Flextail portable mosquito repellent

[Gene C]

Has anyone tried the Flextail mini mosquito repellent device?  It emits prallethrin and meperfluthrin and can reportedly protect a 10’ (windless) radius for 10 hours on a charge.  At 5.2 ounces plus whatever the inserts weigh, it’s small enough to be intriguing.

I also wonder about the health effects of breathing this stuff in.

[d k]

I wonder about the effects on other insects as well. Those chemicals don’t just repel, they can kill insects.  We’re already doing so much to destroy life on this planet, seems like something that could indiscriminately affect (admittedly very localized areas of) “land plankton”, as I’ve heard insects referred to, is one more thing – it could affect not just insects but animals that feed on them.  But maybe in an area where malaria is endemic, that might be a useful tool?

[JCH]

Insect Shield treated clothing repels mosquitoes, lasts a long time and doesn’t need refills :)

[Gene C]

I wonder about the effects on other insects as well

Good point, d k.  It’s easy to focus on one’s own comfort and forget about the effect you have on the world.

[d k]

Yeah, Gene, I do have to admit my first reaction on reading your post was, “Oh, cool!”. But I’ve been thinking a lot lately about gardening with native plants to support insect life that supports birds feeding their young (almost exclusively caterpillars and other larvae) so it was easy to make that jump.

[Bob Shuff]

I would love to hear anyone who has tried the Flextail. I have not used it yet, but it’s in my camp box and charged for the next outing.

I think my use of this, the Thermocell, permethrin or deet has a negligible effect on the overall insect population. I’m open to hear science to suggest otherwise, but I don’t think this thread is the place.  Maybe a separate conversation is better so users aren’t intimidated to share their actual experience using it here. Just a friendly suggestion.

[Author]

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