Medical Reports: Bug Off

WSVN -- Summer is here and that means mosquitoes are taking over. For some people, like Salvador Lopez, getting a bite is more than just an itch.

Salvador Lopez: "One time I got bitten by mosquitoes, I got reactions by the bites, and I had to go to the hospital. I got rashes. I got red spots all over my body."

Now he just wants to keep his home and family mosquito free.

Salvador Lopez: "When we have plans to go outside to the parks, we protect ourselves with mosquito repellents."

And it's not just about scratching.

Sandra Fisher: "West Nile Virus did emerge in South Florida. In 2004 we had 21 cases. However, we have not seen a case since then in humans."

Despite that, you should still protect yourself, but if you want to stay away from sprays and chemicals, don't worry, some companies are promoting new natural solutions.

Joseph Symond came up with the Bug Bam wristband.

Joseph Symond: "My product is non-toxic. It's proven non-irritant. It's all food-grade ingredients, food-grade material, so it's safe for kids of all ages."

It costs $2.99 and no one will ever know it's a repellent. He also has a grid and fan to keep the pesky pests out of your home. All of the products work up to 100 hours.

Joseph Symond: "They come in a re-sealeable bag. You put them in the bag in-between use, and it will last for two years."

Next product: the Don't Bug Me patch.

Chari Kauffman: "The only two ingredients in it are Vitamin B1 and aloe. So what happens is the Vitamin B1 will travel through your blood stream from head to toe."

The patch works up to 36 hours, is safe for everyone and comes in packages of 5 to 20.

Health officials say they're recommendation is to use products with deet, which is proven to repel mosquitoes.

Sandra Fisher: "Most of the research has shown that the other products that don't contain deet are not as affective as those products that do contain deet."

Other safety tips include, avoid being outside at dawn and dusk, wear long sleeves and get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bug Bam
1-888-899-3308
http://www.bugbam.com/

Don't Bug Me Patch
1-800-338-9260
http://www.dontbugmepatch.com/

Miami-Dade Mosquito Control
305-592-1186
http://www.miamidade.gov/pubworks/mosquitoes/mhome.asp