If you're anything like me, bugs LOVE you. Like, leave a toothbrush at your crib love. It's like they seek and destroy the second I step foot outside. Which is unfortunate, because summer is the dreaded no-see-um season. Floridians came up with this fun name for sand fleas that may be hard to spot, but their bites pack a wallop. Not only that, but I am also allergic to most insect bites. They swell to more than twice their size and cause bruises that can sometimes last months. It is miserable. 

Knowing this, Tim made sure to be locked and loaded with some bug defense. He had us covered for personal bug protection, but we wanted something more permanent for our outside space. Since we have so little room to entertain, our "chill spot" for guests is outside. Of course, we know that fans help, but I still get chewed up even with a breeze. We knew about the personal space bug repeller called the Thermacell (one of the best inventions ever). We did not know they made tiki torches. As soon as we saw it, we made our purchase. 

It works wonders. Because we basically camp every day, the bugs are plentiful. Add in the fact that we live 50 feet from a preserve with a creek, and the bug factor reaches critical levels. The Thermacell instructions say to light this baby up 30 minutes before you plan on spending time outside.

Setting it up is cake. Put the steak torch in the ground.

Unscrew the top and put the tiny propane canister in the unit.

Batteries for the LED light built in.

Twist back to the ground stake!

Place you repellent pad in the top!

Twist the out ring to start and then back to the on position to ignite the heating mechanism. Your good to go!

Let it do its thing until that blue pad turns white and then you know it needs to be replaced!

It slowly but surely repels the bugs and keeps them away. It's dependable, subtle, and surprisingly sort of decorative. There is no bug zapping or thick smoke, just a more enjoyable outdoor experience during the bug season. And we have our portable Thermacell for when we go on adventures and when Big Mike comes over to grill out and no bugs bother him or his food! 

As previously stated, I am an unwilling bug buffet. I am always looking for tips! What bug-repelling tips do you have? How do you treat your bug bites? Drop your wisdom in the comments below! 

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-Sam