Mosquito Bands
Mosquito bands, or bracelets, are worn around wrists and ankles to repel mosquitoes and other insects including ticks and biting flies. Mosquito bands contain insect-repelling ingredients such as DEET, Citriodiol (a natural extract of lemon eucalyptus oil) and citronella.
Plastic wristband that releases insect repellent vapour to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay. Natural ingredients, deet-free. Provides up to 120 hours protection. Reusable, can be sealed when not in use to preserve the life of the band.
Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Concentrated insect repellent is micro-encapsulated into a mosquito bracelet and released as a vapour when the bracelet is stretched or flexed by natural body movement. The insect repellent vapour provides a ‘halo’ of protection around the wearer, giving many hours of protection against biting insects.
Insect repellent bracelets can be worn at night or during the day; wear them for outdoor activities such as picnics, camping, fishing, gardening, festivals, hiking, golfing and other outdoor sports. Some mosquito bracelets are waterproof and can be worn even while swimming.
Mosquito repellent bracelets are easy to use and more convenient to wear than insect repellent sprays and lotions, which must be reapplied frequently. As insect repellent is micro-encapsulated into the bracelet, no liquid chemicals come into contact with or are absorbed into the skin – an important consideration for people with skin sensitivities or who are concerned about damage to fabrics.
Mosquito bracelets are suitable for adults and children (see bracelet instructions for age suitability before use). They are available in a choice of colours – choose from discreet neutral colours such as grey and beige, or opt for fun, bright yellows, pinks and blues.
Mosquito Bands Do They Work?
In a study published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, Jensen et al. tested the effect of various antimosquito products on mosquito landing rates. DEET-impregnated mosquito wrist bands significantly reduced the number of landing mosquitoes compared with untreated controls, but were not as effective as DEET insect repellent applied to the skin.
In conjunction with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Which? UK consumer group tested the effectiveness of mosquito bands. Results showed Design Go Bug Guards offered 82 percent protection against mosquitoes (100 percent would be total protection). Design Go Bug Guards were subsequently given a three-star insect repellent rating, providing good protection when worn in areas where there is a low risk of malaria.
Mosquito repellent ankle and wrist bands providing 14 nights protection against biting insects. Micro-encapsulated with DEET, which is released as a fine vapour to create a protective halo around the wearer. No chemical absorption into the skin.
Mosi-band Natural Wrist/Ankle Bands offered 68 percent protection against mosquitoes and were given a two-star rating – this means they are not suitable for use in areas where there is a risk of insect-borne diseases. The Medical Entomology Centre, Cambridge, England, has tested Design Go Bug Guards and Mosi-band.
Although mosquito bands provide protection against insect bites, they may not be as effective as topical insect repellent sprays or lotions. For complete protection against mosquito bites in areas where there is a high risk of malaria or other insect-borne diseases, you may consider wearing a mosquito band in addition to a good quality topical insect repellent.
Sources:
Jensen T, Lampman R, Slamecka MC, Novak RJ. Field efficacy of commercial antimosquito products in Illinois. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2000;16:148–152.
Which? “Insect Repellents Compared”.
