The Thermacell Story

Thermacell was founded in the 1980s based on the vision of entrepreneur Bill Schawbel, who developed a portable, heat-activated technology that led to mosquito repellent solutions.

The Beginnings of Thermacell

That is the promise of Thermacell. How we came to make that promise—and the mosquito repellents that fulfill it—is the story of Bill Schawbel and the talented group of people he assembled who shared his vision. In the 1970s, Bill was a senior executive at a large consumer products company, Gillette. Bill was an entrepreneur at heart who had a passion for his work and a willingness to take risks. In 1981, Bill took a leap and purchased a part of the Gillette company that produced home appliances and personal care devices, to manage as his own. This was the beginning of Thermacell.

Bringing portability to consumer products

Bill Schawbel and his team envisioned a power source that would free people to use electrical devices wherever and whenever they wanted. In the era before lithium-ion batteries, most appliances needed a power cord. The solution was a portable heat-based power source. This innovation became the Thermacell Fuel Cartridge, which uses butane to power a variety of new cordless products.

From curling irons to glue guns, soldering irons to baby bottle warmers, Bill's team brought countless cordless, fuel-powered devices to market. And that didn't go unnoticed by another major consumer products company, SC Johnson, which turned to Bill to solve a big problem: combating the mosquitoes that plague us all.

New Target: Mosquitoes

For four years, Bill and his development team, led by Jim Bonnema, worked with SC Johnson to perfect a heat-activated mosquito repellent device. One by one, challenges arose, and one by one, Bill and his team overcame them.

After four long years, Bill was ready to launch his product. SC Johnson wanted to delay the launch to conduct more rounds of market research. So once again he made the bold decision that he and his team would go it alone, launching their product under the name Thermacell.

Shortly thereafter, the Thermacell Mosquito Repellent hit the market in 1999.

The mosquito revolution begins

A portable, heat-activated repellent that was silent, odor-free, and invisible quickly became a must-have item for outdoor adventurers. Thermacell technology uses an innovative ignition and combustion system to disperse the highly effective repellent, creating a fifteen-foot mosquito protection zone. But campsites and forests were just the beginning. Soon, homeowners discovered Thermacell, and on warm summer nights, families across America realized they could put away the sprays and lotions.

From Australia to Sweden, you'll find Thermacell at work all over the world

Our product line continues to grow as our technology advances. In 2018, we introduced Radius, the first rechargeable, battery-powered mosquito repellent. We also launched Tick Control Tubes, a greener way to protect families from Lyme disease-carrying ticks.

Thermacell frees people who love the outdoors from mosquitoes

As we enter our third decade of growth, our product line may expand and our technology may evolve, but our mission remains the same. With every product we offer, we seek to improve your outdoor life, freeing you to enjoy nature wherever you are.

Over the years

  • 1970

    Bill Schawbel holds senior management positions at The Gillette Company.

  • 1981

    Bill Schawbel forms The Schawbel Corporation. He then takes Gillette's Appliance Division and the Braun NA business into private ownership.

  • 1986

    Thermacell Butane Technology is developed, which is used to power the Thermacell personal care products introduced.

  • 1988

    Butane-powered curling irons are manufactured and eventually sold in 20 countries.

  • 1994

    Engineer Jim Bonnema develops the first prototype of the Thermacell mosquito repellent system.

  • 1999

    Thermacell mosquito repellent products hit the market for the first time.

  • 2000

    Global distribution begins, eventually reaching over 30 countries.

  • 2001

    The company moves to its current headquarters.

  • 2003

    Licenses the hair care business to Conair.

  • 2011

    Redesign of the original portable mosquito repellent.

  • 2014

    Thermacell mosquito repellent business revitalized with significant investment and personnel.

  • 2018

    Thermacell introduces Radius rechargeable repellers and Tick Tubes.

  • 2019

    The 20th anniversary is being celebrated.

  • 2024

    Science and Research facility opens in Hampton, FL.

  • 2025

    OneBuford (Buford, GA) Grand Opening (expansion to a larger space for MFG/DIST).


    United States: Certified as a Great Place to Work.


    Named to the Fortune 2025 Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™ List in the Small & Medium Business category.

  • 2026

    Partnership Gwinnett, Movers & Makers Awards – Manufacturer of the Year Award, Small Business.


    Certified as a Great Place to Work in the USA.