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I absolutely love your products!
"I have a wooded backyard, including a pond, with hundreds of mosquitoes. In previous years, despite being covered with various DEET insecticides, I still came in with numerous bites. I first purchased your products last year...and did not get a single bite! In addition, I no longer get the rashes I used to get from wearing insecticides on my skin..."
Favorite Thing: It works all the time, and no insecticide smell on my skin.
Vickie Spillane of New Jersey, enjoying her backyard again
The individuals who provided these testimonials have received no compensation,
and do not have any financial relationship with Buzz Off Insect Shield.
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Ask An Expert
Director of Global Health Initiatives
In her capacity as Director of Global Health Initiatives for Buzz Off Insect Shield, Laura Hendrix is happy to field questions about various insect-borne diseases and global health issues. She also offers tips on how you can protect yourself when traveling to high-risk areas, as well as providing links to the most current and comprehensive information online.
Background: As Director of the Global Health Initiatives, Hendrix currently works with international development and relief organizations to promote Insect Shield as a tool for preventing insect-borne diseases.
Hendrix holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Education in secondary education, with a major in biology education. She earned both degrees at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Prior to working at Insect Shield, Hendrix taught high-school chemistry and biology at the Greensboro Day School in North Carolina. Before her teaching career, Hendrix served as the laboratory supervisor for the British Medical Research Council's Programme on AIDS in Entebbe, Uganda. She oversaw a team of laboratory technicians as they ran various diagnostic and research tests. This program continues to follow a cohort of 10,000 people in a rural area of Uganda to monitor trends in HIV incidence. During her time in Uganda, Hendrix also managed a clinic offering free HIV testing and counseling.
Before her efforts in Africa, Hendrix worked as a laboratory technician at the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at Health Canada, which is the Canadian national HIV reference laboratory. Hendrix is currently pursuing a Master of Science in epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Ask the Expert - Q&A
- How do I protect my children (under one year of age) from insects? Can they utilize insect repellent, or for that matter, Insect Shield technology? Juli C., Seattle, WA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using insect repellents with demonstrated effectiveness that are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The CDC recommends EPA-registered, DEET-based topical repellents for children over two months of age, but cautions that the directions for use should be followed carefully. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using repellents with 10% or less of DEET on children.
The CDC recommends the use of clothing treated with the insect repellent permethrin, which is the active ingredient in EPA-registered Insect Shield repellent apparel. Many parents prefer Insect Shield repellent apparel because it can be worn by children of any age, and reduces the need for skin-applied repellents.
The CDC also recommends the use of Picaridin-based topical repellents, but not much information is available regarding their use on children. In addition, oil of lemon eucalyptus topical products can be used—but not on children under the age of three, according to the CDC.
Protecting Your Environment (return to top)
- What can we do to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying in our back yard? Shelley S., Minneapolis, MN
Mosquitoes need standing water to reproduce, so eliminate standing water in your yard to prevent them from breeding. Also, change the water in birdbaths and pet water bowls regularly. Visit the American Mosquito Control Association at http://www.mosquito.org/info.php to learn more mosquito-prevention tips.
- I live in Connecticut where Lyme disease is common. Is there any type of tick deterrent I can put in my yard to help get rid of them? Annette C., Sharon, CT
Tick prevention proves difficult, but you can discourage infestation by removing dead leaves and brush from your yard, and keeping grass mowed. Prune trees to allow more sunlight to penetrate to the soil surface, which helps to reduce humidity. Insecticides labeled for outdoor tick control are available, but they are not very effective in eliminating large numbers of ticks in brushy, heavily wooded area.
Insect Shield repellent apparel effectively repels ticks, including deer ticks that can carry Lyme disease. Insect Shield socks prove especially helpful for tick protection.
- Is DEET the most effective insect repellent? What are the properties of DEET? Juli C., Seattle, WA
The CDC advises using EPA-registered insect repellents that have demonstrated effectiveness. Currently, the CDC recommends DEET and Picaridin-based repellents for topical use.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also EPA-registered and CDC-recommended. It provides protection similar to that of topical repellents with low DEET concentrations.
The CDC also recommends wearing clothing treated with permethrin, which is the active ingredient in EPA-registered Insect Shield repellent apparel. Everyone—including children of all ages as well as pregnant and nursing women—can wear Insect Shield repellent apparel, which also reduces the need for skin-applied repellents.
DEET (N, N diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) repels insects by interfering with the receptors they use to locate their prey. It has been used as an insect repellent for more than 50 years with a low incidence of adverse reactions. Consumer Reports suggests using products containing 40% or less DEET for adults and 20% or less DEET for children. The AAP recommends products with 10% or less DEET for children.
According to the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under three years of age.
Little is known regarding the effectiveness of different concentrations of DEET against deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) that can carry Lyme disease.
DEET can harm plastics and synthetic fabrics, as well as car and furniture finishes.
Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023 and frequently referred to as “Bayrepel” outside the United States, was EPA-registered in 2001. The CDC recommends its use as a skin-applied insect repellent. It also proves effective at repelling insects when administered to floors and walls, as well as other household non-food-contact surfaces.
Spray-and-wipe topical repellent products are available with 5-10% of Picaridin. At this time, the CDC and the AAP have not published recommendations concerning the use of Picaridin for children.
- How often should you reapply topical repellents if camping in a buggy area? Jim B., Denver, CO
Follow the directions on the label of the topical repellent you are using. Different repellents contain different concentrations of active ingredient so their reapplication intervals can vary quite a bit.
Insect Shield repellent apparel provides insect protection as long as you are wearing it, as well as reducing the need for constant reapplication of topical repellents.
- What is Lyme disease? Janet R., Cleveland, OH
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to people by the bite of infected deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). On the rise in the United States, Lyme disease can be severe, chronic and disabling. See this section for more information about Lyme disease.
- If you find a tick on your body, how should you remove it? Anne T., Brookline, MA
Use tweezers or a tissue to grip the tick’s body as close to your skin as possible. Pull gently until the tick lets go. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/spotlight/ for more detailed information regarding proper tick removal and tick-borne illnesses.
- Has there ever been malaria in the United States? Bill N., Portland, ME
Malaria caused hundreds of thousands of deaths in the United States prior to World War II. By 1951, the threat of contracting malaria in the United States was eliminated, due to the introduction of DDT and implementation of mosquito-control measures. However, malaria still kills millions of people in other parts of the world. Go to this section for more details about malaria.
- What is West Nile virus? Sally T., St. Louis, MO
West Nile virus is a central nervous system disorder that can be fatal. On the rise in the United States, it is usually transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. See this section for more information about West Nile virus.
- I recently read an article stating that there have been outbreaks of dengue fever in the United States! Sounds scary! Is this true and what is it, in a nutshell? Lucas S., Houston, TX
In August 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised doctors and health officials that dengue fever is now occurring in Texas near the Mexican border. Transmitted by mosquitoes, dengue fever can be found in tropical regions worldwide. Its global distribution compares to that of malaria. Dengue fever does not always require hospitalization, but it can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) which can be fatal.
In some regions, dengue fever and DHF have become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children. According to the CDC, “Dengue is the most significant mosquito-borne viral disease affecting humans.” There is no vaccine.
In August 2007, the CDC also issued a travel advisory for South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean, due to the significant increase and spread of dengue fever in those regions.
- I am planning to go on safari in Kenya in the next 6 months. How do you suggest I protect myself from the bugs? Joyce T., Pittsburgh, PA
Be sure to consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. If you need any vaccinations, realize that it may take time for them to become fully protective. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to Kenya.
According to the CDC, malaria poses a risk in all areas of Kenya at altitudes below 8,202 feet—including game parks—so you may require antimalarial drugs.
Insect Shield repellent apparel proves ideal for travel to countries like Kenya where insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, leishmaniasis and Rift Valley fever are endemic. Malaria, dengue fever and Rift Valley fever can be spread by mosquitoes—and the CDC recommends permethrin-treated clothing for protection against mosquitoes. Leishmaniasis can be spread by sand flies, which are also repelled by permethrin.
The active ingredient in Insect Shield repellent apparel and gear is permethrin. A patented process binds it so tightly to the fabric of Insect Shield repellent apparel that the repellency lasts through 70 washes—offering significantly more longevity than do-it-yourself, permethrin clothing-treatment products. So, in addition to their EPA-proven effectiveness for repelling insects, Insect Shield products offer travelers both convenience and lasting value.
Topical repellents should be used along with Insect Shield repellent apparel to protect exposed skin, especially in regions where insects may carry dangerous diseases. The CDC recommends topical repellents with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin-based repellents in 7% and 15% concentrations are also recommended, but they require more frequent application—and not much is known about their effectiveness against mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
- I hear that mosquitoes bite primarily at night? Is this true? Are there dangerous mosquitoes that also bite in the daylight hours? Samantha F., Great Barrington, MA
Some potentially dangerous mosquitoes bite during the day, including Aedes aegypti (also known as Yellow fever mosquitoes) that can transmit both yellow fever and dengue fever. Although neither of these diseases occurs frequently in the United States, the Aedes aegypti mosquito can be found in southern regions of the country. Another day-biting mosquito is the Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito)—which is now common and widespread across America. Aedes albopictus can transmit West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis and canine heartworm. It also spreads dengue fever in Central America, South America and the Pacific.
Some species of mosquitoes seek prey all night, but most tend to be active in early morning and at dusk. Other species, including the two mentioned above, bite during the day.
- I live in the Upper Peninsula area of Michigan where bugs are a daily nightmare. I cannot wait to try Insect Shield clothing. If I am wearing Insect Shield clothing, will I also need repellent on my hands, face, etc.? David M., Eagle Harbor, MI
Topical repellents should be used along with Insect Shield repellent apparel to protect exposed skin, especially in locations that are heavily infested and/or where insects can carry dangerous diseases. We recommend using one of the EPA-registered topical insect repellents, most of which are DEET-based. The CDC also recommends picaridin-based repellents, but they require more frequent application.
- If I do not live in the Northeastern part of the United States, am I safe from Lyme disease? Steve K., Denver, CO
Lyme disease historically occurs most in Northeastern states like Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maryland; North Central states, including Michigan and Minnesota; and on the West Coast, but it is not confined to these areas. Almost every state records at least a few cases of Lyme disease each year, including a comparatively large number of cases in Florida and Texas, where people might not expect to encounter it. Typically not a problem in tropical regions, Lyme disease does pose a threat in parts of Europe and Asia.
There have been only a few cases of Lyme disease reported in Colorado.
- I am heading to Australia and New Zealand in the coming months. Have there been outbreaks of diseases such as malaria caused by insects there? Gary D., Tucson, AZ
According to the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/, antimalarial drugs and Yellow fever vaccination are not required for travel to Australia or New Zealand. Note however, that these requirements can change. Always consult your doctor or a travel clinic before making trips outside the United States.
Malaria occurs quite rarely in Australia, although other insect-borne diseases can be contracted there. Mosquitoes (“mozzies”) are a well-known nuisance in many parts of the country, and some of the 300 different species found there have the potential to transmit dangerous diseases such as dengue fever and Australian encephalitis. Consider taking along Insect Shield repellent apparel to help make your visit to Australia more enjoyable.
Vector-borne illness currently does not pose a threat in New Zealand, but experts say outbreaks could occur, as the spread of insect-borne disease proves difficult to control or predict.
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