08-03-2006, 12:29 AM
The Center For Disease Control says that most bug repellent made from natural herbs and plants are not worth a crap for protection beyond 10 minutes. (my interpretation of what they wrote) I did not see an reference to this product specifically.
The CDC says that female mosquitoes, the only ones that bite, are attracted by sweat. They say all insect repellent works by masking the smell of sweat. That being said, this Company is marketing a wrist band as an insect repellent. Based on what the CDC states I don't see anyway that a wrist band is going to protect my arms, neck, face, etc. Makes me suspect any of this companies products and claims.
This web pages says that Bug Band is as effective or more effective than deet at the same concentration.
[url "http://www.outdoorproshops.com/Bug%20Band%202.htm"]http://www.outdoorproshops.com/Bug%20Band%202.htm[/url]
The above webpage lists the tested concentration as 10%. For several hours or more protection the CDC says you need to use a product with 20% (I originally said 25%) or more deet in it.
(From looking at products at stores 10% is pretty typical concentration for natural based repellent products)
The CDC still recommends DEET for extended exposure or dense concentration of mosquitoes; ....... such as we see in fly fishing.
DEET will eat plastics such as fly line, waders, etc. so after applying to yourself you need to wipe clean your hands. I have used deet for years and never had anything eaten up by it. ..... I had better knot on wood. ..... I knocked on my head, that should do.
You can get deet in concentrations up to 100%. However, the CDC says that beyond 30% DEET concentration the addition protection declines sharply and that using a product with 50% or more gives not additional protection. They recommend a product with 20 to 35% deet.
I think I will stick with using DEET. It appears to still be the best. With West Nile Virus being a concern I figure I can replace all of my fishing equipment less expensively than one bought with West Nile.
For people over 50 West Nile Virus is a lot more likely to cause a severe case and much more likely to kill you.
For additional protection the CDC also recommends applying Permethrin to your clothes several hours prior to use. It must be dry before using the clothing. Permethrin should not be applied to your skin.
This page has links to articles at the CDC, New England Journal of Medicine, and webmd about West Nile Virus and/or insect repellents.
[url "http://www.westdenvertu.org/Fishing.htm#virus"]http://www.westdenvertu.org/Fishing.htm#virus[/url]
If you run out and buy this Bug Band product and you go out fishing where the mosquitos are thick please report back here. It would be good to know how it goes.
stay safe and may you always have a tight line.
[signature]
The CDC says that female mosquitoes, the only ones that bite, are attracted by sweat. They say all insect repellent works by masking the smell of sweat. That being said, this Company is marketing a wrist band as an insect repellent. Based on what the CDC states I don't see anyway that a wrist band is going to protect my arms, neck, face, etc. Makes me suspect any of this companies products and claims.
This web pages says that Bug Band is as effective or more effective than deet at the same concentration.
[url "http://www.outdoorproshops.com/Bug%20Band%202.htm"]http://www.outdoorproshops.com/Bug%20Band%202.htm[/url]
The above webpage lists the tested concentration as 10%. For several hours or more protection the CDC says you need to use a product with 20% (I originally said 25%) or more deet in it.
(From looking at products at stores 10% is pretty typical concentration for natural based repellent products)
The CDC still recommends DEET for extended exposure or dense concentration of mosquitoes; ....... such as we see in fly fishing.
DEET will eat plastics such as fly line, waders, etc. so after applying to yourself you need to wipe clean your hands. I have used deet for years and never had anything eaten up by it. ..... I had better knot on wood. ..... I knocked on my head, that should do.
You can get deet in concentrations up to 100%. However, the CDC says that beyond 30% DEET concentration the addition protection declines sharply and that using a product with 50% or more gives not additional protection. They recommend a product with 20 to 35% deet.
I think I will stick with using DEET. It appears to still be the best. With West Nile Virus being a concern I figure I can replace all of my fishing equipment less expensively than one bought with West Nile.
For people over 50 West Nile Virus is a lot more likely to cause a severe case and much more likely to kill you.
For additional protection the CDC also recommends applying Permethrin to your clothes several hours prior to use. It must be dry before using the clothing. Permethrin should not be applied to your skin.
This page has links to articles at the CDC, New England Journal of Medicine, and webmd about West Nile Virus and/or insect repellents.
[url "http://www.westdenvertu.org/Fishing.htm#virus"]http://www.westdenvertu.org/Fishing.htm#virus[/url]
If you run out and buy this Bug Band product and you go out fishing where the mosquitos are thick please report back here. It would be good to know how it goes.
stay safe and may you always have a tight line.
[signature]