Bug Me Not! Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
Written: Aug 16 '02 (Updated Dec 02 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: All natural ingredients; safe even for children and pets!
Cons: Oily of course (see ingredients). Be cautious with nice clothing
The Bottom Line: For safe and effective elimination of bugs from yourself, children and pets, Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent is an excellent choice, and I highly recommend it!
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| Suzer's Full Review: Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent 4 Floz |
I think we all have concerns about being attacked by bugs, and some of us are more susceptible than others. I also have concerns about my dogs and cats being bitten. My elderly chow chow (now 15 years old) was really being hassled by flies, so I was pushed to try and purchase a safe, natural product that wouldn't adversely impact him. I therefore went to a manufacturer I really trust - Burt's Bees. Their Herbal Insect Repellent aka "The Defender", really impressed me, as it is noted to be not only safe, but effective, and in reading the ingredients I was very comfortable with what I found.
Their Claims:
Bans the creeping, crawling, winging, stinging, nicking, bugging, biting beasties (sounds like an ex boyfriend of mine). Okay, I'll behave. . .to continue, Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent is safe enough to apply with confidence to children and pets.
Not tested on animals however
Their Directions for use:
Initially it seemed the gray 4 fluid ounce pump I purchased was defective, as it dripped, and didn't spray. Concerned and confused, I sent an email to Burt's Bees customer service. I received a prompt response from Alison Smith, R.D., LDN with Sales/Marketing. She explained to me that Burt's Bees had changed their pump from a spray to a squirter, as customers complained that the oils were staining their clothing. She further explained that the product is meant to be squirted into your palms, and then applied to the rest of your body, or child or pet. The pump instructions note that you should be sure to cover your hairline, sock tops, collars and wrists
Active ingredients per the can:
Castor oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil, cedar oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, geranium
Inert ingredients:
Sunflower oil, wintergreen oil and Vitamin E:
My Experience:
Bugs don't seem to be too interested in me, perhaps because of the combination of vitamins I take, but I had a rather serious allergic reaction to a spider bite a year ago, so it is important to me that I am protected. This product is also an excellent moisturizer.
As my pets are having problems, I applied the Burt's Bees product to my chow chow to keep the flies off of his face, as he was absolutely miserable, and I could no longer ignore the problem. It works extremely well, and they have not been "bugging" him, since I applied the product. I also applied insect repellent to my new little lab mix who is pale gold, and I initially (before hearing from Alison of Burt's Bees) tried to squirt the product on her, and it made her look like she had dirty blotches on her fur. It was very, very tacky looking! Once Alison explained that the product should go in the palm first, and then rubbed throughout her fur, and I followed those instructions, she looks fine, her coat is very well moisturized, and the bugs seem bored and disinterested in her (yea!).
Alison also mentioned that she personally uses the Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent in lieu of Frontline to alleviate fleas on her own pets, however the company has not done comparison testing. I am trying it out now on my pets. This product is a lot more cost effective, especially, if like me, you have several pets. As my pets already had their Advantage for the month, I have merely augmented that with the Burt's Bee's product, but I am excited by the prospect of saving some money, and using an herbal product rather than the pesticides. Alison said it has been quite effective with her own dogs, and not only does it help repel fleas, it also conditions the animals' coats and adds moisture. I had been having my chow chow's groomer add a product to moisturize his fur when I have him clipped. Now I can do it myself, and not pay extra for it.
Final thoughts:
While I was describing this product mostly in terms of my pets, it is certainly highly recommended for adults and children also. As it is completely natural, made strictly with oils, you should not have difficulties with allergies or reactions (of course read the ingredients to ensure you don't have problems with any of the oils). I have very sensitive skin, so really can't use the majority of the products on the market, and this one is not problematic at all. The scent is quite pleasant on people or pets, but it will conflict if you wear perfumes/colognes.
I highly recommend Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent "squirter" for people and pets, and give it 4 stars. Do be cautious with your "nicer clothes" and be sure to squirt into your palms in lieu of trying to spray it. And of course many thanks to Alison Smith for allowing me to be pesty, and bug her.
Note-When talking with my next door neighbor about Burt's Bees products, she said her dentist gives all of her new patients a little kit of Burt's Bees products. That is so thoughtful, I think I'm going to be changing dentists. Sometimes it is the little things that make the difference.
Thanks for reading!
Suzi
http://burtsbees.com
Recommended:
Yes
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Suzer
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Member: Suzi
Location: Southern Calif.
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About Me:
Compromise-Art of slicing the cake so each person thinks they have the biggest piece.
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