Why a Natural, Nontoxic
Mosquito Repellent?

1. DEET is Not a Solution

Although often recommended for mosquito infestation control, many healthcare professionals today are questioning the safety of DEET, especially when it is applied directly on the skin. DEET, or N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is a pesticide originally patented by the U.S. Army in 1946. It is a poison developed to kill insects. General health problems often associated with DEET include eye irritation, skin blisters and possible scaring, headaches, memory loss, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. Some studies link long-term DEET exposure to Parkinson’s and other acute diseases.

There also have been severe problems associated with using the pesticide on children. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents not to apply creams or sprays with DEET on small children as it has been known to occasionally cause seizures. For the same reason, pregnant women should avoid direct skin contact with the pesticide. Although proclaiming it generally safe, the EPA no longer allows companies to include safety claims for children on any products that contain any quantity of DEET in their formulation.

2. The Proven Effectiveness of Citronella

You may be familiar with Citronella from the long-time popularity of candles and other outdoor products that use this ingredient as a natural insect repellent. Oil of Citronella has been an effective tonic to naturally control insects for over 50 years. According to the EPA, it works by repelling insects with a distinctive scent that keeps certain species at bay but without harming or killing them.

However, the EPA also notes of Citronella: “The only concern is skin irritation. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use.”

3. That's Why We Developed a Patch

Patch-Care combines the natural effectiveness of Citronella safely applied away from skin, avoiding the possible irritation concerns noted by the EPA. The painful allergic reactions from DEET or other pesticides commonly found in skin creams or sprays are now a thing of the past. Just peel and stick Patch-Care on your clothes or nearby furniture, then hike, play, travel or just lounge in the backyard all day without worrying about reapplying creams or sprays. Slip the individually sealed Patch-Care disks you need into a pocket or backpack for easy application when you get to your destination.

Because Patch-Care is nontoxic, it’s safe for children and adults, and it protects the environment as well. Because it is so simple to use, the patch design also solves many of the problems consumers face in using DEET correctly. For example, consumers are instructed on DEET warning labels not to cover the skin area where a cream or spray has been applied. Yet, how often have you carefully applied a protective cream on your arms only to pull on a long-sleeve shirt a few minutes later to avoid sunburn? Warning labels also tell consumers to avoid using DEET repellents on open wounds, including skinned knees and scrapes. So in applying insecticide sprays on children, parents must vigilantly maneuver around these common abrasions. Then at day’s end, DEET-based products caution users to thoroughly wash all skin areas and clothing that has been in contact with the pesticide. With PatchCare, just peel off and discard the patch.

While DEET might be effective in killing mosquitoes, it also carries with it the risks and health concerns of a poison. Citronella-based Patch-Care eliminates insect bits by keeping mosquitoes at bay with natural, ecologically sound ingredients. These are two different approaches that are both effective in repelling mosquitoes, but which one would you choose for yourself and your family?

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