Keep Bugs at Bay

Apr 1, 2013

No one likes to have their personal space invaded by mosquitos, gnats, flies and no-see-ums, and consumers are looking for ways to safely protect themselves and their families from these annoying pests without the use of messy, and often toxic, bug sprays. Retailers who incorporate Bandz and Spotz, DEET-free, citronella-infused insect repellent products from Mosquitno, LLC, into their product offerings, can help consumers keep bugs away as well as enjoy the profits these impulse buys bring to their bottom lines.

Mosquitno owner Bob Dix, along with a European partner, created Bandz by infusing non-toxic citronella oil, a scientifically proven natural mosquito repellent, into a silicone rubber wristband in 2009. Bandz are effective for six days, and come in a resealable package to preserve effectiveness when not in use. "Anecdotal testing and reviews have found our wristbands more effective and a better quality than other similar products on the market," says Carolyn Ellspermann, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Mosquitno. "Bandz are the only insect repellent wristbands made of silicone rubber, which is more comfortable than plastic. People tell us all the time how amazing the product is. They are thrilled to have a proven effective, all natural mosquito repellent that doesn't contain DEET, and they love the sweet smelling citronella scent and the trendy looks." Bandz are available in adult and kid sizes in ten colors as well as in camouflage, tie-dye and glow-in-the-dark varieties.

On the heels of the wristband's success, Mosquitno introduced Spotz, citronella-infused adhesive dots. Heavy-duty Spotz, effective for 72 hours, stick anywhere and are especially good for protecting ankles and necks when placed on socks, shoes or hats, Ellspermann points out. "Our Spotz are completely unique to the industry, and they come in fun themes including earth tones, primary colors, sports, kids and specialty." Spotz, sold in packages of six dots, offers a heart, flower, butterfly and more in the kids' package, while the specialty pack includes images such as a peace sign, smiley face and American flag.

Bandz and Spotz wholesale for $1.99 and retail for $3.99 per unit. Point of purchase counter and floor displays are free with orders of 36 and 144 pieces, respectively. "The displays provide colorful marketing materials that explain what the product is and does, and its benefits," Ellspermann notes. "Bandz and Spotz are easy impulse purchases because mosquitos are a problem everywhere and everyone is looking for a solution. It's a pretty easy sell because of the low unit cost." The minimum order quantity is 36 pieces and orders can be placed by phone, fax, email and the Internet. To order online, retailers can go to the company's consumer website, and click on the wholesale link to register and receive pricing.

Mosquitno products are sold in numerous independent retail shops, including outdoor, garden supply, agricultural supply, grocery, gift, golf, fishing, hunting, convenience stores, select Walgreens, Tractor Supply Company, Plow & Hearth, Thornton's, MAPCO, Westlake ACE Hardware and others. Retailers will be introduced to several additional products throughout 2013 and 2014, including apparel with insect repellent bonded into the fabric, and picnic accessories, such as placemats, a wine cooler and a lemon that clips onto a table cloth.

Moquitno is passionate about the importance of the outdoors and a connection to nature, especially for children, and it supports organizations that promote an education and love for the outdoors, including two camps in Minnesota for kids 8-18. It also contributes to UNICEF to help children who may be affected with mosquito-borne illnesses such as Malaria, Dengue Fever and West Nile.

For more information:

Mosquitno, LLC
2715 E. 87th Terrace
Kansas City MO 64132
Toll Free: 800-336-2026
Fax: 913-586-4111
Email: orders@mosquitnoband.com
Website: http://www.mosquitnoband.com

Topic: Company Profiles

Related Articles: Mosquitno  Repellent  Mosquito  Bug Repellent 

Article ID: 1719


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