Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter, and Outdoorsman
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When you’re in a tree stand, you want to make sure that you are staying comfortable. Because of this, many people opt to use Thermacell to keep the bugs away. But deer are known for their sensitive noses. So, can they smell Thermacell?
Deer will be able to smell Thermacell. But, unlike human scents, they don’t associate it with danger. It’s important to note that the Thermacell isn’t strong enough to mask your smell. You’ll still need to make sure that you are staying downwind and using odor masking sprays.
You don’t need to throw away your Thermacell to be an effective hunter. Here are some of the most important things you need to know about using this insect repellant when hunting.
In this post, we'll cover:
How Does Thermacell Affect the Deer?
Deer have an excellent sense of smell. This is their primary way of defending themselves from danger. Because of this, you should think about how any scents you are introducing will affect the deer.
Many deer are curious animals. When they smell something new, they’ll want to investigate. This is true for the scent that Thermacell produces. Some hunters report the deer sniffing the Thermacell droplets.
The good news is that they haven’t started to associate this scent with danger. While it might be a novel scent, they haven’t begun to link it with human activity. Because of this, you will be able to use the Thermacell when you are hunting.
Will Thermacell Cover Human Scent?
While deer aren’t bothered by the smell of Thermacell, it isn’t powerful enough to block human scent. If deer detect human smells in the area, they will become skittish. In some cases, this can mean that they will pattern the area. When this happens, it can be months before they return to the hunting area.
To prevent this from happening, you’ll need to take the usual precautions when hunting. First, you’ll want to make sure that you are downwind. This blows your scent away from the deer. There are a few ways you can do this. For example, you can use a small flag to tell you the wind direction. Another option is to use some white powder.
You can also reduce your scent by taking a shower before you start hunting. Wash your clothes after each trip.
You should also use scent control sprays. Sometimes, these will seek to minimize your scent. Others will emit a powerful smell. This will overwhelm the deer’s senses until they decide to block out the odor.
Will a Deer Come Back if They Smell You?
While you might try to mask your scent as best as possible, you won’t always be successful. For some deer, smelling humans might be enough to spook them. When this happens, the big question is whether they will come back.
This will depend on how frightened they were. If they were scared, they would pattern the area. When this happens, it can be a long time before they will feel comfortable enough to return. In some cases, it can be a few months before they will return.
However, they won’t always get so badly spooked. Sometimes, they will encounter a new scent. When this happens, they won’t be as scared. They will often be alert because it’s a novel smell. In this case, they will often be back within a few days.
How to Set-Up Thermacell When Hunting
There are a few tips you can use when setting up your Thermacell for deer season. First, you’ll want to get the device some time to warm up. Most models will take between 10 to 15 minutes to get to the right temperature.
Next, you’ll want to put the Thermacell upwind. This will ensure that it is providing adequate protection. It will be effective for 15 feet, so there is no reason to have it right next to you. You shouldn’t be able to inhale the vapors directly. This can lead to health concerns.
Finally, you’ll need to replace the mats every four hours or so. When you’re doing this, move slowly. While the smell of the Thermacell won’t spook the deer, rapid movements will.
What Type of Thermacell Should Hunters Use?
There are various types of Thermacell on the model. But some will be better suited to hunting than others. For example, you might enjoy the compact size and shape of the Radius. This is the best choice if you are hunting at higher elevations.
Another popular choice is the MR450. This is a compact unit. You can clip it to your belt or onto the back of your bag. You might also appreciate the blue LED that comes on when you are running low on fuel.
How Long Does a Thermacell Last?
When you are going hunting, you want to make sure you are taking along the right resources. Thankfully, the Thermacell will last for a long time. Often, it will be four hours before you need to put in a new mat. You’ll know you’ll need to replace it when it has turned white.
The fuel cartridge will last for around 12 hours when it is full. When it is working, you will hear the hissing of fuel. However, you might want to take along a spare. They are light, and you’ll know that you are protected from getting bitten by insects during your trip.
What Are Some Other Ways to Repel Insects When Hunting?
While Thermacell can be a good solution, there are a few other ways to keep insects away when hunting.
First, you might want to try clothing that is resistant to insects. In particular, you’ll want to look for clothes that have been treated with Permethrin. In this case, when an insect lands on your clothes, it will be paralyzed or killed. The downside is that it isn’t a repellant. Because of this, the bugs can sometimes end up biting you before they are killed.
Another option is to use a mesh. Sometimes, clothing will have mesh built-in. At other times, you might be the mesh up around your stand or blind. The thin holes in the mesh will be impossible for the bugs to penetrate. A good mesh will stop the insects from biting without needing to use any chemicals. However, when you step outside the mesh, there is a chance that you will get bitten.
Often, it’s best to use a combination of these efforts. For example, you can use mesh clothing in combination with Thermacell. This dramatically reduces your chances of getting bitten.
Why is Repelling Insects So Important?
Finally, it’s essential to consider why you should repel insects effectively. For some, it can be to prevent that sting that can come with a mosquito bite. But the most important reason is to protect your health. Mosquitos can carry potentially infectious diseases. This can be anything from Zika to the West Nile virus. When they bite you, the insects can transfer these contagious viruses to you.
Final Thoughts
When you are deer hunting, you’ll need to be careful about how you smell. Deer have sensitive noses, which they use to warn them about potentially dangerous situations. The good news is that you will be able to use a Thermacell. While deer recognize the unusual scent, they haven’t yet associated it with humans. As long as you take precautions to mask your scent, using a Thermacell in your stand shouldn’t have any impact on your hunt.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.