Camping Activities

Being one with nature doesn’t purely have to be sitting by a campfire with a tent. There are multiple activities that go hand in hand with recreational camping. Depending on where someone is camping, the possibilities for outdoor fun can be endless:
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Canoeing
• Dirt Biking
• Kayaking

One of the activities that can be enjoyed no matter where you choose to camp would be hiking. Hiking is a great way to discover the natural surroundings, while getting a bit of exercise as well. Camping can even be combined with hiking, as many travelers choose to go backpacking. A simple day hike will do just fine for those who prefer not to carry their gear from place to place.

Gear Up!

The equipment needed purely depends on the specific type of camping varieties. Survivalists, for example, carry the bare minimum of equipment. The only items carried will be small and provide the camper with means of food, heat and safety. Survivalist campers make it their duty to learn how to survive in the wild environments. The very opposite of a survivalist would be on a more glamorous scale. Referred to as “Glamping,” it has been made popular to hit the outdoors in luxury lodging resorts. Many of these resorts offer high end cabins, tipis and even treehouses. All of which will include fresh linens and heat, but of course there will be access to the beautiful outdoor scenery.
For those who prefer to “rough it,” there are a number of items we need to have a safe, fun camping trip with our friends and family:
• First aid kit
• Beverages
• Food
• Cooler
• Sleeping bag/blankets
• Tent/shelter
• Personal care
• Trash bags
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent

Of course the list goes on, but there are definitely the basics that need to be implemented in every camping trip. Bug repellent is one of those things that we tend to forget and then it’s too late! Don’t hassle with those smelly, toxic sprays that you have to reapply either. Enjoy your time outdoors and just slip on a Superband, you’ll be protected for 200 hours.

Outdoor Pets vs. Indoor Pets

Obviously horses can’t stay indoors with us, which makes them the biggest target of all. Dogs and cats can spend a lot of time outdoors as well; some even spend the majority of their lives outside. Living outdoors makes it about 98% more likely for flea and tick infestations as well. Indoor dogs have better chances, as they are 45% less likely to be bitten. Even then, indoor dogs still need to go outside to attend their business several times a day, still leaving a good chance of a mosquito bite. Indoor cats, on the other hand, have the best chances of not being infected mosquitoes. While being 75% less likely to be bitten, there’s always a chance that a mosquito may make her way indoors and feast on the unsuspecting feline.

Disease Risks

When it comes to dogs, the risk for disease transmitted by mosquitoes is a very serious matter. Any time spent outdoors often leaves a man’s best friend susceptible. The biggest threats are heartworms and West Nile Virus. That’s right, even our pets are in danger of West Nile Virus. Unfortunately for dogs and cats, there isn’t a vaccine available, but horses have the luxury of receiving a vaccine against this virus. Some signs of the virus will be depression, decreased appetite, difficult walking, circling and convulsions. Heartworms are much more serious and can be fatal for our dear pets. An adult heartworm can reach up to 14 inches in length, obstructing various large blood vessels from the hearts and lungs. It’s only a 6-7 month process from bite to heartworms to occur in dogs and 8 months for cats.

The best way to prevent these things from happening is to keep your animals up to date on heartworm medications. It doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious when taking your animals outdoors. Mosquitoes thrive at dusk and dawn, may be best to keep Fido and Fluffy indoors at these times. You could always be a step ahead and our Mosquito Eliminator on your front porch or patio. Have a safe spring with your pets!

What makes Mosquito Bites Itch Anyway?

When the devious female mosquito decides to feed, she released some of her saliva into the skin to drink up the blood faster. Once she’s finished and flies off with a full belly, some of her saliva is left behind. This is where your immune system kicks in, antibodies are released and the combinations creates histamine. Unfortunately for us, histamine triggers an inflammatory response and the blood vessels around the bite begin to swell. The swelling creates a lovely red bump on the skin for our itching pleasure.

Don’t Scratch That Itch!

As tempting and simple as it seems to just scratch the bump, resist the urge! Scratching only causes more irritation and inflammation, this gives your body the inclination that it needs to send more antibodies to the site. Just remember, the more you scratch, the more it will swell and the longer it will last.

Bite Remedies

Now that you have the bite and it’s starting to get itchier by the second, it’s time to soothe it fast! There’s plenty of over the counter products that can be picked up at the local grocery or convenient stores. Not only are there options that are meant specifically for bug bites, there are also miscellaneous commercial products that do the job.

• After Bite

• Gold Bond Medicated Cream

• Benadryl Cream

• Tiger Balm

• Vicks VapoRub

• Preparation H

• Orajel

It’s possible that the itch can’t wait for a store run. The relief needs to happen immediately and of course there’s none of the above products in the medicine cabinet! Home remedies make life a lot easier and there are plenty of them to help with soothing and healing mosquito bites.

•Rub a bar of ivory soap over the itch

• Stick a piece of scotch tape on the bite

• Toothpaste

• Vinegar

• Rubbing alcohol

• Aloe gel

• Honey

• Deoderant

• Baking soda and water misture

• Salt and water mixture

Good thing the possibilities for relief are endless. The options make it a lot easier to make it through those itchy days. Make it even easier and just slip on a SuperBand or snap on aBug Button, no slathering smelly, greasy repellents required. Have an itch-free summer!

Still not feeling better about the bites? Here’s the scoop. Scientists have discovered that mosquitoes actually exhibit blood-sucking preferences. Not only do they have a preference, but it’s also just the female mosquitoes causing all of the trouble. Males don’t bite people at all, whereas females need human blood to develop fertile eggs. Obviously they want the best human blood for their eggs!

Mmm Carbon Dioxide!

Although scientists are unable to pinpoint what makes a certain few of us so attractive, they’ve discovered that genetics account for about 85% of our sensitivity to mosquito bites. Studies suggest that excessive amounts of certain acids produced on our skin may lead to attracting more mosquitoes. “People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract mosquitoes,” says Jerry Butler, PhD, professor at the University of Florida.

Unfortunately for us, mosquitoes can smell us up to 75 feet away. Any bit of carbon dioxide we exude, the more enticing of a meal we become to mosquitoes. The blood-suckers prefer adults to small children because larger people give off more carbon dioxide. This leaves pregnant women in more danger as well because they produce a greater amount of exhaled carbon dioxide.

Playing Hard to Get Won’t Work!

The more you try to swat the little buggers away, the more body heat and movement you create. Working up a sweat created the most attractive things to mosquitoes:

• Body heat
• Moisture/ sweat
• Movement
• Carbon dioxide (from exhaling excessively)

You’d be better off grabbing an outdoor lounge chair and taking it easy. The less activity we project, the less likely we’ll get bitten. What’s the fun in sitting around outside all the time though? Don’t let the mosquito’s wild attraction for you get you down. Our 100% safe and toxin free products will make your outdoor activities much more enjoyable and stress free! Wrap our SuperBand around your wrist or ankle, pin our Bug Button to your hat or even hang the Mosquito Eliminator on your porch! Enjoy your spring!

Don’t let the bugs get to your head though, there’s plenty of ways to prevent the bites and to make the best of the good ol’ outdoors. You can take matters into your own hands to protect your family and your home from the pesky blood suckers.

Protect Your Home First

The best way to keep the bugs away is to look at the big picture, your home. Keep in mind that water is a mosquito’s best friend, whereas ticks prefer shrubs and tall grass. There are steps you can take to make sure your home and family are protected:

• Tip over anything that may have pools of water, such as toys and garden equipment.
• Maintain pools correctly and replace water containers for pets, fountains and bird baths every few days.
• Remove leaves, brush and tall grass from around the outside of the house.
• Use wood chips and gravel as a barrier, place between the lawn and wooded areas.
• Keep your pets up to date on their tick and heartworm medications.
• Make sure window and door screen are intact.

Protect Yourself From… Bug Repellent?

It’s a fact that DEET is toxic and can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. Regardless of what repellent is being used, it’s always advised to read the label. You may be surprised to read that it’s not recommended to use these products for consecutive days. There are even some repellents that are not recommended to be used on children at all. A couple things you can do to prevent use of these products and not be eaten alive:

• Dress yourself and children in long sleeves and pants
• Use netting over strollers and playpens
• Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, which is when mosquitoes thrive.

You may wonder how you can avoid using these harmful repellents, while still enjoying the outdoors to the fullest. Not everyone wants to avoid certain times of the day or have to wear long sleeves and pants in the warmest months. Purchase our DEET free products! The SuperBand, Bug Button and Mosquito Eliminator are 100% safe, toxin free and provide up to 200 hours of protection!

A science professor asks his students what animal kills the most people. The students call out bears, tigers, and snakes, which are all wrong.  The right answer has no fur, no claws, just a hypodermic needle on the wing. She has six legs and is the most efficient transmitter of disease in the animal kingdom.  She uses scent to find us, seeking perspiration and carbon dioxide.  The more you sweat and shoo her away, the more of a target you become.

The worst of diseases a mosquito will carry is Malaria, this disease kills more than 1 million people a year, two-thirds of those in sun-Saharan Africa and sadly most victims are children.

Toxorhynchites Mosquitoes

We want more of these mosquitoes.  They eat other mosquitoes!  Toxorhynchites larvae eat their own cousins, and then turn on their siblings, until one is left.  The attacks take place in shallow amounts of water or in hollows in trees.

Why can’t Mosquitoes all be Vegetarians?

Ages ago the primitive mosquitoes may have mistaken a mammal for a plant and taken a bite that led to the taste for blood. Now in little as 90 seconds she can take in as much as three times her weight in blood.   The first mosquitoes were here more than 200 million years ago sipping on the nectar of flowers or blood of dinosaurs.  Lucy and her family in East Africa definitely suffered fevers from mosquito- borne diseases.

But where did she initially pick up those deadly diseases?

From us.

Mosquitoes arent the only ones who come out for the warm weather

Mosquitoes aren’t the only disease carrying bug we have to keep our eye out for; spring is also the time for the Ticks to come out.

What’s not to love about spring?  The tulips are blooming, the trees are leafing and oh yeah the ticks are feeding!  Tick-borne Lyme disease is on the rise.  But you can take certain precautions to avoid these ticks.

Lyme disease Awareness Tips

•Remove Ticks as soon as you notice them.

•Infected ticks usually don’t spread the disease until they have been attached for 36 hours.

•Signs of Lyme disease are a round red rash, and flu symptoms.  Thee symptoms can start anytime from three days up to a month after being bitten.

•If Lyme disease goes untreated, more serious symptoms will occur such as arthritis joint pain, lack of energy, poor memory, and paralysis in face muscles.

Natural Oil Defense

1 Citronella oil is found in Asian countries.  It is an anti-bacterial, anti septic, anti inflammatory, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, and insect repellent. Citronella oil repels insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, and fleas, therefore preventing its bites.

2 Philippine Geranium Oil has a strong smell with flora and a hint of mint.  These plants originated from South Africa, Madagascar, Egypt and Morocco.

3 Lemongrass is found in warm temperature and tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. The anti-inflammatory and sedative properties are accredited to its lemon herb.  It stimulates appetite and the smell lifts the spirit of mind.  It is widely used as bug repellent.

Citronella, Lemongrass and Geranium oil against DEET!

DEET goes into the bloodstream through the skin and hinders the nervous system.  The oils above have no toxicity and the application is eco friendly and safe for everyone.  No dealing with lotions, sprays or chemicals.  Protect Yourself with Evergreens Bracelets, Buttons and Eliminators.

West Nile Virus is vectored from the bird world to the human world by mosquitoes and this next year is predicted to be worse in numbers than ever,  In the past years the number of birds tested positive for West Nile Virus was 162, last year it reached over 500 and its only on the rise. 

We dont realize how dangerous these annoying mosquitoes can be.  Some might think it’s too soon to be thinking about bug season, but better safe than sorry.  Most mosquitoes only live for a couple of weeks but those who beat the odds and hibernate through winter are at greater risk for disease transmission. They most likely have picked up the disease and can spread it to whatever or whoever else they bite, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, lighter hair and dark clothing.  Cologne, perfume, and blood health are always noticeable to these biting flies.  Mosquitoes attain a higher level of natural awareness than ever can be understood.

A female mosquito is a smart mother who will land in a dry spot to place her eggs knowing the water will return.  Some mosquitoes will bite during the daytime but most of them feed from dusk to dawn.  Blood is always on the mind of a female mosquito.  She needs blood to procreate.  She will fill her stomach with blood then will spend three days turning the protein from blood into eggs.  During this time she will mate with a male then off to find a place to lay her eggs.  This process takes about four days which means mosquitoes can lay over a hundred new eggs every four days!

When is Mosquito Season?

Typically from April to October

What else can I do to reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile Virus?

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, loose fitting clothing between the hours of dusk and dawn
• Avoid bushy, shaded areas where there is tall grass and tall weeds
• Use all natural insect repelling products from Evergreen Research; SUPERBAND, BUGBUTTON and our MOSQUITO ELIMINATOR are all available for your safety for only a few dollars!

What can I do around my home to reduce the exposure to Mosquitoes?

• Clear out any standing water
• Throw away cans, plastic pots, tires, anything that contains water
• Make sure your roof gutter is draining properly
• Clean and put chlorine in swimming pools, and spas, and when not in use be sure to keep clean and covered
• Change bird bath water every 3 days
• Repair or replace all screens in your home that has tears; those pesky flies will sneak in!
• Remind your neighbor to get their all-natural SUPERBANDS or BUGBUTTONS to wear and their MOSQUITO ELIMINATOR to hang on their porch

DONT forget your Three D’s for Protection:

DRAIN: Mosquitoes breed in still water, so maintain all things filled with water around your home: roof gutters, pool cover, pet dishes, and bird feeding areas
DRESS: wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, long sleeves and pants at dawn
DEFENSE: Always have a Superband, Bugbutton, and Mosquito Eliminator handy, you never know when the attack will come, and now we all know how sneaky yet deadly these biting flies can be!

Well, if she only knew then what I know now about how terrible DEET is for you, especially for children. Children are more vulnerable to brain damages caused by chemicals in their environment because their skin easily absorbs them.  Their nervous system is still developing and susceptible.

How does DEET play a role on our Brains?

Natural News states how CDC announces that DEET is not harmful when used directly on skin. This is based on the assumption that DEET is not absorbed through the skin. Even though DEET products are spread on top of the skin, much research can prove that all chemicals set to the skin are absorbed and enter the bloodstream. Once entering the bloodstream DEET can cause neurological damage. This damage can cause seizures and even death.

Side Effects of DEET

• Rashes
• Muscle Twitching
• Confusion
• Slurred Speech
• Seizures
• Death

* These side effects were reported when using DEET products during the Persian Gulf War by the Military.
* 5,000 DEET- related cases are reproted to the National Centers for Poison Control each year!

So there’s the bad news, how about some good news?

The good news is that there are natural alternatives that Evergreen Research has implemented into their all-natural products. Our three ingredients: Citronella, Lemongrass, and Geranium oils are injected into our products to repel biting flies in a healthy way.

People who are interested in protecting their health from these toxic chemicals are curious as to where to attain DEET free products..

Our website can provide you with all the information on our DEET- free products, but also be sure to check out your local Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware, True Value, Walgreens, SuperValue, Vitamin World, United Hardware and many more!

The word mosquito actually means “biting fly”.  Where did these biting flies come from?  Mosquitoes were around in the Jurassic era. Ancient mosquitoes were three times larger than today’s mosquitoes.  Scientists believe they originated in South Africa and spread to the rest of the world.

There are more than 2,700 species of mosquitoes and 13 genera that live in the United States!  Of these 13 genera, most mosquitoes belong to three:

1. Aedes have abdomens with pointed tips.  They are referred to as “floodwater” mosquitoes because flooding is important to hatch their eggs.  They travel long distances and up to 75 miles per hour.  Beware of these mosquitoes in the early evening, their bites are painful!
2. Anopheleses breed in fresh water.  They include several species including the dreadful common malaria mosquito that spreads in humans.
3. Culex breed in still water, their abdomens have blunt tips.  They are weak fliers and live for a short while during summer.  Their bite is painful, but luckily for us, these prefer the bite of a bird rather than humans.

The Structure of Mosquitoes

To better understand our enemy we must know what the biting fly is made up of.

There are three basic body parts:

1. Head: this is where the sensors are and the biting apparatus.  The head has two eyes and antennae to sense chemicals and the mouth called the palpus for males and the proboscis for females.
2. Thorax:  this is where their two wings and six legs attach,  thorax contains muscles for flying, the heart and nerve cells.
3. Abdomen: contains the digestive and excretory organs.

Gender Roles

Not every mosquito is out to get you, only the females are a threat to humans!

• Female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to recieve protein.  The protein helps lay eggs, bringing more of these blood-sucking mosquitoes into the world.
• A female has ridged proboscis to peirce human skin.  Her bite usually goes undetected until the itchiness begins.
• Male Mosquitoes are smaller than Females
• Only the female mosquitoes make that annoying mosquito sound

Avoid being a Target

Mosquitoes are more attracted to women than to men. Preferrably Blondes.

• Mosquitoes aim for moving targets
• They target people in dark clothing, so keep those bright colors on!
• Mosquitoes purify the blood in their systems after a bite and leave a small puddle of urine on the victims skin.  Notice when you first get bit, there is a small wet spot circling the bite.
• Mosquitoes are prone to attacking people during the full moon.

Unfortunately Mosquitoes carry many diseases one being the West Nile Virus which has lead to over 3,700 deaths in the United States since 1999, 1,300 in just this last year.

Dont take the risk of becoming ill from these blood-suckers; protect yourself in a healthy manner with our all natural oils that make up our products for less than $2.00.  Our scientists took these mosquito facts into consideration when designing the SUPERBAND, BUGBUTTON, and MOSQUITO ELIMINATOR.

Avoid the enemy: stay tuned for part two of Know Your Enemy!

Stock up on your all natural insect repelling products!  Check out our products page today!

http://www.bugbutton.com/products/

1. Hiking is known as one of the most ancient forms of exercise and it’s no wonder it’s still popular for people of any age or any region of the USA. For beginner’s it usually requires nothing more than a pair of comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and insect repellent. Insect repellent is a vital component for hikers as there have been situations where hikers can become ill from insect bites. Evergreen Research recommends their all-natural insect repelling wristband, the Superband for hikers. In dense wooded areas especially it is highly important to use protection or may run the risk of contracting a serious disease like West Nile Virus that can stem from mosquito bites. Get ideas on beautiful national parks to hike!

2. Gardening is a favorite activity among many people for the positive effects it brings and it’s a great way to enjoy the sunshine while being outdoors. Gardening is known to relax people and while doing this they receive the gratification of a beautiful garden. It’s crucial for outdoor gardeners to be protected from mosquitoes and flying annoying bugs, especially bees since they are attracted to flowers. “The best part of using an all natural insect repellent like the Superband is the pleasing scent and that the fact that it leaves no sticky or oily residue” says Martha an avid gardener and staff member at Evergreen Research. Evergreen Research recommends that all gardeners use the all natural insect repelling Superband to stay protected at all times. Tips on starting your own garden!

3. What do you get when you cross food and the great outdoors? You get a picnic! What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by enjoying a nice fresh lunch outside. The U.S. Department of Forestry has an extensive list of parks that can accommodate any region in the US. For picnic areas Evergreen Research recommends the Mosquito Eliminator. It functions effectively since you are able to hang it anywhere and it instantly creates an invisible barrier that protects you from any nearby bugs trying to get close to your skin and your food. Overall natural insect repellent is a genuine alternative to the more traditional chemical based solutions such as DEET. When using DEET based products these are absorbed by your skin and can enter your bloodstream causing skin irritation and there’s been cases linked to neurological damage. That’s usually not a risk responsible parents are willing to take. Find a good location to have your picnic!

4. Kayaking is an exciting sport that can be done in lakes, rivers and even the ocean. The one thing that large bodies of water have in common is mosquitoes love them as a breeding ground. All outdoor lovers are quickly learning that the all natural insect repelling Bugbutton is revolutionizing the insect repelling industry by being waterproof. The unique design lets the oils give constant reliable protection during all hours of the day. “We designed these Bugbutton with the active person in mind, it offers the protection that you need in a small easy to wear pin that never gets in the way of the adventures our customers need them for” -William the designer of Bugbutton. Latest news in the kayaking world!

5. If a calm, quiet panoramic view of the lake is something that appeals more to your sense of summer relaxation then fishing is something you should try. Fishermen prefer to use the Bugbutton while fishing rather than use any DEET made products which can harm their fishing equipment and melt their fishing line. Lakes are notorious, because of the stagnant water to be full of mosquitoes. If you wish to find out places to fish in your region you can visit your local state Fish & Game Department so that you can get a list of lakes in your area where fishing is permitted. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service