I don't have a thermacell. Always used bug spray, deep woods rebel if I remember right. I take thebug spray with me and when the skeeters starting biteing again, i spray down again.I have been winded, but those 2 deer had changed bedding locations. I have also had does go up a trail 3 yards from me while I was sitting on the ground with my back up against a tree. They never knew I was there. Been close a lot of times and not been busted.