With the rising level of tick infestation here in Maine and current reminders for prevention practices, wouldn’t it make sense to have a product that is safe and effective against the onslaught of ticks so small we can’t even see them and friendly for the environment we live in?

The good news is that we do and it is available in many forms for both people and pets!

Insect Shield (IS)

In 1996, Insect Shield researchers began development of the process of bonding a proprietary repellent to consumer apparel which they had completed by 2001 with the development, manufacture and distribution of Insect Shield Insect Repellent Apparel. In 2002, West Point Military Academy contracted with IS after finding Lyme Disease cases on the rise. Once IS-treated uniforms were introduced, the number of new cases was reduced to zero! After comprehensive testing, researchers perfected the formulation, procedures and specialized equipment necessary to product the IS Repellent Apparel and in 2003 they were granted EPA approval. In 2004, manufacturers and distributors teamed up with IS to produce products for the consumer market and in 2005 introduced products for pets, horses, camping and other outdoor activities. The EPA granted apparel registration for “effective through 70 washings” in 2006 and marketing and production took off, soon launching worldwide with over 75 brand retail partners.

Insect Shield also offers you the option of sending in your clothing for them to be pre-treated.

Dog Not Gone ‘NO FLY ZONE’ Insect Repellent Apparel

No Fly Design’s products now feature the No Fly Zone™ Insect Defense System to repel ticks, mosquitos and other biting insects to offer even greater protection for our four legged friends.  No Fly Zone’s active ingredient, permethrin, is a synthetic form of a naturally occurring repellent found in the chrysanthemum flower. The product offers superior protection over other insect treatments because of a proprietary process that binds the permethrin securely to the fibers of the fabric to provide a durable and long-lasting protection. No Fly Zone maintains wash durability up to 70 washings. I recently spoke with Julie Swain, owner of Maine-based company ‘Dog Not Gone’ about why they choose to take their business in this direction. Julie told me as a mother of small children, she had concerns about the safety of the repellent products they were using and after a consumer came to her asking about the possibility of infusing a tick repellent with the reflective safety vest she had for her dog, Julie took that idea and ran with it. Dog Not Gone buys all the No Fly Zone fabric material for their products right here in the USA and it’s what she uses for all her repellent-infused products. As a community partner of ours, we proudly display their products at all our Lyme Disease Awareness events and prevention talks.

What does all this mean for us here in Maine?

It means that we have the option of buying clothing that is already pre-treated with a repellent safe and effective for all ages including our pets, that is safe for the environment because it is bonded with the fabric and lasts through 70 washes and we do not need to have any contact with chemicals nor release any into the environment. It means that we can purchase pre-treated items to wear for work and play, for ourselves, our children and our pets and take comfort in knowing that we are also being protected from the ticks. Many stores are now carrying insect repellent apparel from local hardware stores to L.L.Bean, Cabela’s, Walmart and other retailers. We can also find them online.

Knowing that we have options to be protected from tick encounters can bring about peace of mind and bring back the enjoyment of spending our time outdoors enjoying life in Maine as it was meant to be!

Paula Jackson Jones is president of Midcoast Lyme Disease Support & Education, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) and Maine-partner of the Natl Lyme Disease Assoc and member of Maine CDC Vector-borne Workgroup. You can reach her at paula@mldse.org or visit their website www.mldse.org