Mosquito and Lyme Protection--EPA Registered

West Nile, Triple E and now Lyme, vector borne illnesses are thriving and so are Thermacell repellent product, keeping mosquitoes and ticks at bay.

Revolutionary products by Thermacell Repellent Inc., are changing the landscape of the repellent industry by offering non-topical mosquito repellent options that provide protection all year long!

EPA registered for proven efficacy and safety, all Thermacells keep you from being bugged when trying to enjoy the outdoors by providing portable, scent-free and powerful mosquito protection.

My Thoughts:

As much as I love summer, when it comes to mosquitos I dread their approaching days. I'm one of the types who are very sensitive to their bite. They could get on my skin or a second or minutes and I will end up with a horrible welt. What I do look forward to when mosquito season comes around though are the new products on the market. Thermacell's Patio Shield Mosquito Protection is definitely a must have. Whether you are going outdoors for a BBQ or enjoying nights out on your deck, this item will keep those pesky bugs away within a 15"x15" zone. Here are some of the stats:

Patio Shield Repeller

·         Repels mosquitoes in a 15-foot-by-15-foot zone of protection in minutes

·         Silent, virtually odor-free, no open flame

·         Use Thermacell butane cartridge refills for mosquito repellent function; each cartridge lasts up to 12 hours

·         Includes 3 mats providing 12 total hours of repellency (4 hours each)

·         Available in 5 colors; MSRP $24.99

I found the product to really help so far! It certainly lasts a good amount of time and is very easy to handle and change. Simply install the butane cartridge into the base, twist to turn the device on, and it heats up the natural repellent that you insert into the top. Once it is ready to change, the blue repellent pads will turn white. It is easy to remove them and place a new one in. I love that aspect of no open flame for safety and the fact it is oder free. It feels more humane using this method as well, avoiding potential insect deaths. This product made my summer nights much more enjoyable! If you're looking for a sure fire way to keep those mosquitos away, I'd highly recommend trying Thermacell Patio Shield! 

Connect with Thermacell:

Website  Facebook Instagram  Youtube 

Your Warm Weather Essential; Bug-Free BBQs and Cookouts with Stinger!

Spring time is here and Summer is quickly approaching! You know what that means? It's time for those outdoor gatherings! As you prep your patio, help protect your food, friends, and family from those pesky unwanted guests: mosquitoes. With the 3-in-1 Insect Zapper from Stinger, you can keep the pests away without the stick and stink of bug spray.

From small patios to entire backyards, the 3-in-1 Insect Zapper provides whole yard coverage and uses black UV light technology to kill up to 40% more mosquitoes and flying insects! It’s made from durable, weather-proof plastic, and is also equipped with a sundown sensor option for energy efficient operation that automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn.

My Thoughts:

I have used Stinger products in the past and have absolutely loved them! I was thrilled to give the 3-in-1 Zapper a try. Although this nifty device comes with a lure itself, I have always felt like I was a lure to mosquitoes. One thing about me is when one of those pesky insects bits me, I welt up like a ballon! After talking to my allergist about it, he told me I'm unfortunately one of the "lucky" ones with a high sensitivity to their saliva. I knew that this wide reaching Zapper would be my perfect defense against them this year!

The 3-in-1 Zapper is best for use about 25 feet away from your home or party location. This unique device covers a 1 1/2 acre of land with ease. All you have to do is insert the NOsquito® Octenol lure, take the provided Nylon chord, wrap it into the holder, and hang your Stinger Zapper from a nearby tree at least 7 feet above ground. With the use of an extension cord, plug the Zapper in and the UV light technology is ready to get those bugs with it's 5,500 volts of zapping power. The front cover design keeps it safe for children, pets, and other wildlife from getting hurt, while also helping it to prevent from clogging.

There are also two options for use. The first is a 24 hour program to allow your Stinger Zapper to run all day. The second is a Sundown Sensor, allowing the product to automatically turn the device on once it hits dusk and off at dawn. This is a wonderful way to conserve energy!


I am over the moon with the 3-in-1 Zapper from Stinger! It is an economical and a must have addition to your outdoor adventures. If you are looking for something to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your fun away from mosquitos and other insects, this product is for you!

Connect with Stinger: 

Website  

Stay Protected this Summer with Avon Skin-So-Soft

 As a mom, I am always on the look out for skincare products that will keep my children protected from both insects and the rays of the sun. Avon Skin-so-Soft gets the job done.'

For my review, I received a variety of products to try. They have straight bug sprays, and some that include SPF. A few are even water resistant. There were lots of things I liked about this product. First of all, its not at all greasy or sticky when its applied. I also like the scent. It was very light and doesn't smell like chemicals. It almost feels like you're applying regular skin cream. It addition, some of them water proof and sweat resistant.  And of course, most importantly, they worked perfectly. There was not one speck of sunburn or one bug bite on me or the kids even after a full eight hours in the sun. 

With the mosquito out full force, it was the perfect time to get these awesome products. Just a little of these repellents goes a long way. It goes on clean and its not sticky like some other repellents. It has a light citronella scent that is not overwhelming, and  it works great. When we were out today I didn't get one bite and either did my kids. Choose from sprays, creams, and even towelettes. Right now, you can get may of the products in the Bug Guard line buy one get one free!! 

 In addition to the items we reviewed, Avon also have a full line of skincare including lotions and cleansers.  To learn more about all this great company has to offer, check out their website or follow them on social media.

Connect with Avon

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Pinterest

Keep Your BBQs Bug Free- Review of the Stinger Insect Zapper Lantern.

Firing up the grill? Help protect your food, friends and family from those pesky unwanted guests: mosquitoes. In addition to removing sources of standing water and keeping the air circulating, using a mosquito zapper is also a no-brainer.

Unlike similar products that use white UV light, the Stinger Insect Zapper Lantern uses black UV light technology to eliminate up to 40% more flying insects compared to similar products that use white UV light. Portable and rechargeable, the lantern can go from the backyard to the campground for protection on-the-go.

Quick Facts:

•   Portable, cordless and rechargeable
•   Black UV light technology
•   Quiet zapping operation
•   Covers 625 sq. ft.
•   Lantern-only option ideal for accent lighting
•   3.5 hour run time, 3 hour recharge time
•   Replaceable bulb and lure
•   Sturdy ring for carrying or hanging
•   Includes 1 NOsquito ® Octenol lure

Price & Availability

MSRP: $29.99

Available at Wal-Mart and Select Home Depot stores.

My Thoughts:

I love being outdoors in the summer, but one 8 pm rolls around the mosquitoes are ready to attack. It puts such a damper on the evenings you just want to be outside enjoying the weather, the food, and play time. I loved this Stinger Insect Zapper Lantern for many reasons. The portability aspect of it makes it simple to carry into whatever area of the yard you and your family need to be in. The lantern is not at all heavy and is sturdy enough to place anywhere. It has a great run time as well. The lantern is easy to recharge, making it easy ti use again the next night. The zapper is inside the device, so it is safe to have near you as you move it around outside. I usually place it on my deck at night. Right when I take it out, the mosquitoes start to not only go into the zapper, but disappear all together. When it zaps, it isn't playing around! You can see and hear it. However, the zaps are not overly noisy. It won't disrupt you from enjoying your summer nights outdoors. The color is also a nice addition. It looks very beautiful lit up!   

This is an ideal product for anyone who loves being outside, camping, having evening BBQs with loved ones, nightly swims in the pool, or simply spending time outdoors with your favorite people. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an easier way to get rid of those pesky mosquitoes!  

Connect with Stinger:

Main Website 

Buzz Away Extreme Keeps Your Family in a Mosquito Free Zone - #Giveaway #DiscountCode #bugfreefun

There is only thing that I hate about spring and summer--the torrents of mosquitoes that seem to plague me everywhere I go. I feel like there are swarms of them surrounding me every time I step out my door, especially at my favorite nature trail.  We go there almost every day to walk our dog, and my poor kids get covered in itchy bites and than scratch them until they bleed. I have used lots of different insect repellents to try to keep them away, but recently I came across one that is different than the rest.  Buzz Away Extreme is a DEET free insect repellent that works great and is a healthier alternative that is safe for the whole family.

With the mosquito out full force, it was the perfect time to try Buzz Away Extreme. Just a little of this spray on repellent goes a long way. It goes on clean and it's not sticky like some other repellents. It has a light citronella scent that is not overwhelming. It's safe for kids on all ages because its all natural, and it works great. When we were out today I didn't get one bite and neither did my kids. In addition to the full size bottles, you can also opt for individually packaged towelettes, which are great for when you're on the go. You can stick a few in your handbag, wallet, or glove compartment, so you're always prepared if any pests decide to make an appearance.

With Buzz Away Extreme, there is no sticky residue. There are no harsh odors. Yet, it really does work great. My kids used it outside during soccer practice, playing at the park, and even while they were fishing, and they didn't have one mosquito bite to show for it. Of course, it worked great at the nature trail too! In addition to blocking mosquito attacks, it also deters ticks and flies, which are another big concern this time of year. Buzz Away Extreme is a simple and natural way to keep your kids itch free. 

Buzz Away Extreme is a fantastic product you can feel good about using for your family. Stock up today to stay bug-free all summer long! To learn more about Buzz Away Extreme, be sure to visit their website. 

Discount Code

If you're thinking about making a purchase, now would be a great time. Simply use the code
10OFFBUZZ to get 10% off any Buzz Away Extreme product at quantumhealth.com. The code is valid through September 30, 2016 and can be used once per customer.

The Giveaway

Quantum Health loves the outdoors and is driven to keep families safe from outdoor health-related threats. With growing concern this year surrounding mosquito-borne diseases, it is more important than ever to protect our families from these biting pests. Buzz Away Extreme is an all-natural insect repellent made with essential plant oils that delivers the same protection as many chemical DEET-based repellents, without the negative effects on individual health and the environment.   There are many summer outdoor adventures waiting including:  

         -Visiting a National or State Park- Most state and National parks have free days each summer. Here is the national park free day schedule. 

         -Taking a hike at a new trail. Try these fun hiking activities for kids. 

         -Visiting a Wildlife Refuge. Find one near you at fws.gov/refuges. 

         -Camping at a local campsite, or in the backyard. Check out these unique camping activities for kids. 

Want to win some great prizes? Use Buzz Away Extreme on your own family adventure, tthen share pictures on Facebook with the hashtag #bugfreefun to be entered to win a Buzz Away Extreme Super Pack which includes an 8oz bottle of Buzz Away Extreme, container of child-friendly towelettes and a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Get Ready for Spring with PARA'KITO - #Giveaway

​The global leader in eco-friendly mosquito protection, PARA'KITO wristbands, clips and roll-on gel provide buzz-free bliss in any activity! We hear about all these harmful, DEET-filled sprays, but what about repellent you can wear in style? PARA'KITO uses a blend of natural essential oils and patented slow release technology to give you a fashionable refillable wristband or clip that you can wear anywhere, in any climate, for ultimate protection. The roll-on gel was specially made for more highly concentrated protection - apply as much or as little as you'd like! Available band colors and designs: Black, Blue, Fuchsia, Jungle, Hawaii and Star. Available clip colors and designs: Black, Red and Star. MRSP $19.50 For more info, visit us.parakito.com.

My Thoughts

There is only thing that I hate about spring and summer--the torrents of mosquitoes that seem to plague me everywhere I go. I feel like their are swarms of them surrounding me every time I step out my door.  My poor kids get covered in itchy bites and than scratch them until they bleed. I have used lots of different insect repellents to try to keep them away, but recently I came across one that is different than the rest. PARA'KITO is a DEET free insect repellent that works great and is a healthier alternative that is safe for the whole family.

For my review, I received the a few different products. The first was a roll-on gel made with essential oils. All you smell is the light scent of citronella when you apply this easy-roll on formula. We also got to try the refillable band and clips. These each come with two pellets that are placed inside the bands or clips. They release a constant stream of bug repelling oils sure to keep those nasty critters away from you for good.

With PARA'KITO, there is no sticky spray. No harsh odors.Nothing but this simple bracelet you wear on your arm or a roll-on that is easy to apply. Plus, it works great. My son wore it outside to soccer practice, playing at the park, and even while he was fishing, and didn't have one mosquito bite to show for it. The band is water resistant, and each pellet can last for up to 15 days. They come in a variety of fun colors kids will love.   They are a simple and natural way to keep your kids itch free. 

The Giveaway

One lucky is going to receive a roll on, clip, and band to try for themselves. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will 3/24/16 and is open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize. 

Entry-Form

Fight Mosquitoes--Get Thermacell!

With the wet winter, mosquitoes are everywhere and Thermacell is the answer. Using patented technology, these lanterns and repellers are almost 98% effective at keeping biting pests at bay.

Moms really don’t want to douse their kids in DEET so they can enjoy the outdoors but the fear of mosquito borne illnesses in real.  Now there is a better way to enjoy your patio and yard without worrying about biting pests and getting big red, itchy welts.  Change the way you keep bugs at bay by simply turning on Thermacell Backyard Torches, Lanterns and Repellers!  They are an attractive, discreet, odorless and silent solution, clearing a 15x15ft area in literally minutes.  Visit www.thermacell.com to see the entire product collection.   The experts predict a buggy summer after such a wet winter. See is believing, request a sample and see for yourself.

How Thermacell works?

·         We use a copy of the natural repellent found in chrysanthemums to create a 15x15 ft zone of protection in just minutes.

·         Thermacell products use butane to heat a repellent pad to evenly and effectively vaporize a repellent in the air that biting bugs really HATE!  It does not kill insects, just repels them.

·         The products are EPA approved and have been tested by the U.S. Army in Turkey and Costs Rica for effectiveness against mosquitoes and in Maine against black flies. 

·         The U.S. Department of Defense has used Thermacell for over a decade to keep sand flies and other pests at bay.

Our Thoughts

We spend a lot of time at our cabin, and the bugs can be awful!  Some years aren't as bad, but this summer was particularly bad.  At one boat landing, the air was absolutely thick with bugs - to set foot outside the vehicle was to put a big flashing neon sign for the bugs that said "EAT HERE!" 

Now, I refuse to coat myself and my child in DEET; I prefer natural solutions.  Some work well, some don't.  I don't know if their effectiveness depends on the year or the bugs or what.  ThermaCELL uses allethrin, which is a synthetic copy of the natural repellent found in chrysanthemum flowers, so I was more than happy to give one of their lanterns a test run!

So, this last trip . . . we get to the cabin and what happens? NO bugs!  The weather had cooled and even at that same boat landing where the bugs had been so awful earlier in the year . . . hardly a single bug to be found.  We still found a great way to test the lantern out, though!  The mosquitoes come out at twilight, when we're ready to hit the hay.  One night, my husband commented on how bad the bugs were that night, so we turned on the lantern out in our screened in porch.  The house lights were attracting the mosquitoes and we could see tons of them on the window screens.  Within a few minutes of turning on the lantern, most of the bugs had vacated the area! 

I'm really glad to have one of these lanterns for use up at our cabin!  The lanterns are quite nice-looking, and would make for lovely ambient lighting at any outdoor event while keeping the bugs at bay.  Big thumbs up from me!

 

Visit online at ThermaCELL, on Facebook, and on Twitter.  ThermaCELL products can be purchased online and at mass merchants, hardware stores, and outdoor and sporting goods stores.  

Review: Organic Dog Treats & Natural Insect Repellent by Wondercide

 ORGANIC PEST CONTROL & NATURAL PRODUCTS

TREAT NATURE WITH NATURE.™

The Wondercide Story

It all started with pesticide poisoning…

Stephanie Boone founded Wondercide in 2008 when her dog, Luna (an Akita- Husky mix), became deathly ill from pesticide poisoning. Like millions of other dogs and cats, Luna was treated monthly with a traditional, vet prescribed flea & tick treatment. The product, with the active ingredient fipronil, was prescribed by various veterinarians over the course of Luna’s life. At age 10, Luna developed pesticide poisoning, with side effects ranging from seizures and chronic skin issues to liver and kidney failure.

Many vets recommended that Stephanie put Luna down. They reasoned that she was an older dog, had lived a good life, and nothing could be done to improve her health, so “it was time”. This “solution” was simply not an option for her. She began researching pesticide formulations, the impact of traditional pesticides on human and animal health, regulatory laws, and federal environmental policies. The shocking truths she discovered lit a fire in her so intense, she left her career and…

Wondercide was born.

Together with scientists, professors, and holistic veterinarians, Wondercide develops natural and organic products that don’t use harmful chemicals or synthetic pesticides. “Treating the source, not the symptom” fuels our passion for education, policy change, and the creation of truly natural solutions.

Wondercide’s commitment to community, sustainability, and all-natural ingredients is visible in all levels of the company. As a Green America Gold Certified Green Business, Wondercide is dedicated to ecological, ethical, and social standards that make the world a healthier place. We know little changes can make a big impact. We support small business commerce, truth in advertising, and the use of naturally occurring renewable resources. We guarantee our products are “Made in the USA” – all the way from formulation to fulfillment – and we minimize paper waste whenever possible.

 

Today, Wondercide offers an innovative line of natural pest control and holistic care products for pets, people, and property. To eliminate the possibility of pesticide poisoning to your loved ones, we encourage you to… TREAT NATURE WITH NATURE.™

P.S. – Luna is now healthy, happy, and just celebrated her 15th birthday!

Check in with Wondercide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn.  Sign up for WonderTrends with your email address and receive exclusive news and discounts!

OUR THOUGHTS

Wondercide sent me a bag of Chicken, Carrot, & Sea Salt Jerky Treats, and their DEET-free 100% natural Insect Repellent to try out.

Jerky Medallions

Chicken, Carrot, & Sea Salt

Natural & organic chicken jerky treats for dogs and cats. Naturally sourced ingredients and made in USA. Grain-free, hormone free, antibiotic free, pesticide free, preservative free.

We raw feed our dog - quality nutrition is very important to us, and that includes dog treats!  Ever since the massive chicken treat recall some years back, sourcing treats locally for her has been a challenge, so the poor girl got very limited treat options.  Wondercide's dog (cats can have 'em too!) treats are made with a very simple ingredient list - nothing artificial - just real FOOD!  The Chicken, Carrot & Sea Salt jerky medallions are made with just those 3 ingredients, nothing else!

I think these pics say it all:

Sitting pretty for her first Wondercide chicken jerky medallion!

begging pitifully for more!!

The chicken/carrot treats smelled really good right out of the package - I mean REALLY good!  Our dog was aaaaalllllll excited to try them out!  I can easily break the medallion into tiny pieces - even though it's jerky, they are not tough and dry, they are nice and fresh!

One of our local pet supply stores has recently been branching out with more natural, grain-free treats like this and honestly, I sure hope they bring Wondercide's treats in - if I don't find them there next trip, I'll be suggesting them! 

_____________________________________________

Insect Repellent

100% DEET free, all-natural 120 ml spray that safely repels ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers & other bothersome pests for 3-6 hours. Powerful, plant-based formula is safe for all people, including nursing mothers & children.

Wondercide's Insect Repellent is available in two scents: Cedar and Lemongrass - both scents I love!  I was sent the Cedar scent to review.  

I try to only use natural insect repellent.  I don't want to use anything with DEET, and at any rate I don't care for the smell of the traditional mosquito sprays. They stink!

Both my husband and I gave Wondercide's Insect Repellent a try: my husband took it with him out to the woods for deer hunting.  He said it worked fine while he was 30 feet up a tree in his deer stand, but was not effective sitting at the base of the tree or down by the lake; he got swarmed both places.  He did comment it smelled really nice though!

I used it for our walk on one of our state park trails.  I like how it feels - it's just cedar oil and hydrated silica - so you don't have a "wet" feeling when you spray it on.  The trail we walked is in the woods, and there was a breeze.  There weren't a lot of bugs out there, but some mosquitoes did find us.  They didn't bite, but they did land on me.  No little black biting bugs though, that are so annoying this time of year! 

Some of the natural insect repellents I've tried in the past included lemongrass, so I wonder if Wondercide's Lemongrass scent (which is lemongrass and cedar together) would be more effective  for me than the cedar by itself.   One thing to remember is, essential oils work differently for different people, so one person may not get the same effect as another.

I do really like the scent of the cedar Insect Repellent though - and the scent lasted for several hours!  I might put it on just for the smell!!