INGREDIENTS EXEMPTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) POSE NO HARM TO PEOPLE, ANIMALS, OR THE ENVIRONMENT
For Use Against Public Health Pests
“EPA defines a public health pest as any organism that can cause or transmit human disease, or can cause human discomfort or injury. Examples include fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies. To help protect the public’s health, EPA requires registrants of products used against public health pests to prove the product meets specific standards for effectiveness as well as for safety.” The EPA has exempted Defy the Fly® products containing the following active and inert ingredients from registration requirements as “minimum risk pesticides.” The label of the product is required to identify all ingredients.
Defy The Fly™ Active Ingredients
Geraniol
Geraniol is an oil derived from lemongrass and other plants that have a natural ability to protect themselves against feeding insects. In the late 1990s, research at the University of Florida identified Geraniol as “the first effective alternative to products containing DEET.” For the first time, there is truly an effective and well-tested method of dealing with most annoying flying insects. Tested for years by the University of Florida, Geraniol has been proven in various laboratory and field tests to be the best available flying insect repellent available. Geraniol has been proven effective in repelling mosquitoes, house flies, stable flies, horn flies, head lice, cockroaches, fire ants, gnats, dog ticks, Lone Star ticks, and no-see-ums. Against products containing 10% DEET, Geraniol proved to be more effective – plus, it is pesticide-free and natural.
Cedar Oil (Cedarwood Oil)
Cedars, junipers, and cypress trees are the sources for Cedarwood Oil according to the Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program. Cedar Oil is most commonly used as a natural, non-toxic insect repellent and air freshener. Insects such as mosquitoes that are attracted by odors find their octopamine receptors disrupted and avoid areas that smell like Cedar Oil. Cedar Oil is considered one of the safer options for flea control and is used as a main ingredient in many topical flea prevention products. Cedar Oil, when delivered in small amounts, the aroma will overwhelm most insects. The lingering aroma of Cedar Oil is a pheromone interruption agent that impairs the mental capacity of non-beneficial insects. It has no effect on beneficial insects such as lady bugs, honey bees, lizards, earth worms, butterflies, and toads.
Citronella
Oil of Citronella is a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical insect repellents such as DEET, so it is usually the preferred choice. Oil of Citronella has been used for over 50 years as an insect repellent and as an animal repellent. It is found in many familiar insect repellent products: candles, lotions, gels, sprays and Towelette wipes. These products, which vary in efficacy, repel various insects, some of which are public health pests, such as mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas, and ticks; therefore, preventing its bites. Oil of Citronella is a volatile, liquid oil derived from dried cultivated grasses. It has a distinctive odor which may make it difficult for some pests to locate a host. It is used in recreational areas, outdoor household areas, and around trees and shrubs.
Defy The Fly™ Inert Ingredients
Glycerin (Vegetable)
Vegetable Glycerin has a sweet taste, and has a long shelf life as it is not easily oxidized. Vegetable Glycerin has a rich oily texture, but is water soluble. Because it is derived entirely from vegetable oil and pure, it is hypoallergenic and safe for food and cosmetic purposes. It is derived from palm oil and is 100% pure.
Lanolin
Lanolin is a wax produced by woolly animals as a form of waterproofing. The wax naturally coats their wool to prevent them from getting wet. Lanolin is similar in composition to oils produced by the skin of other animals for the purpose of waterproofing, hydration, and lubrication. It is sometimes known as wool fat or wool oil, although chemically is classified as a wax.
