I have to admit that I have a love/hate relationship with insect repellents that contain DEET.  On the one hand the stuff works and on the other hand the chemical composition of DEET is just plain disturbing.  DEET was developed by the U.S. Army during WWII and was released to the public in 1957.  Before being used as a human insect repellent, DEET was used as a experimental pesticide. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, abbreviated DEET is a member of the toluene chemical family, which is a solvent used in plastic cements and paint removers.  If you have experienced melted leaders, fly lines, and rod finish that has come in contact with DEET, then the solvent makeup will come as no surprise.  DEET is not supposed to come in contact with skin because it is easily absorbed and enters the bloodstream where the effects are still not clearly known.  The only real upside to products that contain DEET is that they WORK!

Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Review

Lately I have been looking for an insect repellent that both work and do not contain DEET.  On a recommendation from a friend I decided to give the good folks at Eco-Blends a call and they agreed to send me a bottle of their DEET free insect repellent to review.  To be perfectly honest I was more than a bit skeptical.  After all Eco-Blends repellent is made entirely from essential oils including Rosemary, Thyme, Lemongrass, Geranium, Peppermint, Maine Soybean, Wheat germ, and Vitamin E.  No laboratory manufactured chemicals at all.

I decided to give the Eco-Blends repellent a trial by fire by testing it out on my favorite trout stream on a warm and humid day in early June.  On a normal day the mosquitoes can be so bad that I have the river to myself.  My normal defense is a small bottle of 95% DEET spray or coating myself in Deep Woods Off.  The first thing I noticed about the Eco-Blend repellent is the scent.  It actually smells like the woods.  No harsh chemical smell!  After lining up my rod I stepped from the woods to the water and the mosquitoes, true to form, were all over.  The Eco-Blend did a pretty good job keeping them at bay.  Its an oil so I applied it directly to my skin and on the covered sections I experienced excellent protection!  I was still being bit through the back of my shirt but my arms, neck, ears, and face did not receive a single bite.  After half a day fishing I re-applied the Eco-Blend repellent, in part because I was sweating so much, and the second application worked as good as the first.  Eco-Blend does make a spray repellent for horses called “protect 22″ which might be nice for applying to clothing. In Sum: Is Eco-Blends insect repellent as good as Deep Woods Off?  No, when I use Deep Woods Off there is a three foot “no fly zone” around me that even the most suicidal mosquito’s obey.  With the Eco-Blends repellent I did not receive a single bite on the covered areas, but the mosquito’s were not forced back in the same way.  With some DEET based products I have fished for 8+ hours without the need to reapply and with the Eco-Blends repellent it lasted between 3-5 hours.  Honestly, the Eco-Blend repellent really surprised me. Personally I have no problem with having to re-apply my insect repellent during an 8 hour day if that means I don’t have to subject my body to chemical DEET.

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Pack Smart and Hit the Trail

When exploring the great outdoors, don’t forget to pack a few necessities to ensure happy trails.

By Linda Shelton

With summer at its peak, it’s time to trek up those winding trails into the woods for some hiking, campfires and maybe even some lakeside basking in the sun. Though camping means being one with nature, the great outdoors also means harsh ultraviolet rays, pesky bugs and dirt under your fingernails. Here are a few items to pack that will make that scenic hike a little more comfortable.

1. Insect repellent. Wearing insect-repellent clothing is the best way to protect yourself from bothersome bugs. However, you may want to arm yourself with a secondary line of defense by carrying either an organic, DEET-free bug spray or a sunscreen that includes bug-repellent agents.

At the top of the repellent line with these properties is EcoBlends Superior Insect Repellent, made with natural oils. A great sunscreen/insect repellent combo is SPF 30+ California Baby Natural Bug Blend, made with titanium dioxide and infused with herbal bug deterrents citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood.

2. Sunscreen. Even if you’re wearing UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing, don’t leave the sunscreen behind. Soleo Organics, Goddess Garden and California Baby are top rated by the Environmental Working Group, and all contain the minerals zinc or titanium for the best UVA protection — at least SPF 30+ — without the hazard of absorbable chemical ingredients like oxybenzone.

3. On the Trail Wash-up. Use a multipurpose product as a body or hair wash, or for washing dishes, clothes or gear. Citronella Wilderness Wash is biodegradable and paraben-free, and contains citronella and sandalwood essential oils that not only smell good, but also keep bugs at bay.

To become an expert adventurer, check out other hiking essentials in “Be Prepared!” in the July/August 2011 issue of VIVmag!

Photo credit: Courtesy Red Mountain Resort

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And, Alison Lewey, President of EcoBlends, Eatonton, GA, suggests that wheatgerm can benefit animals facing skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, prematurely aged skin, scar tissue and stretch marks.

Your clientele may also be interested in natural pest repellents, especially because traditional products have so many dangerous ingredients like pyrethroids. These chemicals may cause respiratory and skin problems and be toxic to cats. Lewey says her company’s natural pest repellent (Protect-22), “has been proven to be more effective than pyrethroids and has no repercussions to their health.” Lewey also addresses questions of price by using her natural repellent as an example: “The cost per use is one-quarter the cost of pyrethroid-based products.”

Natural ingredients that help ward off pests, according to Lewey, include wheatgerm, vitamin E and various soybean oils. She also explains that peppermint oil can deter ticks.

http://www.wholefoodsmagazineonline.com/supplements/features/making-your-pet-health-section-pick-litter

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 Every  insect has an oil that it dislikes,  one cannot make a claim to certain bugs an all regions unless they have all the right oils!

  In this graph EcoBlends aka buzz-off  made the first three .. Alternative ~ Buzz-Off ~ Comparable ~Cutters 6.7 ~ Cutters 9.5 

 IS

 
In this graph you will see EcoBlends is strong at 4 hours.

                             

  American Pediatrics Academy. Bite Blocker is the most recommended natural insect repellent, because it uses only food-grade, renewable, plant-based ingredients. Although soybean oil itself has some ability to repel insects, Bite Blocker adds quite a few other ingredients to enhance its effectiveness, including vanillin and geranium oil. In comparison tests, Bite Blocker’s proprietary mix consistently outperforms other natural insect repellents, except for Repel Lemon Eucalyptus. However, as with Repel, Bite Blocker is more effective for some people than others.Reviews say Bite Blocker natural mosquito repellent is approximately as effective as a 7 percent DEET repellent against ticks and

   

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Mixing the  EcoBlends with water allows you to spray your yard, deck, and camping or barbecue area. (1 part Equine, 3 parts water and several drops dish liquid.)   Dr. Bonner’s is the soap/detergent with the best results.

Premise Spray with no staining!  Yikes it works! I emailed Lewey’s asking whether their product could be used top keep those buzzing critters off the deck when we settle in for an evening drink. Alison actually called me back the same day. (Coool…. especially when most other “providers” force me to talk with a machine for 10 minutes and then listen to tacky music because my “…call is important to us,”

Alison told me to dilute EcoBlends with water in a spray bottle and spray all over. I was concerned that the oils may stain the deck, house, bluestone or furniture. No stains at all and BEST after a 2-day repeated spray NO BUGS.

Great product.
Even works on the Hornets and Wasps!  I LOVE IT!  This stuff works great!

Sending people to your website left and right.  I’ll need to order more, though, with 3 horses I am still only halfway through the bottle!  THANK YOU!  H. O’Leary  -Vermont

P.S. I Tried the “premise spray” technique you suggested, on my trailer – wasps love to nest there between uses, and the horses don’t appreciate the extra cargo – it’s keeping my horse trailer wasp-free for the first time in years!

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BlackHawks love EcoBlends My husband and I have used Lewey’s for the past year when doing any outdoor activity. He is now serving in Iraq where insect-borne diseases are a serious problem (especially Leishmaniasis). In an email home he asked that I send over insect repellent, specifically EcoBlends. I am wondering if there is a discount for larger orders or those serving in the military. I appreciate your response to this email. Thank you

Feel free to post the boys in all their glory on the website. Jeff is the one furthest to the left on top of the helicopter. He loves the using Lewey’s EcoBlends. Says it works great on all exposed skin. Thank you so much far all you do.

Amy Bosinske

Proud Wife of A National Guard Soldier (Sgt. Jeffrey Bosinske) Every day gone is one day closer to home.

Army Troops Love EcoBlends

Marines Love EcoBlends Our nephew in the United States Marine Corps suffers terribly with all the other service men and women in Iraq due to constant torment by bugs of all kinds. There is no escape. We sent a case of your  EcoBlends to our Nephew while in Iraq; EcoBlends WORKS!! This is the only product that was effective in protecting them from these pests.

Thank you for bringing relief to a Marine under “bug attack in the line of duty.” Rev. S. Ellis-Killian

“Products that contain DEET have always given rise to public concern due to precautionary attributes of the product usage. Natural products such as EcoBlends alleviate this concern dramatically for peace of mind, not to mention the protection from flying, biting insects that is attained. “Randolph G. Runs After

Environmental Health Specialist

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Presenter at 2004 CDC West Nile Virus Conference, Denver, CO.

Law Enforcement Loves EcoBlends  As a police officer at Indian Island, ME., I work evenings and nights when flies and mosquitoes are out in force. Since we’re near the water here, they are fierce. Your product works great and safe around nylon, leather, plastic.

-Excellent Jim Grandmont

Maine Guide Loves EcoBlends I’ve tried a number of non-Deet bug repellents, and never found one that actually works – until now. Buzz-Off even worked on those evil, green-headed horseflies that populate Maine beaches in high summer. I will recommend it to all my clients. Thank you for coming out with sucha wonderful product.

-P. McGurren, Maine

GENEROUS SUPPORTERS

Camping in deep woods Maine I just want to say that this insect repellent is the best I have ever used and it saved me from losing a lot of blood this June. This June I worked at West Branch Pond Camps in Kokadjo, ME, and lets just say a “flatlander” like me was not used to the black flies, deer flies, moose flies, etc… Thank you and I was wondering were i could find a store that sells it on Cape Cod?

-Samantha Furbush Massachusettes

Camping in Labrador I used EcoBlends on a recent fishing trip to Labrador. I can tell you that your product was most effective at repelling the swams of black flies, midges, and mosquitoes that greeted us each time we ventured outdoors. Others on our trip used conventional repellents and still were bothered by constant swams of bugs. It didn’t take long for the others on the trip to notice that I was concentrating on fishing, not having to deal with being bitten. I also smelled much better than my fishing buddies at the end of the day. I was first at the dinner table, while others fought to see who would shower first, and change clothes before coming down for dinner. I really can’t say enough about your product. Keeps bugs away, all natural, smells good, and makes your skin feel soft. I knew I had to contact you folks to order more for my next trip.

Sincerely, Bert Corrigan

Safer for my Kids!! I tried your product for the first time this weekend. WOW! My husband & I have 5 children from ages 12 yrs. to 9 mos. I have only ever used DEET products when the bugs are severe and have never felt comfortable using products with DEET on my children, but all the other non-DEET products on the market were ineffective. Living in Maine in a heavily wooded area we constantly battle with pests. We call my 6 yr old son the “Tick Magnet” because he comes in with an average of 1-2 ticks a day. I am totally impressed with your product. Not only is it effective, it is safe for my children, and the environment. Thank you so much. May God bless each and every person who worked so hard to create this product.

Sincerely, J. L. Davis Hollis, ME

Fearful of Mosquito born diseases? Hello, and thank you for your great product! I recently took a trip to Samoa where mosquito borne Dengue Fever and Malaria is a very real concern. I applied my Lewey’s and enjoyed a mosquito free trip. Mosquitoes were everywhere except for my skin. It was great! The wonderful smell of EcoBlends was an added bonus. I heard about EcoBlends from a fellow soil scientist in Maine and I am spreading the word here on the west coast.

Thanks again! T. Rodgers Soil Scientist Mount Vernon, Washington

I will never use DEET again I just wanted to let you know that your product (EcoBlends) is great. I put it to the test last weekend in my backyard. Usually the mosquitoes are bad in Florida. I put on EcoBlends on Saturday and did not have a single bite all day. Now, I can get rid of my can of DEET (poison). Thank you for your wonderful invention, and the smell is not bad either.

Thanx again, Michael Trenkler

Effective, but more importantly Safe! On visiting my brother and his wife in Waldo, Maine I was amazed to see that they used a repellent at all as she is afflicted with a chemical sensitivity syndrome. I know that when they endorse anything it must be safe. The repellent was Buzz-off. I am now living in Edgewater, Florida and I already have a request for your product from a lady here, originally a NH. native. I certainly hope I can find it down here as it would be such a wonderful product to have here. Florida needs more natural products, in my opinion. T.Lewis

Concerned Grandparents I just had to let you know how wonderful I and my family and friends think “EcoBlends ” is! It is keeping ALL biting things off my highly allergic 3 1/2 yr old granddaughter. She was the reason I ordered the first two bottles. The bottle I ordered for myself is just great, too.

Yesterday two friends came over to help us shear our sheep-a hot, sweaty job , made that much worse by the flying, crawling etc bugs. We all used just a dab on our exposed parts and –NO BITES! They will be contacting you for some very soon. (J. Harris and G.Vincent) I am wondering if it would be OK to use the “horse” spray on my dogs, goats and sheep. What is the cost of the “horse” spray? Thank you, Marilyn Bacon

My daughter plays outside now because of your product! I already received my shipment of  EcoBlends and it’s the greatest stuff in the world. I have tried everything for my child (her mosquito bites swell to 3+ inches across and she has had several staph infections as a result). This is the first product we’ve ever used that worked for her and I am more grateful than I can ever tell you. It’s the difference between spending the whole summer inside and getting to go play at the park. It’s also the difference between MANY trips to the Dr. and getting to just be a normal kid.

I’m also so grateful because she is highly allergic to bees and wasps and I like the idea that they’ll be leaving her alone.

you are so kind. I will accept your gracious offer with the promise that Molly will wear her EcoBlends T-shirt to the park every time we go (and I will carry your cards & brochures) because you are the only reason she will get to go at all. It’s just amazing. I cannot thank you enough.

Blessings, M.Scott

Fly Spray and Flyline conditioner I am an avid outdoorsman and use this product religiously. I have 2 bottles always, one in my flyfishing vest and the other in my tacklebox(stays in my truck!) I have told countless outdoorsy folks of it and they all say the same thing- this stuff is amazing!!

thank you for producing a truly quality product for us outdoors people!!

ps it is awesome as a flyline conditioner!!

P.Downing

Better than the expensive fly conditioners!! The conditioning oil that I used to use for floating my fly line is now replaced with Lewey’s. It conditions the same for my lines as the expensive conditioners and is safe for the environment.
S. Daigle

Hunting in Alaska/bugs as thick as black clouds! We were successful in catching caribou, however, the weather was unusually warm for this time of year and the gnats were fierce. We used EcoBlendss and they disappeared. It lasted over 2 hours, even sweating like crazy because of the warm temperature and the lack of breeze. We should have had a video camera to record the black clouds of bugs and their disappearance after the use of Buzz-Off. R. Bouse, Fairbanks Alaska

Everyone wants my EcoBlends! I have shared Eco-Blends with my friends and they want more. You should feel proud that you are making a product that works so well and is safe and natural. In this crazy money hungry world we are poisoning ourselves with technology. EcoBlends is a breath of fresh air. Thank You, J.Hyde West Shokan, NY

.EQUINE SUPPORT

Even works on the Hornets and Wasps! I LOVE IT! This stuff works great!

I don’t know if my clinic will carry it – we have such limited space – but I am working on a local tack shop owner. Also sending people to your website left and right. I’ll need to order more, though, with 3 horses I am still only halfway through the bottle! THANK YOU! H. O’Leary

PS Tried the “premise spray” technique you suggested, on my trailer – wasps love to nest there between uses, and the horses don’t appreciate the extra cargo – it’s keeping my horse trailer wasp-free for the first time in years!

Good for Everyone Such a great product- the horses love it and so do the two leggeds! L.Dassler

No more ticks! Thank you for your product! I live in a tick infested area, and it is the only thing that keeps the ticks off my dog! If I don’t use it and go to the park, we are guaranteed to come home with at least one tick on her. But since I started using it- we come home tick free! And I am happy it is safe for her health and mine! S.Helmus

Premise Spray with no staining! Yikes it works! I emailed Lewey’s asking whether their product could be used top keep those buzzing critters off the deck when we settle in for an evening drink. Alison actually called me back the same day. (Cooool…. especially when most other “providers” force me to talk with a machine for 10 minutes and then listen to tacky music because my “…call is important to us,”

Alison told me to dilute EcoBlends with water in a spray bottle and spray all over. I was concerned that the oils may stain the deck, house, bluestone or furniture. No stains at all and BEST after a 2-day repeated spray NO BUGS.

Great product.

Works when nothing else did!! My husband and I have many prized horsed. If you have ever been around horses you know how bad the bugs bother them. We tried to find something to give them or apply to their coat for some relief but never found anything that worked. We heard about this new product called Equine Blend. So we tried this product on one of horses and are still amazed! The bugs are still not bothering him after 4 days of applying this Equine Blend. Needless to say we have applied this to all of our farm animals and pets with great results. Cathy / ME

HEALING PROPERTIES

Soothes Exzema and keeps bugs away I would like to “THANK YOU” for the use of your insect repellent. It is great! I have (had) very bad exzema on both of my wrists, now, not only are the black flys gone but so is my exzema too! I live way up in The Forks in the Maine Woods where the bugs can get pretty bad, but your repellent keeps them buzzing off. I just want to say “KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK” & “GREAT STUFF 100%”

Thanks, L.M Decker West Forks, ME

RETAILER SUPPORT

Best Seller  EcoBlends is a wonderful product!! Last year, it flew off the shelves and sold more than any other insect repellent in our store. I have had no complaints about EcoBlends from any of our customers and it continues to have high sales. EcoBlends is a great product and it works!!!!

Connie J. Health Food Center Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Gret Company Gret Product Hi! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the excellent service you provided me yesterday! My package arrived in ONE DAY via UPS!!! Boy, that was fast. What a great product you have in EcoBlends…can’t wait to sell it tomorrow. My wife teaches first grade at the Wawaloam School in Exeter and she’s taking in six bottles, along with the display rack and literature to sell at school. Thanks again and best of luck to you and your awesome company! I’m sure I’ll be re-ordering soon.

Sincerely, S. Grossman (Down To Earth- RI.)

Crew Worship These past few years I’ve been nearly hospitalized by the black flies. We hired Glenn & Wendy Merry, after meeting them at the Flower Show, to come down this spring and install our pond. She saw the flies SWARMING about me (it is NOT my shampoo = they love my eyelids) and, while Wendy couldn’t use it, brought a bottle of your stuff down. Oh my. Oh my again. First year in ten plus I’ve been living here, not one bite and I’m outside! Even my stubborn “I don’t need anything” father-in-law, “where’s that stuff” for the flies. Amazing. I’m sold.. My in-law family and our crew will forever worship me…and you!

– C.Dove (Houde Home Construction, Inc.)

Big hit with customers We were very pleased with the amount of Lewey’s EcoBlends that we sold this summer. We had many repeat customers that came back for more! Your product has appealing packaging, it’s priced well, and it works! We enjoy selling Maine-made products and plan to keep EcoBlends always stocked. Thank You.

Winnegance General Store, Maine

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Click Here to choose your products, add them to your shopping cart and then click on checkout on the right hand column under your list of shopping cart items.

Simply fill out your information, choose your shipping and payment options and we will mail out your product directly to you.

We are offering single bottles, packages of 3 bottles and cases with shipping discounts.

Be quick and order your 2010 summer supply today!

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Created with a selected blend of essential oils and based on Native American herbal wisdom, EcoBlends is a superior insect repellent and safe for children, animals and adults.

Unlike other insect repellents, EcoBlends is safe for the earth because it’s derived from herbs and plants. EcoBlends popularity comes from its effectiveness, but it also has a refreshing aroma and nourishes, protects and softens your skin.

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