is registered with the EPA and has met their safety standards meaning the product does not pose risks to human health or the environment when used as directed by the label. Tick control tubes use a tiny amount of permethrin in a very targeted manner to kills ticks. Unlike permethrin sprays, this product is NOT sprayed on vegetation or crops, therefore it does not harm beneficial bugs, crops or vegetation. General fact sheets on permethrin are just that general, and focus on sprayed permethrin, not trace amounts used in tubes.

Are Tick Tubes safe for the environment?

When used as directed, Thermacell Tick Control Tubes do not have any outdoor environmental use restrictions. Unused product should not be placed in indoor or outdoor drains. Unused product should be discarded in the trash.

Do Tick Tubes harm bird nests?

It would be rare for birds to find the tick tube cotton and nest with it, contact with the treated material wont harm birds.The active ingredient in tick tubes is known to be low toxicity to birds. In fact, it can be applied to birds in a powder form to prevent ticks. While animals might carry trace amounts on their fur, it doesn't harm them as shown in the extensive mouse studies conducted where mice nesting in the treated material produced normal offspring for multiple generations.

Are Tick Tubes toxic to birds?

The active ingredient in tick tubes is known to have low toxicity to birds. Additionally, the EPA states that the risk to birds is below the agencys level of concern; Mice carry only tiny amounts of the active ingredient on their fur after exposure to tick tubes - enough to kill ticks, but not enough to affect birds.

Are Tick Tubes safe for reptiles if they consume mice that have come into contact with or fed on the bait inside the tubes?

Tick Tubes effect on reptiles: There are sprays on the market that use a permethrin mixture applied directly to reptiles that does not harm them.

What effect, if any, do Tick Tubes have on beneficial insects?

Thermacell Tick Control uses a permethrin treated material targeted specifically at ticks, rather than a spray or granule that is broadly distributed. The cotton is primarily found inside tick tubes or in a mouse nest. Because the permethrin is bound to fibers, beneficial bugs are rarely exposed to Thermacell.

Are Tick Tubes safe for pets, wildlife, and other animals that may be present in the yard?

Permethrin is the main ingredient in our Tick Tubes and comes in many concentrations and forms. Permethrin has been approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in human and animal health products. Permethrin used at the correct dose, in a proper formulation, and according to label instructions, has been used for over 40 years by people in a variety of applications. Examples include lice and scabies treatments for humans and flea, tick and mosquito prevention products for dogs, birds and livestock and for use on/in numerous food/feed crops. The amount of permethrin in Thermacell Tick Control Tubes is sufficient to kill ticks but does not affect the mice that nest with it, other animals, or the environment. Tick tubes have been approved by the EPA and millions of tubes have been sold without any report of adverse effects.

Are Tick Tube harmful to cats?

Safety is very important to us at Thermacell. Please note that in more than 20 years the EPA has no complaints on file regarding tick tubes and cats, and there are no published reports regarding tick tubes and cats. Additionally, Thermacell has no consumer complaints about tick tubes and cats. We take cat safety very seriously because there are records of cats harmed by products made specifically for dogs that contain a high (45%-65%) liquid permethrin concentrate that is applied directly to a dogs coat. This highly concentrated liquid form of permethrin is safe for dogs but can harm cats. In comparison, Thermacell Tick Control Tubes contain only 7.4% permethrin imbedded in cotton. Our calculations show permethrin bound to cotton is much less potent than a liquid concentrate applied directly to the skin. Additionally, cat behavior shows that cats are unlikely to come in contact with Tick Control Tubes. Indoor cats would never encounter Tick Control Tubes, and outdoor cats are primarily interested in moving objects or animals that they can pounce on, play with and or kill. In contrast Tick Control Tubes are inanimate objects placed in areas not directly visible to cats and have no smell or taste that would attract a cat.Even if a cat were to find a tick tube and attempt to eat some of the cotton, it is unlikely to harm a cat. Studies show that cotton is very difficult to swallow so cats would have difficulty consuming the cotton. Cats rely on chewing to break down their food, but chewing will not break up the cotton fibers. Licking the cotton, considered unlikely, would not result in cats consuming a harmful amount of permethrin. Although unlikely, we also considered the possibility that cats might remove the cotton from the tube and play with it. Scientific review shows low risk to cats even if they were to regularly lie on the cotton the amount of dermal exposure for the cat is far below their exposure to the liquid spot flea products that cause harm to cats. In summary, Thermacell Tick Control Tubes are unlikely to harm cats from either oral or dermal exposure.

Is it dangerous if my dog ate Tick Tube treated cotton?

The EPA has no published reports, nor records of any incidents associated with the use of permethrin-treated tick tubes. It is very difficult to swallow the cotton from the tick tubes. Dogs rely on chewing for their food. Chewing will not break down the cotton fibers. Even if a puppy could ingest parts of the cotton, it would not contain enough permethrin to affect them.

Are Tick Tubes harmful to dogs?

Dogs are not likely to be harmed by Tick Control Tubes. Tick Control Tubes are camouflaged and do not have an odor that would attract dogs. Dogs tolerate permethrin well. In fact, high permethrin liquid concentration (45-65%) spot products such as K9 Advantix ll have been approved by the EPA for use on dogs. Dogs tolerate oral exposure to permethrin. When topical dog products such as K9 Advantix ll are applied to dogs (usually between the shoulder blades), the Permethrin spreads quickly over the coat[1] to protect the animal from infestation by ticks and fleas. As part of this process a significant transferable residue of permethrin is present on the coat1 and can be ingested by the dog during grooming. This behavior shows that dogs tolerate high dermal doses with concomitant oral exposure to permethrin. Toxicity calculations[2] show that even in worst-case scenarios, dogs will not be harmed by Tick Control Tubes. Assume a small dog weighing only two pounds tears apart a Tick Control Tube and mouths the cotton for ninety minutes, swallowing small bits of cotton in the process. Even in this extreme example the exposure level to permethrin is acceptable, meaning the exposure level is below the level that would produce an adverse effect. The information above is supported by the fact that in over 20 years and millions of tick tubes sold, there have been no complaints filed with the EPA regarding Tick Control Tubes.

Are Tick Tubes safe around children?

The EPA has determined it is reasonable to assume no harm to infants and children based on the existing data for permethrin in Tick Tubes

Can Tick Tubes be used to help control ticks on squirrels and chipmunks?

Tick Tubes effect on squirrel and chipmunks: Unlike mice, chipmunks and squirrels do not make nests with cotton. That said, chipmunks are not the main host for ticks and do not transmit Lyme disease at the rate that mice do. Squirrels do not collect cotton for their nests, they use leaves.