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| Archives and Online Features : Gear Reviews |
Bug Off
By Lindsay Yaw
2004 Aug (Vol. 6, No. 3)
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If you’re like me, nothing drives you mad faster than a
mosquito buzzing in your ear late at night in a tent, or 10,000 gnats and biting flies swarming around you on a paddle trip. What’s more maddening is that, these days, those little buggers might cause a serious case of West Nile Virus (almost 10,000 cases last year in the US alone) or Lyme Disease, which boasts symptoms like nausea, muscle aches and fatigue. Worry not. A new wave of bug repellents, from DEET-free clothing to a solar-powered “mosquito annoyer,” will protect you this summer from losing blood—and your mind.
DEET Powered
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| photo by chris thompson |
The Centers for Disease Control recommends DEET
as the best protection against bugs, and these products make full use of the repellent.
Off! Skintastic
Recent studies hail DEET as the most effective mosquito repellent on the market, but critics don’t like the corrosive nature of this noxious chemical. To lessen the negative effect, Skintastic combines DEET with ethyl alcohol to ensure quick evaporation and to coat only the skin’s surface. For kids, try the 5-percent DEET Family edition, or the 10-percent DEET with 30 SPF
sunscreen. Each application lasts about two hours, so if you’re on a long outing, you’ll have to reapply frequently. $4 (6 oz.); 888-633-7768; www.mosquitoes.com.
Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent
If you’re headed to Alaska in July, you’ll want to keep from becoming a bug’s all-you-can-eat
buffet. Ben’s provides a roll-on, spray and lotion, with either 30-percent or 100-percent DEET. Because it’s water-based (vs. alcohol), it takes longer for the skin to absorb and lasts longer. Two downfalls: The higher concentration will eat a hole through your fleece (but not cotton), and it’s not recommended for children under the age of 10. $5 (1.25 oz. of 100-percent or 2 oz. of 30-percent); 800-258-4696; www.tendercorp.com.
Sawyer Controlled Release
Sometimes we’re lazy and just don’t want to stop to reapply bug lotion. Designed to last all day, Sawyer’s time-released lotion encapsulates DEET in a protein that breaks down slowly, releasing the chemical repellent over a long period of time. It contains 20-percent DEET but only fends off ticks and mosquitoes. $6 (4 oz.); 727-725-1177; www.sawyerproducts.com.
DEET Free
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| photo by chris thompson |
Worried about chemicals? Slather on these alternatives to DEET.
Natrapel Plus
If you’re worried about using chemical-based products, DEET-free Natrapel Plus is an effective alternative. It’s a natural citronella- and geraniol-based repellent that is safe to slather on the tikes and lasts up to four hours. Testers like its pleasant smell and long-lasting protection compared to other natural products. Available in a roll-on, spray and lotion. $6 (6 oz.); 800-258-4696; www.tendercorp.com.
Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR 3535 eXpedition Insect Repellent
One application of Avon’s new oil- and DEET-free eXpedition aerosol will protect you for up to eight hours against mosquitoes and deer ticks or for four hours against black flies, gnats and no-seeums. Its 360-degree actuator lets you spray it on with the bottle upside down. Also available with 15 or 30 SPF, and in a lotion and non-aerosol spray. $12 (4 oz.); 800-367-2866; www.avon.com.
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
If you’re bringing a date into the woods, the smell of Burt’s 100-percent herbal repellent with citronella, lemongrass and rosemary won’t offend when you get close. Ready to defend you against “creeping, crawling, winging, stinging, sucking, bugging, biting beasties,” according to its label, it is safe for both children and pets. $7.50 (4 oz.); 919-998-5200; www.burtsbees.com.
The Oddballs
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| photo by chris thompson |
Don’t want to smear anything on your skin? Get a load of these options.
William Joseph Fishing’s Mosquito Annoyer
If basting yourself in smelly repellents isn’t your thing, the lightweight (6 oz.), solar-powered Mosquito Annoyer might just be. Clip it to your shirt or pack and the Tic-Tac-sized box will emit a digital version of the high-pitched sound of a horny male mosquito that wards off the pregnant females—since they’re the ones who sting. It isn’t foolproof yet; you can still be stung 5 percent of the time. $10; 801-978-2207; www.williamjosephfishing.com.
Ex Officio’s Buzz Off bug repellent clothing
Say sayonara to greasy hands, and hello to a summer wardrobe that repels bugs. Ex Officio’s new Buzz Off clothing is bonded with Permethrin—a powerful bug repellent—to fend off insects and protect against UV rays. The quick-drying and moisture-wicking material is great for fishing, paddling and hiking and is available in short- or long-sleeved shirts, shorts, pants and socks. $18 (socks) to $79 (long-sleeved woven shirt); 800-644-7303; www.exofficio.com.
Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
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