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Don't Bite Me! Insect Repellant Patch
Test Series by Sophie Pearson
Initial Report - September 8, 2009
Tester Information
Name: Sophie Pearson
Age: 27
Height: 5' 8" (1.71 m)
Weight: 180 lb (82 kg)
Email address: sophiep3 at gmail dot com
Location: Tampa, Florida, USA
I first started backpacking as a teenager in England. I did a
28-day trip in the Arctic, but most of my backpacking experience
has been weekend to 10-day trips, in a range of terrains and climates.
I am a volcanologist so I also do day hikes carrying loaded packs over
intense terrain. Nowadays I am generally in sub-tropical climates. I
am heading increasingly towards ultralight packing, and unless I am
sharing I use a hammock. I try to pack around 20 lb (9 kg) for long
weekend trips but have carried over 50 lb (23 kg).
Initial Report
September 8, 2009
Product Information
Manufacturer: DIVA Marketing Group, LLC
Year of Manufacture: 2009
URL: www.dontbitemepatch.com
Number of patches: 20
MSRP: US $21.99
Dimensions: 2 x 2 in (5 x 5 cm)
Product Description
The Don't Bite Me! Patch is a natural insect repellant. It is a topical patch that puts vitamin B1 (thiamin) and aloe into the blood stream. The theory is that excess B1 is secreted through the pores which creates an odor that mosquitoes don't like, but humans don't notice. The aloe is an anti-inflammatory to reduce the irritation from burns and bites.
The Don't Bite Me! Patches come in packs of 5, 10 or 20. I received a packet with sheets of information and a pack of 20 patches in a bright green box, which shows the actual size of a patch on the front and back. It also has information about how to apply a patch - to a clean, dry, hairless area two hours prior to going outside. It says to use a second patch if heavier than 200 lbs, in a heavily insect-infested area, or if smoking or drinking alcohol. Patches are for single use only. Inside the box was a leaflet with more information and warnings, and the patches. Each patch is individually wrapped, basically exactly like a large, square adhesive bandage. The paper on either side is peeled away to reveal a clear patchy that is adhesive on one side with 2 pieces of film to cover each half of the adhesive. This film is removed and the adhesive is used to attach the patch to the body. The patch is removed when it is no longer needed, and supposedly works for up to 36 hours. It is also supposed to be waterproof.
Initial Impressions
I am really excited by these patches. If there is an insect within 100 miles, it will find me (and in Florida there are always many more than that much closer!) My friends say that I am the most natural insect repellant there is. Sadly, that is not so good for me! I have to use 99% Deet to not get bitten, which eats my clothes, smells and tastes horrible (I always forget that I have it on my hands) and is not exactly good for the environment. Therefore, the idea of a natural patch which increases my B1 levels to repel mosquitoes is attractive to say the least!
The idea and application of the patch is simple. I like the idea of using a natural ingredient to increase my B1 levels to repel mosquitoes, but time will definitely tell if it works. The aloe to reduce the unpleasantness of bites I do get would be nice too. With the natural ingredients it doesn't seem like there should be any harm from using the patches, but we shall see!
The patch has to be applied 2 hours before going outside which will not always be that easy, but with a 36-hour duration I don't think it will matter if I apply it a bit early. I am definitely curious to see how long it lasts for, how well it works, and if I need to apply a second patch due to the high level of insects I'm encountering. As I enjoy a drink in the wilderness, and am generally in pretty buggy places, I will not be surprised if it takes 2 patches. The waterproof ability of it will also be called into question as I am often swimming or kayaking and love to be in the water. As the patches have to be applied to a hairless part of the body I am guessing the adhesive will be fairly strong so hopefully they will stay on.
The patches are fairly large but not unreasonably so - they will definitely be visible but I am hoping not too noticeable. Putting them on seems straight-forward, and I am looking forward to seeing how easy they are to apply, and where I like to apply them (they suggest shoulder, hip, back of shoulder or buttock). All in all my initial impression is that these look like adhesive bandages but have the potential to be a really great, useful thing - if they work!!!
This concludes my initial report. Many thanks to DIVA Marketing Group, LLC and to BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test the Don't Bite Me! Patch. Please check back in up to three months for the final report.
Read more gear reviews by Sophie Pearson
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