Mosquitno BandZzz and SpotZzz
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“The sun shines and warms and lights us, and we have no curiosity to know why this is so, but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain and hunger and mosquitoes and silly people.” Ralph Waldo Emerson probably didn't know why mosquitoes exist, but just like the rest of us, he knew they were among the most despicable creatures to ever make their residence on this planet. The battle between man and mosquito has raged for years, and in warfare tactics that would make evil dictators around the world smile, we've resorted to dousing ourselves in chemicals that are known to cause a variety of maladies. If you're searching for a safer, non-toxic way to fight off the mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other no-see-ums that try to make life in the outdoors a miserable experience, Mosquitno just might have an answer with their natural insect repellent BandZ and SpotZ products.
Product Information
Not a fan of using caustic chemicals like DEET to ward off the ravages of bugs? Neither am I. However, Mosquitno has come up with an all-natural solution. Silicon wrist bands have recently become popular, but other than supporting a philosophical cause, they didn't necessarily serve a functional, every-day purpose. Enter Mosquitno's 15% citronella-infused BandZ. Citronella, a natural, plant-based insect repellent, is widely known to help keep biting insects away and is safe for humans, including small children. A typical citronella candle contains somewhere in the neighborhood of 3% oil. Research conducted by the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada showed a 42.3% reduction in the number of bites received by subjects who used citronella-based candles as opposed to subjects who used no type of insect repellent at all. The Mosquitno BandZ (and SpotZ) use five times the concentration of citronella oil as do the candles, which translates into more effectiveness.
Additional bonuses of using the BandZ and SpotZ: The smoke and scent from citronella candles can easily be blown away by a subtle breeze. Wristbands and spots are attached to your body, clothing, or other items, mean you are constantly in the "protection zone". When used as a spray or lotion, citronella must be applied every 30-60 minutes to maintain effectiveness. The BandZ (up to 6 days) and SpotZ (up to 72 hours) work constantly without the need for reapplication. Another nice feature is these products are completely portable. They weigh next to nothing and are perfect for outdoor activities ranging from backyard fun to backpacking in the backcountry. The SpotZ stickers are even reusable and can attach to a variety of surfaces such as shorts, hats, or backpacks. Lastly, citronella is 100% natural and non-toxic. This means you don't have to worry about putting your clothes, yourself, or your children in harm's way just to have fun outside.
Testing Results
Testing the SpotZ and BandZ included a variety of locations. A day hike through Line Creek Nature Area in Peachtree City, GA. alongside the namesake creek and past several marshy spots replete with stagnant pools of water was bug-free.
I also spent time around my neighborhood, searching for mosquito-prone locations. Each time, no bites. To really test the products though, I knew I needed to find a spot notorious for its flesh-hungry invertebrates. What better place than Cumberland Island National Seashore in south Georgia?
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| Salt marsh on Cumberland Island. Feral horses in background. |
Each year I go with my students on a field trip to the Driftwood Education Center. The main part of the trip is a visit to Cumberland Island, hiking through maritime forests and salt marshes. I left the BandZ and SpotZ in their packages to get a sample of the bug activity. Within 30 minutes, people began to complain of bites to legs and arms. The main culprits: sand gnats. If you've ever spent time near the coast, you know just how annoying and relentless these little vampires can be. I tolerated about as much as I could before deciding it was time to put Mosquitno's claims to the test. I donned the wristband and applied a SpotZ to my backpack. The kids immediately showed interest in both products, lending credibility to their popularity with children. Adults commented they could smell the citronella right away. Soon, while I was relatively comfortable and satisfied, others continued to vigorously slap at their legs and arms.
Conclusion
I don't know if there is much short of a personal nuclear weapon that would keep someone 100% free of sand gnats. However, the weapon would likely cause unwanted side effects, just like DEET or other chemical bug repellents on the market today. Instead, consider Mosquitno's BandZ and SpotZ to help protect yourself and loved ones in a safe, effective, and toxin-free method. I still don't know why mosquitoes exist, but now at least I have a way to keep them at bay, thanks to Mosquitno.
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| Moquitno BandZzz come in a variety of colors and designs. |
Disclosure: Into My Wild was provided the complimentary Mosquitno wrist band and stickers via Deep Creek PR (@DeepCreekPR) for the purpose of testing and product feedback. There was no monetary compensation for this review.
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