I just started using one this year. They definitely work on misquitoes but not on bees or flies which i'm OK with. I was worried about the scent too but I finally realized this year that if a deer comes down wind of you when it is warm enough to use a thermacell your screwed anyway. between sweat and boots and bows and everything else when its warm outside you better just play the wind instead of trying to beat it. same reason i don't spend $200 on scentlock clothes.

I knew mine worked but after this opening weekend of deer season I will swear by them. Opening morning didn't have any more butane for mine so I left it at home. Hunted next to a slough and the mosquitoes were the worst I have ever seen. My rubber boots were completely covered in them just sitting and waiting for an opening on my hands or face. Needless to say I saw very few deer as I spent all my time swatting the Dam* things. Sunday I had refills and took thermacell to woods. Not one time did I have to swat a mosquito only had one buzz me once but it quickly got out of there. Once out of the stand I turned it off thinking as I walked they wouldn't bother me, well after it cooled a few minutes they were attacking like no tomorrow. Scent I can't attest to although I have seen plenty of deer while using it. Today I look like I have chicken pox on my hands neck and forehead. Will never run out of butane again. Please no West Nile!