ThermaCELL Outdoor Lantern Making 2010 Staycations Feel More Like Vacations

BEDFORD, Mass., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The recession is prompting more individuals to forego expensive vacations and spend their time off affordably at home. And while Americans are adjusting to trends that are dictating the economy, there are some things they're not willing to sacrifice: comfort and safety. ThermaCELL, the manufacturer of award-winning mosquito repellent products, is helping to ensure they don't have to compromise this upcoming summer vacation season with the introduction of the new Outdoor Lantern. Thanks to its combination of ambient light and unmatched protection from mosquitoes (98 percent effectiveness in U.S. Department of Defense tests), the ThermaCELL Outdoor Lantern makes staying at home an inviting alternative.

Indeed, 2009 may soon be dubbed the year of the "staycation," with the trend toward staying home instead of vacationing expected to extend well into 2010. It's no wonder then that a recent National Gardening Association survey revealed that do-it-yourself lawn and garden activities were up more than a billion dollars from the previous year, to more than $35 billion. People are staying closer to home in order to enjoy comfort and safety without the expense of travel.

Consumers also want to share that comfort and safety with family and friends. In its recent Outdoor Entertaining Trends report, market research firm The NPD Group, Inc. found, "Despite the sluggish economy, most consumers are engaging in some form of outdoor entertaining While monitoring their spending, many have found it acceptable to invest a portion of their savings in items for outdoor entertaining. According to a study conducted by the Cooking Club of America with more than a million members, more than 90 percent of participants own a grill and 80 percent cook outside at least once a week during the good weather, making it imperative to keep biting bugs at bay.

ThermaCELL products are affordable, effective and portable; they are ideal for gardening, outdoor entertaining, camping and spectator sporting events. Available nationwide at stores including Home Depot and Wal-Mart as well as outdoor/sporting goods stores between $21-29, outdoor entertainers can enjoy a 15 x 15 foot "Bug-Free-Zone" in minutes- all for less than the price of a tank of gas. Approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, the ThermaCELL Outdoor Lantern is a more effective and safe alternative to bug tents, open flame candles, smelly lotions and harsh sprays. It is 100 percent DEET-free, silent, portable and odor free, thereby ensuring no embarrassing distractions or interruptions to home entertaining festivities. What's more, its reusability features and recyclable cartridges make it an environmentally sustainable mosquito repellent.

President of The Schawbel Corporation, Bill Schawbel, explains, "No one product can be all things to everyone, but our new Outdoor Lantern comes pretty close. It's effective, aesthetically pleasing, reusable and affordable. With our Outdoor Lanterns protecting the backyard, staying home becomes an alluring way to enjoy summer and save money."

For more information, please contact a ThermaCELL representative toll free at 866-753-3837 or email [email protected], Mail can also be sent to The Schawbel Corporation, 25 Crosby Drive, Suite 102, Bedford, MA 01730 or contact the company online at www.thermacell.com. To learn more about ThermaCELL's complete line of products, testimonials, or store locations visit www.thermacell.com.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
    The Schawbel Corporation
    1-8-NO-SKEETERS
    781-541-6900
    www.thermacell.com
    [email protected]

SOURCE ThermaCELL