ALPHARETTA, GA - Mother Nature showed her force throughout the country in the past year, leaving floods, mudslides, snowstorms, hurricanes and droughts in her wake. And even as the damage is receding, it is leaving a whole new danger behind - heavy insect populations with higher-than-ever risks for disease.
According to a University of Washington study, warmer climates and changing weather are giving rise to more fast-growing insect populations. While cases of West Nile virus rose in many states in 2007, the wet weather in much of the country will exacerbate problems this year. And for areas suffering from the drought, reduced water bodies have concentrated populations of mosquitoes and other biting insects. The National Weather Service is projecting that 2008 will be a hot and wet year for most parts of the country. Wooded areas and waterways are expected to be even worse than before for insect invasions.
But there is an effective solution for protection in the great outdoors - new Repel® Sportsmen Max Formula® insect repellent. With 40 percent DEET - the maximum amount available in an aerosol - it offers long-lasting defense against insect bites. Designed especially for active outdoor enthusiasts, it is unscented, non-greasy and resists perspiration. Repel Sportsmen Max Formula insect repellent provides protection that withstands the heavy exertion and lengthy exposure associated with hunting, hiking, fishing and camping.
"If you're going to be in the woods hunting, out on the lake fishing or in the mountains hiking, you need to take precautions to protect yourself," said Dr. Kerry Shafran, a dermatologist in Charlotte, NC. "From a simple mosquito bite to the dangers of West Nile virus, the risks are very high that an insect bite can really hurt you. Using an insect repellent with the maximum level of DEET is your best armor to prevent insect bites. Wearing long pants and long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, along with boots and a hat, help extend that protection."
"We researched the challenges that avid outdoorsman face on the lake and in the woods to develop a solution that is as tough as they are," said Gary Ramey, divisional vice president for Repel brand. "We wanted them to be able to concentrate on enjoying the outdoors without being distracted by pests or worried about insect bites. This new formula provides the maximum protection under the toughest situations."
Repel is available at national retailers, sporting goods stores and specialty retailers. For more information on Repel, visit www.Repel.com.
About Repel® Products
For years, sportsmen have trusted the Repel brand for mosquito protection simply because it works! It provides unscented protection at a variety of levels, so only the bugs will know you have it on. The Repel brand provides a complete line of long-lasting insect repellents for sportsmen and families, all clearly labeled with the level of protection to fit every activity and terrain. Outdoor enthusiasts trust the Repel brand, the insect repellent as tough as you are.
About United Industries Corporation
United Industries Corporation is a subsidiary of Spectrum Brands, Inc., Spectrum Brands is a global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, portable lighting, lawn and garden products, household insect control, shaving and grooming products, personal care products and specialty pet supplies. Spectrum Brands' products are sold by the world's top 25 retailers and are available in more than one million stores in 120 countries around the world. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Spectrum Brands generated fiscal year 2007 net sales of $2.0 billion and has approximately 7,100 employees worldwide. The company's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SPC.
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