How Do the Other Guys Do Bug Repellent?

The most common practice is the application of a chemical (poisonous to the insect) to the body or clothing. Now, we all want bugs to leave us and our pets alone, but what are the risks? Here are some actual warnings from the popular products on the market today.

Let’s start with people products…

OFF!® FamilyCare Repellent Warnings

  • HAZARDS TO HUMANS – WARNING: Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Do not get in eyes. Harmful if swallowed. Use of this product may cause skin reactions in rare cases. Wash treated clothing before wearing it again. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling, and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, or using tobacco or using the toilet.
  • FIRST AID: Have the product container or label with you when calling a poison control center or doctor, or going for treatment.
  • If in eyes: Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing eye. Call a poison control center or doctor for treatment advice.
  • If swallowed: Call a poison control center or doctor immediately for treatment advice. Have person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by a poison control center or doctor. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
  • If you suspect a reaction to this product, discontinue use, wash treated skin and call your local poison control center.
  • PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL HAZARDS – FLAMMABLE: Contents under pressure. Do not use near heat, sparks or open flame. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Exposure to temperatures above 120°F may cause bursting. Keep treated surfaces away from fire or flame until dry.

In all cases where an aerosol is used, the labels always call out the harmful effects to the environment and the common “Contents under pressure” warning on the label.

Here is the actual Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent Label. Notice the callout for contents under pressure?

What about our Pets?

Revolution Label Insert While you will notice on this one that they have done intensive studies of the side effects and adverse conditions that impact the cat or dog. While we applaud these efforts, you have to wonder is it worth all this when there is an all-natural, non-chemical solution available?

For more info on pet products, check out this entry in our bug blog.

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shoo!cycle your old products

With the invention of the shoo!TAG® it was imperative to us that we develop strong recycling practices that not only protected the environment, but helped others in need as well. That's why we created the shoo!cycle program. After 4 months, send us your used tags and we will shoo!cycle them by either refurbishing them for use in animal and homeless shelters or crushing them into scrap that we can use to make new tags. Now that’s full circle recycling! We hope that your family will join us in this effort. You can feel better about helping the environment and your neighbors. Plus your pets can feel great about helping their friends as well. For more information on the shoo!cycle program including instructions for sending us your old product and a list of shelters we support check out the shoo!cycle section of our website.