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This mosquito season could be a real concern

 Apr 15th, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Apr 15th, 2016 at 12:00 AM

This mosquito season could be real concern; steps you can take
BugBand’s full line of naturally derived DEET-free products helps repel insects

First thought to only bite during sunrise and sunset hours, scientists have found the Aedes aegypti mosquito (pictured here) and the Aedes albopictus (aka Asian Tiger) mosquito, responsible for the Zika virus and the dengue fever outbreaks among others diseases, continue to feed all day long

It’s here! The Zika virus is in the U.S. headlines — big time — and among all the alarming news on the mosquito bite causing the virus, it boils down to one thing: protecting yourself.
 
Mosquitoes were generally thought of as just a warm weather nuisance. As increasing reports of their spread of the Zika virus into the U.S., which already has dengue fever, West Nile and other mosquito-carrying diseases, the stakes are far greater for controlling them.

Zika is believed responsible for a spike of babies born in Brazil with abnormally small heads, called microcephaly, and also temporary paralysis linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome.

 Naturally derived DEET- free Bug Band products are non-toxic and also safe for pregnant women, pets and children and come in a variety of applications.

Dan Ritter of BugBand, which produces a variety of naturally derived DEET-free insect repellents, explained there are four life stages to the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes spreading the Zika virus: egg, larva, pupa and adult. 

“From an egg to an adult takes less than 10 days starting with the female laying eggs, usually about 100, in containers holding water.  Submerged in water the eggs hatch and the aquatic larvae quickly evolves into a pupae and three days later into adult flying mosquitoes, the females each ready for four or more blood-sucking meals so they can lay their eggs and the cycle starts over again. They live for an average of three weeks and reproduce outside or inside a home,” said Ritter.

“Think of her as a tiny flying hypodermic needle, attracted to the lactic acid in our sweat,      ingesting microbes directly from a person’s blood then injecting them directly into the bloodstream of another person. It’s a domino effect. Travelers bitten in one country have taken the Zika now to 40 reported countries and those numbers are increasing.”
   
The only resolves to repel mosquitoes since the 1950s were products with DEET. But DEET has adverse side effects to humans such as rashes, seizures and disorientation.  
 
Scientific discovery of Geraniol at Univ. of Fla., to repel biting mosquitoes  
   

Geraniol, the active ingredient in BugBand’s insect repelling products like the wristband on this angler’s arm, is waterproof and reusable for up to 120 hours. Its natural essential oil is derived from geraniums and its vapors help repel insects before they land.

BugBand’s active ingredient Geraniol was discovered in 2003 in field and laboratory research at the University of Florida, from oils of the powerful insect repelling geranium plants.     Ritter, working with U of F entomologist Dr. Jerry Butler found that the BugBand products were very effective at repelling the female biting mosquitoes.  In 2004, in another human testing study at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel, Dr. Gunter Muller found 20% Geraniol gave commercially acceptable performance. 
   
“BugBand’s patented formula offers wrist bands to wipes to pump sprays, all made here in the U.S.,” said Ritter.  “They’re attractively priced and we believe are the most effective and safest to use around children to adults and pets,” said Ritter. “For years fishermen, hunters, hikers and families in outdoor activities have repeatedly used our products, not only to repel mosquitoes but other harmful insect species like ticks, gnats, no-see-ums, fleas and flies. It’s used by our military and is a popular licensed product long used by the Boy Scouts of America.
   
“Anglers also appreciate it because it’s water-based and there is no scent transfer on baits, or damage to monofilament lines,” said Ritter.
   
“You’ll see cheap knockoffs of our bands, many mass produced in China with low-grade ingredients for spontaneous sales at supermarket checkout aisles and dollar-type stores. Going without protection, especially this year is simply not an option, when quality naturally derived DEET-free products like BugBand are safe for you and the environment.” 
      
For more behind the hard data and science of Geraniol used in the BugBand products, plus a wealth of tips and bug repelling information, go to BugBand.net or call 1-800-473-9467. 
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Tips for avoiding mosquito bites

Here are several tips from the CDC and the scientists at BugBand on how to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes, especially the Aedes aegypti and Andes albopictus species making world headline coverage for spreading of the Zika virus as well as the West Nile, dengue and other viral diseases:
*    When mosquitoes are most active wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, socks and shoes.
*    Apply long proven naturally derived repellents, like those from BugBand, to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product labels).
*    In university studies of naturally derived Geraniol, products were tested on humans. 20% Geraniol was found to be the best quality formula to repel biting mosquitoes. It was also dermatology tested and hypoallergenic approved    
*    Provide mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers.
*    Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
*    Take steps to prevent their breeding by removing standing water from containers close to dwellings such as flower pots and plates under them, discarded tires, buckets, cans, ornamental fountains, clogged rain gutters, pet’s water bowls, birdbaths, etc.