Mosquito patch the latest technology offered by AgraCo
Mosquito patch the latest technology offered by AgraCo
PHILADELPHIA -- Field workers can be among the beneficiaries of a new natural mosquito repellant patch now being marketed by AgraCo Technologies International LLC in Lafayette Hill, PA.
David Webster, AgraCo's chief executive officer, met with The Produce News April 18 to discuss this latest product to be marketed by his firm, whose products include ethylene filters and fly traps.
Mr. Webster said that the transdermal patches are applied to the skin like the familiar nicotine or Dramamine patches. There are no chemicals or insecticides in AgraCo's mosquito patch; the only ingredient in the patch is vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.
Research as early as 1969 indicated that large doses of thiamine are effective in reducing mosquito bites. But Mr. Webster said that his firm is making the first large-scale national and international effort to promote the recently developed patch.
The patch is also being promoted as a deterrent to attacks from gnats and flies, according to Mr. Webster, who added that Vitamin B1, which is non-toxic, is also known for other beneficial health benefits that are not in the scope of this marketing effort.
The patch is applied two to three hours before needed. It can be removed after 24 hours and will remain effective for as long as 36 hours. Mr. Webster himself tried the patches on recent trips to Africa and the Virgin Islands. While those around him had problems with flying insect bites, he had no bites. He said that an acquaintance recently tested the patches in India for three weeks and also had no bites.
"While no repellent is always 100 percent effective, we feel the AgraCo Technologies mosquito patch is a safe alternative to messy oils and harsh chemical repellents currently on the market," he said. "Children as young as one year old can use the patch. Again, the only ingredient in this patch is vitamin B1."
Each patch contains 300 mg of thiamine. "Our bodies generally absorb [about] 50 to 75 milligrams of Vitamin B1, with the excess displaced through our sweat glands," he said. "Research has shown that mosquitoes, gnats and flies do not like the smell of Vitamin B1 excreted through the sweat glands. You or I would not notice the smell, but the insects apparently do."
He said that the patches have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, but they may be marketed in the homeopathic sections of drug and grocery stores.
Mr. Webster's early marketing efforts on the patches are bringing interest from a couple of major drug store chains as well as supermarkets.
Mr. Webster, who has more than 30 years of experience in the produce industry, said that one industry use for the patches could be those working in fields. But the patches have very broad consumer applications, ranging from hunting and fishing to backyard activities. His international marketing plan includes working with military and foreign development agencies to improve the comfort level of people around the world.
AgraCo has developed attractive slick yellow packaging to merchandise packs of two patches. The retail price for such packs will be about $2.
David Webster, AgraCo's chief executive officer, met with The Produce News April 18 to discuss this latest product to be marketed by his firm, whose products include ethylene filters and fly traps.
Mr. Webster said that the transdermal patches are applied to the skin like the familiar nicotine or Dramamine patches. There are no chemicals or insecticides in AgraCo's mosquito patch; the only ingredient in the patch is vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.
Research as early as 1969 indicated that large doses of thiamine are effective in reducing mosquito bites. But Mr. Webster said that his firm is making the first large-scale national and international effort to promote the recently developed patch.
The patch is also being promoted as a deterrent to attacks from gnats and flies, according to Mr. Webster, who added that Vitamin B1, which is non-toxic, is also known for other beneficial health benefits that are not in the scope of this marketing effort.
The patch is applied two to three hours before needed. It can be removed after 24 hours and will remain effective for as long as 36 hours. Mr. Webster himself tried the patches on recent trips to Africa and the Virgin Islands. While those around him had problems with flying insect bites, he had no bites. He said that an acquaintance recently tested the patches in India for three weeks and also had no bites.
"While no repellent is always 100 percent effective, we feel the AgraCo Technologies mosquito patch is a safe alternative to messy oils and harsh chemical repellents currently on the market," he said. "Children as young as one year old can use the patch. Again, the only ingredient in this patch is vitamin B1."
Each patch contains 300 mg of thiamine. "Our bodies generally absorb [about] 50 to 75 milligrams of Vitamin B1, with the excess displaced through our sweat glands," he said. "Research has shown that mosquitoes, gnats and flies do not like the smell of Vitamin B1 excreted through the sweat glands. You or I would not notice the smell, but the insects apparently do."
He said that the patches have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, but they may be marketed in the homeopathic sections of drug and grocery stores.
Mr. Webster's early marketing efforts on the patches are bringing interest from a couple of major drug store chains as well as supermarkets.
Mr. Webster, who has more than 30 years of experience in the produce industry, said that one industry use for the patches could be those working in fields. But the patches have very broad consumer applications, ranging from hunting and fishing to backyard activities. His international marketing plan includes working with military and foreign development agencies to improve the comfort level of people around the world.
AgraCo has developed attractive slick yellow packaging to merchandise packs of two patches. The retail price for such packs will be about $2.
