Mosquito Season Arrives Early in the U.S., Yet Almost 80 Percent of Americans Rarely Protect Themselves with Repellent
An unseasonably wet spring has resulted in a heavier mosquito season across the United States. As a result, cases of West Nile virus are being reported throughout the country.
In a recent Cutter Insect Repellent survey, two-thirds of people said getting an insect bite negatively affects their day. However, only 14 percent actually use insect repellent all or most of the time. And with the risk of West Nile virus and other diseases, using personal or area insect repellents provides critical protection from insect bites.
"Many parents ask me, ‘How do I keep my kids safe while they’re outside?’” said Dr. Gwenn O’Keeffe, pediatrician and founder of PediatricsNow.com. "While it’s important to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen, the tip most parents forget is simply to apply insect repellent.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 82 percent of U.S. states were affected by West Nile virus in 2010. Serious symptoms include high fever, headaches, tremors, vomiting and even death. Other insect-transmitted diseases, including Dengue fever and Lyme disease, can be just as dangerous. The CDC cites personal repellent use as the single most effective way to reduce risk, yet 79 percent of American adults report never using insect repellent or using it "once in a while.”
Dr. Gwenn adds, "As a pediatrician and as a mom, I get questions all the time about the correct insect repellent to use. And while it’s really more a matter of preference and the type of activity you’re planning, the most important thing is to be sure to use one.”
There is a variety of repellent choices, depending on setting and length of time outdoors. Ranging from the familiar DEET to newer ingredients like Picaridin to natural solutions, there’s a repellent for every occasion and family member:
- DEET: CDC-recommended; effective, dependable protection for 2 to 10 hours (depending on percentage of DEET included); appropriate for children ages 2 months or older.
- Picaridin: CDC-recommended; light feel with odorless protection for 4 to 10 hours; appropriate for children ages 2 months or older; doesn’t harm synthetic materials.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus & Oil Derived from Geraniums: Offers natural, plant-based protection for 2 to 6 hours; appropriate for children 3 years and older; doesn’t harm synthetic materials.
For more information about Cutter products, visit www.cutterinsectrepellent.com. For more information about West Nile virus and ways to protect against mosquitoes, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile.
About United Industries
United Industries Corporation, a subsidiary of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of value-brand consumer products for the home, lawn and garden insect and weed control markets in the United States. The company offers innovative products of outstanding quality, so consumers benefit from easier insect and weed control solutions. The brands — Spectracide®, Garden Safe®, Hot Shot®, Cutter®, Repel® and Schultz® — are well recognized by consumers for delivering exceptional value and trusted results. For more information, visit www.UnitedIndustriesCorporation.com.
About Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: SPB) and a member of the Russell 2000 Index, is a diversified, global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn & garden and home pest control products, personal insect repellents and portable lighting. Helping to meet the needs of consumers worldwide, the Company offers a broad portfolio of market-leading and widely trusted brands including Rayovac®, Remington®, Varta®, George Foreman®, Black & Decker®, Toastmaster®, Tetra®, Marineland®, Nature’s Miracle®, Dingo®, 8-in-1®, Littermaid®, Spectracide®, Cutter®, Repel®, and Hot Shot®. Spectrum Brands Holdings' products are sold by the world's top 25 retailers and are available in more than one million stores in more than 120 countries around the world. Spectrum Brands Holdings generated net sales of $3.1 billion from continuing operations in fiscal 2010. For more information, visit www.spectrumbrands.com.
