BOTTOM LINE

Deal or Dud: Testing the effectiveness of insect repellents

7/27/2014

The product: 100 Max DEET GoReady Spray Pen Insect Repellent by Coleman.

The pitch: “This non greasy, low odor formula provides up to 10 hours of protection against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, chiggers, black flies, and fleas,” the packaging says. It is also perspiration resistant.

The price: $5 to $12 depending on size at Gander Mountain. Also available at a number of other retailers, sporting good stores and online. Prices vary by store.

The Bottom Line: Deal. Small enough to carry in your pocket or purse, this spray pen is convenient, easy to use, and it gets the job done. Protection doesn‘t quite last for 10 hours, more like four to six.

(Note: In its 2014 review of DEET, the EPA stated that the agency has not identified any risks of concern to human health, non-target species or the environment. “EPA continues to believe that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general population, including children. As always, consumers are advised to read and follow label directions in using any pesticide product, including insect repellents.”)

The product: BugBand DEET-FREE Insect Repellent Bands

The pitch: The vapors from the plastic BugBand wristband form a protective shield around the immediate area, keeping insects a safe distance away.

The price: $2.98 at Gander Mountain. Also available at a number of other retailers, sporting good stores and online. Prices vary by store.

The Bottom Line: Dud. The vapors were strong and lingered for days, but unfortunately did not provide much defense against bugs. The band seemed to attract more bugs than it repelled.

So you’ve got your eye on a new cleaning product that promises to rid your home of all things gross or a new nail polish that pledges to make your fingernails as tough as, well, nails. The pitch is perfect. The price is in your budget. But does it work? Consumers always want to know, so let us tell you: We’ll try it before you buy it. The Bottom Line will highlight some of the newest and trendiest items and tell you whether it’s a deal or dud. Got a product in mind? Contact Blade reporter RoNeisha Mullen at rmullen@theblade.com or 419-724-6133.