Thermacell worth taking

[Doug Hamilton]

Ok, first time hunting Africa here shortly (RSA in August). I know bugs can be an issue. I've already soaked all of our clothes in permethrin but was also wondering if a thermacell would be worth taking as well? We'll be doing waterfowl and typical plains game while we're there. If it's not going to work, I'll just leave it at the house. If it works, I'll just attach it to my belt while hunting. 20 years in the military, so I've got zero issues walking with stuff attached to me.

I've made two safaris in Zimbabwe, one in June and one in August. I wasn't hunting ducks but I never saw a mosquito on either trip. Along with your permethrin clothing treatment (for ticks), you might take a small bottle of 100% DEET. I think you should be good to go without the Thermacell unit.

 

[Andrew62]

For RSA, I personally would not bother with taking a Thermocell, I did however take one on a hunt in Zimbabwe once, camp was along the Zambezi, it was a big help when sitting around the fire at the end of the day.

 

[Hunt anything]

We saw a few mosquitoes in Kruger last August, they were the anapholes mosquitoes.
Saw flocks of mosquitoes in Mozambique but their thermocell is sitting in burning elephant dung.
Please write a report on your waterfowl hunting when you get back. Shot doves and pigeons in Africa and will make a point to hunt waterfowl sometime.

 

[joker2400]

Have had no issues with bugs on any of my trips. Eastern cape in May/June, Limpopo multiple times May-August, Botswana in September, and Namibia April/May. No issues at Victoria Falls multiple times either.

My dad spent the last half of March and most of April at a lodge on the river in the Limpopo, he did get destroyed by mosquitoes.

I think you will be fine with packing some Avon bug spray just in case and leaving the thermacell at home

 

[Rare Breed]

In my experience no need and a waste of space for a Therocell. What is with doing is taking a $5 Walmart head net to keep out Mopani Bees. One of the best things I take