#USA #disaster relief #Bedford #Mosquito Repellent #Thermacell

Thermacell's Generous Donation of Mosquito Repellent Devices

In a significant move to aid communities affected by disasters, Thermacell Repellents, Inc. has announced the donation of 150,000 zone mosquito repellers to the humanitarian organization Convoy of Hope. This generous contribution, valued at over $4 million, is aimed at supporting relief efforts in regions of the United States severely impacted by hurricanes and other extreme weather events. These areas often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes due to standing water left in the aftermath of such disasters.

As National Mosquito Day approaches on August 20th, the donation highlights the crucial need for awareness around mosquito-borne diseases. Rising mosquito populations post-disaster not only create a nuisance but also impose health risks, including the potential transmission of viruses such as West Nile, dengue, and Zika. The conditions following disasters—such as power outages, lack of running water, and damaged homes—aggravate the challenges for survivors already facing enormous hardships.

Ashley Larochelle, Vice President of People and Culture at Thermacell, shared her insights: “Over the past 25 years, Thermacell has been on a mission to liberate outdoor enthusiasts from the harmful effects of insects. With this donation, we are honored to alleviate one source of worry for families and communities as they embark on the journey of recovery.” The donated repellers will be integrated into Convoy of Hope’s disaster relief operations, ensuring that survivors and volunteers are better protected while they work on restoring homes and infrastructure.

Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement for Convoy of Hope, expressed gratitude for this partnership, stating, “Mosquito populations increase following many disasters and create yet another issue for survivors. This generous donation will not only help relieve the mosquito problem but will also provide a sense of comfort during an incredibly challenging time.”

In addition to the donation, Thermacell is taking proactive steps to share expert mosquito control advice to help families prepare for and manage mosquitoes following severe weather. Here are a few recommendations from their guidelines:

Before a Storm:

1. Secure Outdoor Items: Ensure that any outdoor items that can collect rainwater are secured or removed.
2. Gutter Maintenance: Clean and unclog gutters so that water can drain effectively post-rain.
3. Fill Low Areas: Fill in any low-lying sections or holes in the yard to prevent water pooling.
4. Trim Vegetation: Trim back vegetation near the home to reduce shaded areas where mosquitoes often rest.

After a Storm:

1. Empty Standing Water: Regularly dump out any standing water from containers, debris, and gutters.
2. Screen Checks: Inspect screens for any damage that might allow mosquitoes inside the home.
3. Cover Rain Barrels: If possible, cover rain barrels and drains with mosquito-proof netting to minimize mosquito access.
4. Weekly Maintenance: Maintain cleaned areas weekly as mosquito eggs can hatch days or weeks after a storm.

For additional information on mosquito control strategies, families are encouraged to visit Thermacell's website.

About Thermacell

Thermacell Repellents, Inc. specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing advanced mosquito repellent and insect control solutions for over 25 years, with a presence in more than 30 countries globally.

About Convoy of Hope

Founded in 1994, Convoy of Hope is a global, faith-based organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations worldwide. To date, they have supported 300 million individuals across more than 130 countries.

Through collaborations like this, Thermacell and Convoy of Hope are setting an example for corporate responsibility and community support during critical times of need.