Store aisles are full of products promising to keep mosquitoes away, as concerns over the Zika Virus continue to rise.
Companies that make mosquito repellents, such as Johnson and Johnson and Spectrum Brands Inc. say they're ramping up production of bug spray to keep up with the high demand.
Meanwhile, employees with Palm Beach County's Mosquito Control Division are doing everything they can to keep people safe.
Mosquito Control Environmental Analyst Chris Reisinger and his crew are setting traps all across the county, to catch and test the type that carries the virus. And Reisinger says when he's not examining mosquitoes, he's answering the phone. He says callers want to know about all kinds of remedies, many of which aren't typical bug sprays.
"I've heard other things like eucalyptus and lemon oil, garlic even," Reisinger says.
He says many people are concerned about harmful ingredients.
"Some people have been calling in, worried about the chemicals we're using for spraying or DEET," he says. "They don't want to use DEET. Do we have any other suggestions? I mean, DEETis the only thing I can really endorse."
Reisinger doesn't endorse products such as wristbands claiming to repel mosquitoes or stickers designed to be put on clothes and ward bugs off.
A quick internet search can yield all kinds of sites that are taking advantage of people's Zika concerns.
While University of Florida researchers have found that some repellents using natural oils or citronella can help fight off mosquitos, they say bug spray with DEET works for longer periods of time, doing the best job of keeping the bugs away.
