1. Is Shoo! as effective as other repellents?
Yes. Shoo! has been tested by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to be 100% effective for up to 4 hours. It was also described as more effective than any 'natural' repellent available (1997). The product is to be tested in the Summer 2000 by a team lead by Dr.J Mordue of the Aberdeen University Zoology Dept. Anecdotal evidence exists that Dimethyl Pthalate is a more effective repellent against Cullicoides impunctitus (Highland Midge). Hopefully we can prove this with test results.

2. What is 'DEET'?
DEET is an acronym for the substance Diethyl-N-Toluamide. This chemical was developed by the US Dept. of Agriculture and is manufactured by 2 of the largest chemical corporations (US) in the world. It is has been described by some as the 'gold standard' for insect repellents and is the widest used. Over 30 brands are available in the US alone where the market is worth over US$35 million a year.

3. Other repellents use DEET, Shoo! uses DMP, why?
Shoo! does not contain DEET as it has documented hazards involved with it's use. All repellents containing only DEET, at the same percentage, vary very little in efficacy. This is after all the purpose of the product. Some manufacturers eager to distinguish their product, raise this concentration to some dangerous levels, as high as 85% and 90% in some cases. At these levels it is not only hazardous but very unpleasant to use. In fact greater than 40% is greasy to the touch and smells rather unpleasant sometimes being masked by scent.

4. Are so called 'natural' repellents safe?
The word 'natural' should not be misconstrued as a euphamism for 'safe'. Citronella is an extract of Lemon Grass and is safe to use up to about 10%. High concentrations can burn the skin. Substances such as Geranium oil and Bog Myrtle extract are safe but expensive.

5. Are so called 'natural' repellents effective?
Yes, they can be mildly effective. Bog myrtle is used against midges but is limited, the same with geranium oil which is a fairly weak repellent. Citronella is the most widely used naturally derived repellent but is still not as effective as chemical preparations. Garlic's effect is largely anecdotal.

6. Why can I not buy Shoo! in the chemists in England?
The business within pharmacies is dominated by a few large manufacturers and are mostly DEET based. It is very important to us to attain the interest of the main distributors and high street chains. Until then Shoo! is unlikely to be available widely. We are hopeful that a distributor will be operating in the South West of England soon.

7. Can I buy Shoo! via the Internet?
Yes, a new online pharmacy called allcure.com carries our product, it can be accessed at http://www.allcures.com. We are also looking at the possibility of buying directly from Woodside Labs. via the Internet on a secure server in the future.

8. Do mosquitoes pass on HIV, AIDS?
No there is no risk of these diseases being transitted via this vector. Several other diseases are transmitted by Ticks, Mosquitos, Tsetse Fly etc.

9. What insects does Shoo! protect you from?
Shoo! has been tested as particularly effective against Midges ('No-See-Ums'), Mosquitos and Ticks. It is also successful against Horse Fly and Sand Fly, it is likely to be as effective against most other species.

10. Is Shoo! better at protection than other repellents?
When Shoo! was tested by the LSHTM it was discribed as being "having a level of protection amongst the best of those we have tested in several years" and that it was more effective than any natural preparation on the market(late 1997). Many with sensitive skin types have commented on how Shoo! has been their saviour in insect infested areas, where they had normally to go without!

11. Why do insect repellents make some plastics soft and tacky?
In Dimethyl Pthalate's case this is due to the substance being a plastics isomer, used in the manufacture of soft plastics and also used in the paints industry. When Shoo! comes into contact with some synthetic materials it interferes with the bonding on the surface of the material making it tacky it will dry off after a day or two, maybe leaving it a little cloudy. It has nothing to do with the product's strength or it being an aggresive chemical.

12. Is Shoo! safe to use on children?
Yes, Shoo! was tested by the Greater Glasgow Health Board's Dermatological Dept as safe for children and those with the most sensitive skin. Although we would not recommend applying any repellent to a child under the age of 2 years, repellents should only be applied sparingly. The American Association of Paediatrics recommend that no DEET preparation of greater than 10% should be applied to children under the age of 6 years

13. Is Shoo! safe for the environment?
Shoo! is manufactured from Dimethyl Pthalate, a very effective insect repellent. It is 95% bio-degradable (source, BP Chemicals) and uses cosmetic grade alcohol and vegetable based skin softeners, it will not harm the environment. As long as the packaging is disposed of sensibly!