The Buzz on Keeping Insects at Bay

Expert Offers Five Tips to Keep Harmful Bugs Away From Your Family This Summer

(ARA) - Summertime, the old song goes, and the livin' is easy. From lounging by the lake to picnicking in the park, spending time outdoors with friends and family is what warm weather is all about. But summertime can also be full of buzzing, biting pests. Uninvited guests -- particularly mosquitoes and other pesky insects -- can ruin the fun. Even worse, they can be dangerous.

"Bugs can put a damper on a fun day in the sun, but far more importantly, insects can be a real threat," says Dan Ritter, president of BugBand, Inc., a Georgia-based manufacturer of natural insect repellents. "Going without protection when you're outside simply isn't an option."

Using traditional insect repellents is one way of dealing with bugs, but the potential health risks -- especially to children -- have many parents thinking twice about slathering pesticides on their kids' clothing, arms, legs and faces.

So what alternatives are there for people who'd rather stay away from harsh repellents? Researchers have discovered an all-natural, plant-based repellent called Geraniol that's a safer choice than potentially dangerous pesticides like DEET. And, in many cases, it's more effective.

According to laboratory and field studies by the University of Florida, Geraniol, the active ingredient in BugBand insect repellents, is not only more effective than 6.75-percent DEET, musk oil and 10-percent citronella, it repels a much broader range of insects. BugBand Geraniol repellents are available in several forms, including wristbands (for everyday use) and pump spray and towelettes (for heavier-duty applications), as well as a variety of commercial applications. BugBand is available online at www.bugband.net, and at department, grocery and drug stores across the country.

For years, people have planted geraniums on their porches or in window boxes, convinced that the flowers helped deter mosquitoes. Today, scientific data supports that longtime belief. By creating an invisible shield that's safe to use around food, children and pets, Geraniol, a naturally occurring repellent that can be extracted from geranium oil through a unique refining process, has been proven to be an effective means of repelling blood-feeding insects.

Effective repellent is the first line of defense in the battle against bugs, but paying attention to these five summertime tips from BugBand's Dan Ritter is another way to stay pest-free.

* Don't underestimate bugs. They may be small, but they can pack a wallop. Have a healthy respect for the damage insects can inflict, whether it's as minor as irritating, itchy bites or as major as a potentially life-threatening disease like West Nile Virus.

* Cover up. Exposed skin can be like an all-you-can-eat buffet for bugs. Cut down on the amount of open area by wearing lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, caps, and closed-toed shoes.

* Eliminate standing water. Still, murky water can be the perfect breeding ground for insects. Dump water from pots, wheelbarrows, tarps and gutters to cut down on locations that can attract bugs.

* Know your enemy. Pay attention to when the bugs in your area are the most active, typically around dusk and dawn, and plan accordingly. Stay away from prime insect locations like wetlands, marshes or deep woods.

* Get involved. Encourage your community officials to do everything they can to control bugs through proactive insect management programs.

Whether you're flipping burgers on the grill or hosting a backyard get-together, armed with the right family-friendly repellent -- and the right information -- you can keep the bugs at bay this season. For more tips on keeping your spring and summer insect free, visit www.bugband.net.

Courtesy of ARAcontent