Moms market all-natural patch to repel mosquitos

(8/06/07 - KTRK/HEMPSTEAD, TX) (KTRK) -- There's a new way to fight the tiniest and probably the most annoying of all pests -- mosquitos. And two southeast Texas small-town moms are now biting into the insect repellant market.

A new clear patch made of all natural ingredients is to be applied once a day. The 'Don't Bug Me' patch is still in the test phase, but there's already a lot of buzz about the innovative repellant.

Trish Tompkins never leaves home without it. By wearing the small, clear patch, she is repelling mosquitos.

She explained, "It's absorbed through your entire blood stream, everywhere your blood flows -- your ears, your nose, everywhere. You're protected for up to 36 hours."

It's how the patch repels pests that's creating the biggest buzz. The active ingredients are vitamin B-1 and aloe.

"All natural is very important to any parent right now," said Chari Kauffman. "There are a lot of warnings about a lot of bad stuff on our food and things that are going into our bodies, and we don't want to expose our children to that."

Tompkins and Kauffman wanted an all natural alternative for their own children. The patch can be placed just about anywhere.

Tompkins explained, "Because it's waterproof, which is very convenient for moms, apply it once a day to the back, or anywhere in a dry hairless area, and just forget about it."

There has been no US scientific governmental testing of the product and the US patent is pending. Without available scientific data, mosquito experts are hesitant to endorse. Dr. Rudy Bueno with Harris County Mosquito Control wouldn't spend his money on it.

"I would go for the proven thing," he said.

Yet in Hempstead, where Tompkins is from, there is no shortage of believers.

"I put it on the night before we leave, and put it on two days later and we're bug free," Sandy Pfeffer swears. "We sit out by the campfire, whatever. I love it."

And it's not just mosquitos. Marketers claim the patch also repels ticks and chiggers. If you'd like more information, visit the patch's website.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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