"mosquito-repelling bracelets"

13 years ago

Have you ever tried these? Have they worked to reduce the number of those pests biting you? I always have a problem with mosquito bites during the summer (one time, I told a neighbor I'd water her plants in the back yard -- big, lush tropical things, and after a couple days, I had a ton of bites). Maybe they'd repell no-see-ums, gnats and whatever else those tiny things are that love head sweat are?

This product came up in a regular e-mail from Real Simple -- have you heard of the product?

"MosRepel Moquito Repelling Bracelets
Wear this waterproof (yes, it's still effective after taking a dip), deet-free mosquito repelling bracelet on your wrist, and those pesky bugs wonÃ¯Â¿Â½t be able to take a bite out of your summer fun. Effective for up to 180 hours.
To buy: $7 for two, paper-source.com."

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Comments (7)

nicole__
13 years ago
ha ha
Yes, I've heard of the product. I own 2! I've never opened the package. I keep them in the glove compartment.....and never had a use for them.....as of yet.....
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
I have tried some, not sure the brand, not great. I have had good luck with the little fan thing you hook to your self, runs on batteries, has a repellant you insert into it. Off clip on.

Here is a link that might be useful: clip on
YogaLady1948
13 years ago
Raven, is the Off clip on OK for kids?? Does it work on flies??
drewsmaga
13 years ago
The bracelets didn't work for me in our mosquito infested yard in Houston. I wore mosquito netting pants and shirt with hood, long sleeves and long pants, and sprayed stuff all over my clothes and got eaten alive. The fan thing DID work for me, but only when I was pretty stationary -- when I was doing yardwork and moving around a lot it wasn't effective. And now I live in central FL where we're supposed to be getting an invasion of those GIANT mosquitoes! I haven't seen any yet. . . .
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
they are great for kids, the repellant never touches you. I would think that they would work on flies. Check the manufacturer site it should list what all it repells. I didn't smell anything from them either. They are very quiet I have a hard time telling if it is on with out looking at the switch.
ntt_hou
13 years ago
Don't waste your money on those bracelets. My brother saw they were cheap and sent me to use. The scent didn't last long and I still got bitten. They smells worse than Off spray.

What works for me is Eucalypsus oil. I mix a few drops in a spray bottle of water. Shake it well and spray all over me. It's a natural product and the scent is pleasant. Although, the effect only lasts for a couple of hours.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
PLEASE do some research on the active ingredient in the clip ons, Metofluthrin. Just Google that one word.

Though effective as a repellent, it is not without problems. I would probably end up in the hospital after some exposure to this product.

I suspect that this product will not remain on the market for a very long
time. It's very difficult to quarantee that there will be no short term liver effects or chronic use cancer incidence.

My personal issue is that my liver has been permanently damaged by pesticide use (as a horticulturist) and by a long list of medications for cholestrol and diabetes. Those who could be at risk using this product are those taking liver damaging drugs (most of us), the elderly, children, those who's immune system is compromised, and anyone who cannot read the instructions.

Sorry to be an alarmist but pyrethroids must be handled with caution. The manufacturers resist warning labels and restricted use, so it's up to us consumers to do our research.