One of the primary concerns parents face when enjoying the outdoors with their children is exposure to pesky, potentially dangerous insects. That is why Roonwear teamed up with Buzz Off Insect Shield to develop a collection of insect-repellent technical apparel debuting at the Outdoor Retailer Show (August 8 - 11) The Insect Shield products from Roonwear keep children cool, dry, odor-free and protected from an array of nasty bugs.

Roonwear will offer innovative Insect Shield Repellent Technology in their Roonbug assortment with products for boys, girls, infants and toddlers available spring 2009. The newly launched Insect Shield collection offers protection from a variety of bugs – including those that can carry West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

Insect Shield’s patent-pending process binds insect repellent to fabric to repel mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, midges and no-see-ums. This helps protect against insects that can carry West Nile virus, Lyme disease, malaria and other insect-borne diseases, many of which are on the rise.

Buzz Off Insect Shield, LLC, was granted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration of its insectrepellent apparel in 2003 – the first-ever EPA-registered insect-repellent clothing – and it has become a significant component in the outdoor industry. Insect Shield Repellent Apparel is sold through major brands such as L.L. Bean, Orvis and ExOfficio.

The odorless insect protection provided by Insect Shield apparel lasts through 70 launderings: the typical lifetime of a garment. The active ingredient is permethrin, a human-made version of a natural insect repellent found in certain chrysanthemum plants, such as the African Daisy. Permethrin has been successfully used in the United States since 1977, with an excellent safety record. Insect Shield’s EPA registration does not restrict use of the apparel. Products can be worn by infants, children of all ages, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Wearing Insect Shield apparel reduces the need for topical repellents.

“We are thrilled to be working with Roonwear to bring Insect Shield protection to a younger generation,” says Jason Griffin, Buzz Off Insect Shield executive VP. “The Roonbug Insect Shield products will help parents have peace of mind so they can concentrate on enjoying their time with family in the outdoors.”
Insect Shield Technology: In July 2003, Buzz Off Insect Shield, LLC, introduced the first EPA-registered insect-repellent apparel. Insect Shield Repellent Apparel technology provides effective, invisible and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) through 70 launderings. Insect Shield apparel categories include outdoor, golf, hunting, fishing, and equestrian. Insect Shield Repellent Gear technology is proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and fleas through six months of constant exposure to weathering (sun/rain).

It is the Roonwear goal to provide children with the most comfortable, dry and protective garments possible, whether they are trekking with you up a trail or playing ball in the backyard. Each garment is hand-made to meet the rigorous demands of kids – not to mention those of the washing machine. Roonwear products feature Dri release fabrics combining ultimate comfort and softness with exceptional breathability and moisture movement. The newly launched Insect Shield collection offers protection from a variety of bugs – including those that can carry West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Additional childfriendly product benefits include tagless designs for added comfort and easy entry and exit for on-the-go kids.