Q: Any tips for using an on-skin repellent?
A: On-skin repellents should be applied to the skin and rubbed in to ensure even coverage. Mosquitoes will seek skin areas that were missed, so be thorough in applying and spreading the repellent over all exposed skin. Read all instructions prior to use. To apply to the face, spray into hands and then rub on, avoiding contact with eyes, mouth, and the inside of the nose.
Q. What is Geraniol?
A. Geraniol is a plant-based oil. It has been shown to be effective as an insect repellent. (cite: Barnard, D.R., and Xue, R. (2004). "Laboratory evaluation of mosquito repellents against Aedes albopictus, Culex nigripalpus, and Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae)". J. Med. Entomol. 41 (4): 726–730)
Q. But I see Geraniol in other products, so what makes Guardian more effective?
A. The percentage of Geraniol in Guardian products is kept to minimum required amounts to achieve effective repellency without introducing undesirable side effects from skin sensitivities. Guardian relies on less Geraniol that other similar insect repellents while achieving superior performance due to the harmony of the ingredients in the formula in total. Years of research, development, and testing led to this innovative repellent that synthesizes several non-toxic ingredients to boost the efficacy of Geraniol.
Q. Doesn’t Geraniol attract bees?
A. Users with bee sting allergies should be cautious in using Guardian. Geraniol, though used in small quantities in Guardian products, can attract bees as it is produced by the scent glands of honey bees to help them mark nectar-bearing flowers and locate the entrances to their hives. (cite: R.G. Danka, J.L. Williams and T.E. Rinderer (1990). "A bait station for survey and detection of honey bees". Apidologie 21 (4): 287–292.)
Q. What about sunscreen – which do I apply first? If I apply sunscreen after the insect repellent, do I need to reapply the insect repellent?
A.When using an insect repellent high in essential oils, you should be cautious about sun exposure. Wear a sunscreen in addition to the insect repellent. It is wise to apply the sunscreen first, allowing it to work on your skin per directions; then apply your insect repellent as you head outdoors. Sunscreen will need to be applied more frequently than Guardian, so reapply your sunscreen as needed.
Q. Is Guardian safe for my infant?
A. Before applying to a child under 2 years of age, consult your physician. Always follow the label instructions when applying to any child.
Q.Is it safe to use on my skin if I am breast-feeding? Safe for pregnant women?
A. Consult your physician for guidance regarding the use of Guardian when you are breast-feeding or pregnant. Guardian is plant-based and DEET-Free. Have the bottle with the ingredient list available to share with your physician.
Q. How frequently can I safely reapply the repellent?
A. Guardian is designed to last, requiring less frequent reapplication than other products. It is safe to reapply Guardian as needed, as it is safe and non-toxic; however, as with any product being applied to your skin, you should consider using it only as often as needed to avoid any skin sensitivity.
Q. Can I recycle the spray bottle?
A. Yes! Once empty, the HDPE plastic bottle (spray pump removed) can be recycled with your #2 plastics.
Q. Does this spray kill the bugs?
A. Insect repellent is just that – a repellent. It is not a pesticide or insecticide, and it should not be used as a space or perimeter spray.
Q. What other insects (besides mosquitoes and ticks) is this repellent effective against?
A. Guardian has not been tested for efficacy in repelling other insects.
Q. Should I wash the repellent off before eating, going inside, etc.?
A. While Guardian is safe and non-toxic, it is always advisable to wash hands with soap and water before eating.