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Issue No. 6
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April, 2012
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Click here to visit our past issues.
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As our loyal customers know, we make a very effective all-natural insect repellent here at Coyote Cove, that for many years has been called Bugoff. During the winter we were contacted by the SC Johnson Company, informing us that they have a trademark on that name, and asking us to change the name of our product. We asked you, our customers to help us choose the new name, with a $50 gift certificate for the winner.
The names came rolling in and they were all so cute that it became very hard to choose one. And, as a further complication, every time I picked one, an internet search showed either another company already holding the trademark on that name, or another small company (like us) already using it. There are only so many variations of the word Bug! I very strongly considered just calling it Coyote Cove Insect Repellent to avoid the controversy. But one name kept being whispered in my ear which is cute, memorable, and (maybe most importantly) not already taken. Unfortunately, it was being whispered by my husband and chief soapmaker Mike! Mike is not eligible to win the gift certificate, something in the fine print about being too closely related or having insider knowledge of the process. Or maybe he applied undue influence by plying me with dark chocolate.
So I've decided to use his name suggestion and award not one but two $50 gift certificates to the runners up! The new name for our insect repellents is-drum roll please-Bug Voyage! Pronounced like the French bon voyage, although saying each word in English will work too. I just can't resist a play on words. The runners up and winners of the gift certificates are Jean Park and Margaret Winters. I loved their suggestions. Jean's was Shoo Fly and Margaret's was Don't Bug Me. Both are great names and I would have loved either of them, but they are both currently being used by other companies. My third favorite was Buzz Off, because it sounds like Bugoff. This was suggested by numerous people, but is also in use. Thank you to all who entered, you are a creative group of people! Jean and Margaret, email me at kathy@coyotecove.com to claim your prize.
Now how about some general information on how to get the most out of your Bug Voyage? Here's the lowdown on those lowdown mosquitoes:
* One size doesn't fit all. There are 176 species of mosquitoes in the US! And evidently they don't all like the same thing. That's why Bug Voyage has a blend of different naturally insect repelling essential oils, instead of relying on one oil.
* But, generally speaking, mosquitoes do play favorites. Mosquitoes, like some Gentlemen, do prefer blondes. They also like females more than males, and adults more than children. As an adult female who is mostly blonde, I should be a banquet to the critters, but they really don't feast on me much. This is where personal body chemistry comes in (or maybe the vast quantities of lavender lotion I use!) Since these are factors you can't really change, let's look at the things you can do to decrease your chances of being bitten.
* Mosquitoes locate their victims using visual and chemical cues.
Visual: Wear light colored clothing. They look for dark colors and foliage.
Chemical: This is where it gets interesting, and personal. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain fragrances, especially fruity or floral scents, so minimize perfume. They are also attracted to carbon dioxide and lactic acid on your skin. These chemicals are produced when you are hot, sweating, or eating salty or potassium rich foods. In other words, when you are having a picnic! They are also drawn to moisture-in the air, on the ground, on your skin, or even to your well-watered plants.
* Pick your battles. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and at dusk, and according to one study they are 500% more active during a full moon!
* How to decrease the effectiveness of Bug Voyage or, what not to do. These sound like common sense, but I think they bear repeating.
Dilution: Bug Voyage washes off! Rain, perspiration, and swimming all dilute the Bug Voyage on your skin. Reapply as needed.
Absorption: Bug Voyage will absorb into skin over time, even in dry conditions. Again, reapply.
Evaporation: A windy day will hasten the evaporation of Bug Voyage, so reapply.
In summary, natural insect repellents are highly effective against mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. They do require more frequent applications than a chemical product such as one containing DEET. Bug Voyage comes in three concentrations, spray, lotion, and oil. Use the lightest product that meets your needs. The spray is the lightest concentration. It is water based, great for children or lunch on the patio. The lotion is a higher concentration and will also last longer on the skin, good for everyday use. The oil is the highest concentration. Use it for evenings at the campsite or long days hiking in the woods.
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New Product Alert: Our popular Anti Wrinkle Oil is now available in a lotion! I have taken our wonderful face oil which is rich in GLA, phytoestrogens, and vitamin A, and made it into an easy to use lotion. It will be on the website soon under Skin Care Products. If you love what the oil does for your skin but prefer the feel of a lotion, this product is for you! I now use it daily and I love it.
Have a happy spring, Kathy Stephens
Coyote Cove |
Coyote Cove
PO Box 304
South Pittsburg, Tennessee 37380
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