SC Johnson Offers Tips for Applying Personal Repellents

Proper Application Helps Protect Families from Mosquito Bites

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May 18, 2017, 12:48 ET

RACINE, Wis., May 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Applying a personal repellent correctly can help protect families from mosquito bites. That's why SC Johnson, the maker of trusted brands like Raid® and OFF!®, recommends reading the product label before each application of a personal repellent to make sure you are using the product that's right for you and your family. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the particular repellent you choose.

Personal repellents come in many forms, including lotions, aerosol sprays and wipes. They can contain active ingredients such as DEET and Picaridin, in addition to others.

"Each repellent is made for different uses, so it's important to read the label of the product you are using," said Kelly M. Semrau, spokesman for SC Johnson. "There are many options, and it's important to find an insect repellent that is right for what you and your family will be doing outdoors. We have 60 years of bug science research at SC Johnson and are committed to helping protect families from insects."

Generally, the more DEET a personal repellent contains, the longer it will last. Higher concentrations of DEET work well during activities that involve being outside in potentially mosquito-infested areas for an extended period of time. Lower percentages work well for activities that keep you outside for only a few hours.

Personal repellents should be used on exposed skin and clothing to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Be sure to apply repellents only to exposed skin and clothing, and never underneath clothing. Some repellents should not be used with certain fabrics such as rayon, spandex, acetate or other synthetic fabrics. Always read and follow the labeled instructions before applying repellents to clothing.

When using personal repellent, avoid contact with eyes, lips and ears, and never spray or rub the product over cuts, wounds or irritated skin. To use repellent on your face, apply it to your hands first and then distribute it over your face and neck. If a personal repellent comes in contact with your eyes, wash them carefully with water. After applying, wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap.

Do not allow children to handle repellents, and do not apply repellent to the hands of small children. Either spray or apply cream on your own hands first, and then rub it on your child. It is also important not to apply repellents in closed rooms or apply in excess. An evenly applied layer covering all exposed areas is best.

Every repellent has specific instructions for application, so always consult the product label before applying.

For decades, SC Johnson has led many educational campaigns to increase awareness of best practices to help protect families from insect-borne diseases such as malaria, Zika, dengue, yellow fever and Chikungunya. SC Johnson is also known for its philanthropic actions such as donating tens of millions of company products such as OFF!®, Raid®, Baygon® and Autan® around the world to help those who cannot afford personal and spatial repellents as well as insecticides.

Most recently, in 2016, it pledged $15 million in resources globally to help protect against mosquitoes that may carry Zika. Fulfilling the company's 2016 pledge, to date, more than $12 million of OFF!® products and financial donations have been provided to organizations around the world, especially those in regions with high risk of Zika virus and dengue fever outbreaks.

Providing Educational Resources for Families
Researchers at the SC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Health are dedicated to insect science research to better understand and manage insects that may carry diseases such as malaria, dengue and Zika. Since the 1950s, SC Johnson researchers in Racine have studied and advanced the sciences of insect biology, physiology, ecology, behavior and toxicology, as well as infestation management and insect-borne disease prevention. In 2013, the company expanded its research operations globally, opening the first-of-its-kind research facility in China.

SC Johnson offers educational resources, tips and videos on how families can protect themselves from mosquito bites at http://www.scjohnson.com\mosquitoes. The site is available in 13 languages and videos on the site have been viewed nearly 25 million times.

About the SC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Health
The SC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Health – previously known as the SC Johnson Entomology Research Center – was established in 1957. Its main location in Racine, Wisconsin, is one of the world's largest private, urban entomology research centers. In 2013, SC Johnson expanded its research operations globally, opening the first-of-its-kind research facility in China. Company researchers study and advance the sciences of insect biology, physiology, ecology, behavior and toxicology. The Institute also tests pest control formulations and delivery systems to help families protect themselves from insects and the diseases they may carry. Insights from the Institute help SC Johnson in the development of its OFF!®, Raid®, Baygon®, Autan®, AllOut® and other consumer pest control brands that have been trusted by families for generations.

About SC Johnson
SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, TANA®, BAMA®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR MUSCLE® and RIDSECT®. The 131-year-old company, which generates $10 billion in sales, employs approximately 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com

SOURCE SC Johnson