I've always been one to enjoy a nice day spent outside. While that's still true, my year living in North Carolina has also made one thing very clear: Like many people (if not everyone), I do not enjoy mosquitoes.

It's amazing how quickly a glorious summer day relaxing in the sun can turn into a night covered in anti-itch cream and scratching away at multiple bug bites. We've all been there — and it's never an ideal way to spend the summer. Now that warmer days are near, I need a problem solver to prevent them altogether, and fast.

I remembered seeing Thermacell's Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller in the back of my closet and decided to finally give it a try. One particularly buggy night, before the pests found their way to my skin, I placed the device on my porch and let it work its magic. I knew as soon as I turned the machine on that the rest of my summer was saved. (And it looks like I'm in for another bug-bite-free season this summer as well!)

Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Patio Shield

How I tried the Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller

I noticed the difference in the number of bugs flying around pretty quickly, and soon I was left to enjoy the outdoors in peace. I was pleased with its fast-acting power but even more impressed with its functionality — it's so easy to use!

To start keeping the bugs away, you just have to follow three simple steps. First, make sure the included fuel cartridge is properly twisted into the machine (from the bottom). Next, slide the repellent mat into the top. Then, all you need to do is turn the bottom of the device into the "on" position and presto! No more bugs.

According to the brand, the fuel cartridge lasts up to 12 hours and even creates a 15-foot shield of surrounding protection. Each heat-activated mat is made to last for four hours and will change color (from blue to white) to let you know when it needs to be replaced.

Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Patio ShieldCourtesy of Kara Quill

What I like

The device is completely scentless, mess-free and refillable

One thing I hate more than mosquito bites is mosquito repellent. So many sprays leave my skin feeling sticky and smelling like chemicals. Thanks to the unscented Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller, I never have to endure another whiff of citronella again.

On top of being odorless, this repeller can act as a non-messy alternative to bug spray, is DEET-free and has no open flame. Even better? It's lightweight, portable, comes in multiple colors (so you can match it to your space) and is easy to refill.

It actually keeps mosquitoes away!

While I could sing Thermacell's praises all day, you don't have to just take my word for it. Out of more than 25,000 reviewers, over 63% of them have given this device a perfect five-star rating. They can't stop raving about how well it works.

"This thing works MIRACLES y’all! Freaking MIRACLES," one verified reviewer wrote. "I let it warm up for a good 5-10 [minutes], and it works amazingly. When [I let] it warm up I [receive] ZERO bites within that 10-15-foot radius, which is perfect for our deck."

Another remarked on how quiet the machine was and how they convinced all their visitors to purchase one.

"I honestly didn't even realize it was on and running," the verified reviewer wrote. "It doesn't make noise, doesn't [produce] a smell, and doesn't really take up any room at all. Pretty dang amazing."

What to consider

Although I can't comment on this, some customers reported issues with the light level. Those who called out concerns often mention that the orange light did not turn on.

Who is the Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller best for?

All in all, this repellent saved me from spending my summer itching at annoying welts. It has also made spending time outdoors more enjoyable — and more importantly, mosquito-free. If you're looking for the same, this is the product for you.

More mosquito repellents to shop

Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Area Insect Repeller with Dock

Dick's Sporting Goods

The brand launched an updated, heat-activated version of the best-selling mosquito repeller, featuring a new fast-charging dock that keeps the device three times readily available for your next use. Instead of a 15-foot protection, this launch has been upgraded to 20 feet, which should last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.

Included in the pack is a 36-hour refill, but according to the brand, it is easy to refill with their 12-hour refill options. Plus, you can bring it on an airplane, so you have outdoor mosquito protection no matter where you travel to this summer!

Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool

$9.99

Amazon

Bug bites are a pest to deal with, just like the culprit themselves. The Bug Bite Thing, which we previously reviewed, acts as a 'vacuum' to effectively extract venom. Once you notice a bug bite, customers recommend using the device immediately to help the bump heal quicker.

"The best way to describe how to use it is to think of giving yourself a reverse injection, except there’s no needle, so it doesn’t hurt at all," said our reviewer. "The process takes about 10 seconds, and there’s even a cap at the end that you can turn around for a smaller area of suction."

Treva Bug Repellent Fan

$11.99

Amazon

Tired of bug sprays? Use this bug deterrent fan to keep pests away. With just the press of its switch, the fan has a gentle speed and light reflecting, soft blades to prevent bugs from flying near. According to the brand, it's quiet and soft to the touch, all without being flimsy. It was also a recent Viewer's Choice winner.

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Kara Quill is a social media editor for Shop TODAY, covering a range of topics in lifestyle, trends and more.