NuTone Haven Mosquito Repellent
Here at Traditions, we are always on the lookout for new ways to add that special touch to your outdoor space. So when we heard about the new mosquito repelling product NuTone Haven and all of its hefty claims, we had to do some digging. Does it work? How does it work? And most importantly, is it bad for people and the environment?
What is NuTone?
Nutone Haven is a new line of products that claim to create a protective mosquito-proof barrier around each fixture. The small fixtures can be installed in the landscape or mounted to a deck. When turned on, the sealed cartridge warms up and releases odorless chemicals that mosquitoes are not overly fond of. The cartridge lasts for around 215 hours of use, which translates to about 90 days at 2.4 hours per day. What appealed to us the most-besides the obvious benefits of a mosquito free lawn- was the fact that it can be added to any of our pre-existing low voltage landscape displays. That means unlimited control from one source.
Does it Work?
Reviews, both on NuTones website and off, are very positive. It doesn’t smell, keeps the mosquitoes out, and looks nice. We have no reason to doubt the Mosquito repelling properties of the product.
The fixtures come in two options, one with a light and one with just the repellent cartridge. Admittedly, we only work with the best of the best when it comes to our products. Therefore, we won’t be offering the lighted version to our clients. We only install lights from long standing and trusted brands like Kichler and FX Luminaire.
How often to use NuTone?
The standard setup that NuTone advertisers have the fixtures go on for two hours a day, but we recommend only turning them on when you are about to go outside. It only takes fifteen minutes to clear your yard, and that added time can make sure you get the most out of your cartridge. No one needs their mosquito repellent coming on in the middle of a thunderstorm. More importantly, though, studies conducted by the mosquito experts at UW-Madison state that regular exposure in small doses (say for two hours a day every day for four months straight) can lead to Mosquitoes becoming immune to nonlethal chemicals. Hence, use this only when you are going to use the space to ensure that your chemicals keep their edge.
Is NuTone safe?
The main chemical (Metofluthrin), used in NuTone’s cartridges, has undergone the required USDA testing and has passed all of the safety standards. For more information on the product click here.
Studies have reasonable proof that the chemicals are only toxic when consumed orally. The only way this can happen is if one were to unscrew the top of the fixture, break open the cartridge and drink the fluid. Not likely, but use caution.
When used with care, studies have shown that the chemical is not likely to cause harm. We encourage potential owners to read the studies and make informed decisions. We would not provide the service if we thought it was overtly dangerous when used properly. When looking at the recent outbreak in Mosquito spread viruses and the appalling side effects of using traditional bug spray, we think that NuTone is a reasonable middle ground.
We strive to give our customers the best and most honest information we can about all of our products, and that means we try to always give the drawbacks. What our customers do with this information is, of course, entirely their own choice. We want you to make the best decision you can so that you can get most out of your products.
Final thoughts
All in all, we are very optimistic about this product. We think it would be an upgrade for both you and the environment. No more people spraying your lawn in hazmat suits or bathing in DEET every time you want to light up the grill. The fixtures are minimalistic, easily incorporated into our traditional landscape display, and can help save you from the scourge of mosquitoes.
