1. Empty or cover any receptacles around the house that can pool water so as to keep mosquitoes from breeding. Gutters should also be kept clean so water flows properly.

2. Change the water in your birdbaths every few days and cover wading pools, hot tubs and other sources of standing water.

3. Wear protective clothing.Long-sleeve shirts and long pants, as well as shoes and socks, will help keep insects from having contact with your skin.

4. Keep the color of your clothing light. Mosquitoes are more attracted to darker hues.

5. Use an outdoor fogger to establish a protective perimeter around your yard or campsite.

6. Light a citronella candle. Most people find the scent to be pleasant and it helps ward off mosquitoes.

7. Apply an effective insect repellent to your clothing and, especially, to any exposed areas of your skin.

While there are many types of insect repellents on the market today, one highly effective formula worth considering contains IR3535, a DEET-free alternative that has an excellent record of safety. The new insect repellent is safe for the entire family and just as effective as DEET. It provides up to eight hours of odorless protection against the most common biting insects, including mosquitoes, deer ticks and biting flies. Plus, it dries very quickly on the skin and does not leave the greasy residue often associated with DEET-based products.

Containing IR3535, the most widely used active ingredient in insect repellents throughout Europe, Coleman® SkinSmart™ DEET Free Insect Repellent is now available in the United States in a variety of user-friendly packages. These include a compact, Go Ready spray pen, a 5- ounce pump spray and a 6-ounce aerosol spray. The pens are great for busy, on-the-go consumers. Offering more than 200 sprays, they’re just slightly larger than a typical writing pen, so they’re an easy addition to any purse, diaper bag or pocket.

For more information and mosquito prevention tips, call (800) 558-6614 or visit Coleman Repellents online.

Photo Credit: WebMD.com (Bug Bite Slide Show)

Technically speaking,

When looking at DEET repellents, you’ll notice that they are available with varying percentage levels of DEET. A common misconception is that the higher the DEET percentage, the stronger the coverage. Not so. Whether you’re using 15%, 100% or something in between, all DEET repellents will give you the same great coverage when applied. The difference is in the longevity. Each percentage of DEET corresponds to how long the protection will last. For example, a 15% DEET will provide four hours of protection while a 100% DEET will provide ten hours of protection.  It’s best to avoid over application, so be sure to choose your DEET level based on what you have planned for outside. Also, as a rule of thumb, it is always best to use lower level DEET formulas on children and re-apply as needed.

Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted measuring the health effects of long-term and short-term human exposure to DEET with the results showing that there are no unreasonable adverse effects to people or the environment with the normal use of DEET products. Simply choose the appropriate percentage for your activity, follow the label instructions and you’ll be on your way to a safe, insect-free outing. Coleman® Repellents offers DEET based formulas in 15%, 25%, 40% and 100% concentrations to suit your needs. Our unscented, non-greasy formula repels mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus, as well as biting flies, gnats, chiggers, ticks and fleas. 

Bugsy and his Coleman Repellents team were able to visit several locations throughout the day.  We met some great kids,  had a lot of fun perusing the isles,  and learned quite a bit about fishing ourselves!   Check it out!

Rumor has it Bugsy took a ride down a gigantic water slide, but we still have yet to find photographic evidence. We’ll keep searching.   

Here are a few snapshots from Bugsy’s visit in Wisconsin Dells.

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Check back later for photos and video…

When the bugs start biting – which is commonplace this time of year – most people turn to insect repellents. Smart move. There’s no better way to ward off bugs then using personal repellents containing DEET or an effective DEET-free alternative. But it doesn’t end there. If you really want to ward of mosquitoes, you need to go with a triple layer of defense…I call it the “Big Three.”

Step One – Personal

If you’re used to applying a layer of insect repellent to your body (i.e. legs, arms, etc.), you’re off to a good start. Step one is lathering up with a personal insect repellent. There generally two options when it comes to repellents: DEET and DEET-free. A DEET based product is highly effective, but concerns have been raised about putting DEET on small general. If you’re looking for a repellent that’s safe and effective for everyone in the family, try the SkinSmart® formula from Coleman Repellents. SkinSmart is a patented formula proven to be as or more effective than DEET, Picaridin and other common repellents. It can be safely used on infants and children.

Step Two – Area

Make sure you’re using an area repellent like a Fogger or Citronella Lantern to provide a protective barrier around your yard or campsite. The second level of defense will keep mosquitoes and other pesky insects from invading your space.  

Step Three – Gear

Finally, apply a Gear & Clothing repellent to your tent, jacket, backpack and clothing. Gear and clothing treatments are designed to repel and kill many insects and can last up to two weeks.   

The next time you head outdoors, be sure to follow these three steps for bug-free enjoyment of the Great Outdoors.

Enjoy your summer!

If you’re heading outdoors this holiday weekend, we want to hear about it. Leave us a post or send a link to a photo. We’ll send you some sample product as a thank you.

See you outdoors!

With bug season heating up and Fourth of July Weekend just around the corner, there’s no better time to stock up on repellents.

And if you’re looking for a repellent that’s safe and effective for everyone in the family, try our SkinSmart® formula. SkinSmart is a patented formula proven to be as or more effective than DEET, Picaridin and other common repellents. It can be safely used on infants and children.

What did you do this weekend? We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or share a link.