Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, AussieSurvivor earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

There is a particular kind of Australian camping optimism that lasts right up until sunset.

The chairs are out, dinner is nearly ready, the weather is perfect–and then the mozzies arrive.

At a bad campsite, mosquito protection is not just about avoiding itchy ankles. Australian mosquitoes can carry diseases including Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis. In June 2026, WA Health again urged the community to protect against mosquito bites following a mosquito-borne disease fatality.

The good news is that you do not need to coat the campsite in smoke or buy every flashing ultrasonic gadget on Amazon.

The best camping strategy is layered: cover exposed skin, use an effective registered repellent, make the sleeping area mosquito-proof and use a campsite-zone repeller as an extra comfort layer where appropriate.

One product that has become particularly popular with Australian outdoor shoppers is the rechargeable Thermacell EX90. It promises a 28m square metres mosquito-protection zone without applying spray to your skin, and its water-resistant, rechargeable design makes it more camping-focused than many patio units.

But should it replace your normal insect repellent? No–and that distinction matters.

The quick answer: what works best at camp?

If you want the short version: protect the person first, then improve the campsite around them.

Why mosquito protection matters more than most campers think

Australia has more than 350 mosquito species, although only some bite people and only some transmit disease. The risk changes by region, season, rainfall, temperature and local mosquito activity.

That is why a setup that felt fine on one trip can fail badly beside wetlands, mangroves, floodwater, a river system or after heavy rain.

WA Health's current advice is easy to remember: cover up, repel and clean up. It recommends repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus–also known as PMD–and advises travellers to use mosquito-proof accommodation or netting where needed.

For campers, "clean up" also means looking at the site itself. Buckets, tubs, kids' toys, open containers and equipment that catches water can become part of the problem during a longer stay.

The hot Amazon camping product: Thermacell EX90

The Thermacell EX90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller is interesting because it tackles the campsite zone rather than asking everyone to continually spray the air around them.

According to the Australian product information, the rechargeable Thermacell range creates a zone of mosquito protection by releasing a spatial repellent. The EX90 is marketed for camping and fishing and is water resistant. The Amazon Australia listing states a 28m square metres protection area and includes a 40-hour repellent refill.

The product has also shown genuine marketplace traction. Amazon Australia bestseller tracking from late 2025 placed the EX90 high within its category, and Amazon's current Thermacell storefront signals substantial recent brand ordering activity. That does not prove the EX90 is right for every camper, but it is a much stronger buying signal than a random no-name gadget with a handful of reviews.

Why the EX90 makes sense for camping

• rechargeable rather than relying on disposable batteries
• water-resistant housing designed for outdoor use
• claimed 28m square metres zone, enough for a typical camp-chair or table area when conditions suit
• no repellent needs to be sprayed into the surrounding air by hand
• scent-free operation according to the manufacturer
• 40-hour refill supplied with the current Australian listing

The important limitation is the word zone. A spatial repeller is protecting an area under suitable conditions. If you walk away to the toilet block, go hiking, move down to the beach or sit outside the effective zone, that layer disappears.

That is why we would treat a Thermacell as a campsite comfort tool, not your entire mosquito plan.

-> Check the Thermacell EX90 on Amazon Australia

Affiliate link. Price and availability can change; check Amazon for the current listing.

Thermacell EX90: what to know before you click Buy

The hidden ongoing cost: refills

The repeller itself is not the only purchase. Thermacell's rechargeable models use replaceable repellent cartridges, so regular campers should look at refill pricing as well as the device price.

That recurring purchase can actually make this an attractive affiliate topic for AussieSurvivor, but from a camper's point of view it belongs in the buying decision. If you camp frequently through mosquito season, compare the cost of replacement cartridges before choosing a model.

Do not attempt to refill, modify or substitute the cartridge with an unapproved chemical. Use the product only as directed on its Australian label.

Does Thermacell mean you can stop using DEET or picaridin?

No.

This is where a useful camping guide needs to be clearer than the marketing.

Australian public-health guidance recommends applying an effective personal insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or PMD/OLE to exposed skin and following the label instructions. WA Health also specifically warns against relying on some popular alternatives such as repellent wristbands, patches and many botanical-only products.

A Thermacell can make sitting around camp much more pleasant, but personal repellent stays with you when you leave the zone.

Think of the system like this:

1. Clothing reduces exposed skin.
2. Registered topical repellent protects exposed skin.
3. Tent screens or netting protect the sleeping area.
4. A zone repeller makes the living area more comfortable.

That is a far more robust setup than asking one gadget to do everything.

DEET vs picaridin vs oil of lemon eucalyptus

These are the three active-repellent groups highlighted by WA Health.

DEET

DEET has decades of use behind it and is effective when used according to the label. WA Health notes that concentration mainly affects how long protection lasts rather than making the product somehow "stronger" against each mosquito.

As a guide, WA Health says products below 10% DEET may provide around two hours of protection, while 20% products may last around four to six hours. Higher concentrations can provide longer coverage but are not automatically the right choice for every person or situation.

Picaridin

Picaridin is another effective option and is widely available in Australian repellents. Some campers prefer its feel on the skin. The correct concentration and reapplication interval depend on the particular product label.

PMD / oil of lemon eucalyptus

PMD, sometimes called oil of lemon eucalyptus or OLE, is an effective registered alternative. Do not confuse it with ordinary eucalyptus essential oil. WA Health specifically warns that many botanical essential-oil products do not provide the same prolonged protection.

Whatever you buy, look for an APVMA approval number on the Australian insect-repellent label and follow its directions.

What about kids at the campsite?

Families need a slightly different plan because age restrictions and application instructions matter.

Healthdirect advises that an adult should apply repellent to children under five and that repellent is not advised for babies under three months; very young babies should instead be protected with clothing and mosquito netting. WA Health publishes more specific guidance for active ingredients and child age groups.

Because recommendations can vary with a child's age and the exact product, check the current label and official health guidance rather than assuming the adult repellent in the camp box is appropriate.

Practical family steps include:

• long, loose clothing around peak mosquito times
• socks and enclosed footwear when insects are heavy
• intact mesh on the family tent or camper
• a mosquito net over a pram or sleeping area where appropriate
• keeping repellent cartridges, sprays and other chemicals out of children's reach

The campsite mistakes that invite mozzies

1. Camping right beside still water because the view is nice

Waterfront campsites can be spectacular, but still or slow-moving water can also mean more mosquito activity. You do not necessarily need to abandon the site; just recognise the trade-off before dusk.

2. Leaving the tent open during setup

Five minutes of doors hanging open at sunset can leave you hunting mosquitoes inside the tent for the next hour. Close mesh doors immediately after entering and exiting.

3. Waiting until you are being bitten

Put your long sleeves on, apply repellent and start any zone device before the mozzies become unbearable. Prevention is easier than trying to clear a camp already full of them.

4. Assuming "natural" always means effective

Citronella smells like camping to many of us, but pleasant-smelling oils are not a substitute for proven personal protection where mosquito-borne disease is a concern.

5. Forgetting wind

Wind can help by reducing mosquito activity, but it can also disperse a spatial repellent. Position any zone device according to its instructions and understand that a claimed coverage area is not an invisible wall.

Do mosquito wristbands actually work?

This is one of the easiest pieces of camping gear to impulse-buy–and one of the weakest options to rely on.

WA Health says wearable repellent devices such as wristbands, patches and stickers have limited efficacy. A wristband can only influence mosquitoes close to the device; it does not protect all the exposed skin on your legs, neck and other arm.

For a novelty at the caravan park, that may not bother you. For a remote campsite in an area with mosquito-borne disease activity, use proper personal protection.

Do ultrasonic mosquito repellers work?

Be cautious with electronic products that claim to drive mosquitoes away purely with sound. A flashing light, USB plug and impressive frequency number do not automatically equal useful bite protection.

If a product's entire pitch is "chemical free" but it gives no credible evidence of protection, do not make it your primary defence. For an Australian camping kit, spend the money first on a registered personal repellent and sound mosquito-proof sleeping setup.

What should you buy for a proper mosquito camping kit?

You do not need a huge box of products. A sensible kit is small:

1. Registered personal repellent

Choose an APVMA-registered DEET, picaridin or PMD/OLE product appropriate for the people using it and the expected exposure time.

2. Thermacell EX90 for the camp living zone

This is the convenience purchase. Set it up around the table or chairs according to its label while everyone is stationary at camp.

-> See the current Thermacell EX90 price and availability on Amazon Australia

3. Head net

Cheap, tiny and difficult to regret when mosquitoes or midges are extreme. Make sure the mesh is fine enough for the insects you expect.

4. Long, light clothing

This is gear you probably already own. Loose sleeves and trousers reduce the amount of skin that needs repellent.

5. A genuinely mosquito-proof sleeping space

Check tent mesh before the trip. Repair holes and make sure doors actually zip closed. A $5 mesh repair can be worth more than another gadget after midnight.

Thermacell EX90 vs E55 vs Backpacker: which suits camping?

For AussieSurvivor's audience, the EX90 is the one we would look at first because it combines the rechargeable system with a housing specifically positioned for outdoor adventure use. The E55 is worth comparing if its price is substantially better when you buy.

Amazon pricing moves frequently, so compare the live listing rather than relying on an old dollar figure in a blog post.

When a Thermacell is probably worth buying

It makes the most sense if you:

It is harder to justify if you:

Our ideal Australian campsite mosquito routine

About 30 minutes before sunset:

Before bed:

Before the next trip, check the local health alerts along with the forecast. Our camping weather-planning guide is a useful pre-trip companion, and if you are camping near the coast, our beach camping guide covers wind, tides and campsite setup as well.

The verdict: the product is good, but the system is better

The Thermacell EX90 is exactly the kind of camping gadget we like: it solves an annoying problem without demanding a complicated installation, and it has a clear use case around a campsite.

Its rechargeable, water-resistant design and claimed 28m square metres zone make it particularly attractive for caravanners, 4WD campers and anglers who spend evenings in one fixed outdoor area.

But the smartest reason to buy it is not to replace normal mosquito repellent. It is to add a more comfortable zone around camp while the proven basics–clothing, registered skin repellent and insect-proof sleeping gear–continue doing their jobs.

That is the setup we would choose for an Australian camping trip.

-> Check the Thermacell EX90 on Amazon Australia

As an Amazon Associate, AussieSurvivor earns from qualifying purchases. Price and availability can change.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best mosquito repellent for camping in Australia?

Australian health authorities recommend personal repellents containing DEET, picaridin or PMD/OLE, used according to the label. Long clothing and mosquito-proof sleeping gear add important physical protection. A zone device such as a Thermacell can be an additional campsite layer.

Does Thermacell work for camping?

Thermacell markets the EX90 specifically for outdoor activities including camping and fishing, with a claimed 28m square metres protection zone. Conditions and placement matter, so follow the Australian label and do not treat the device as a substitute for personal repellent.

Does the Thermacell EX90 need gas?

No. The EX90 uses a rechargeable battery to activate its replaceable repellent cartridge. That distinguishes it from Thermacell's fuel-powered Backpacker and older fuel-cartridge products.

How long does the Thermacell EX90 refill last?

The current Australian/Amazon listing includes a 40-hour refill. Actual ownership cost depends on how often you run the device and the current price of replacement cartridges.

Can I use a Thermacell inside a tent?

Follow the exact Australian product label and manufacturer directions regarding placement and use. Do not assume an outdoor spatial repeller is intended for a small enclosed sleeping space. Use intact tent mesh or a mosquito net as the primary sleeping barrier.

Are mosquito wristbands enough for camping?

No. WA Health says wearable repellent devices have limited efficacy and should not be relied on for adequate protection in mosquito-borne disease risk areas.

Is citronella enough to stop mosquito bites?

Do not rely on citronella or botanical essential-oil products alone where mosquito-borne disease is a concern. WA Health recommends registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin or PMD/OLE.

What time are mosquitoes worst in Australia?

It depends on the species. Many are active around dawn and dusk, but some bite during the day or night. Check local health advice and use protection whenever mosquitoes are active.

—

Related seasonal guide: Use our spring camping Australia checklist before the first warm-weather trip after winter.

Related seasonal guide: Use our spring camping Australia checklist before the first warm-weather trip after winter.

Shopping for Dad? Compare our useful Father’s Day camping gifts for Australia, matched to the trips and gear he already uses.

Related Articles

Which Australian Camper Are Yo...

Are You “That Campsite&#...

WA’s Wildflower Camping...

8 Father’s Day Gifts for...