Sloggers® Garden Outfitters Launches Insect Shield Collection

SEATTLE, WA – Two of the primary concerns gardeners face when working outdoors is exposure to harsh, unrelenting sun and pesky, potentially dangerous insects. That is why Sloggers Garden Outfitters teamed up with Buzz Off Insect Shield to develop a collection of insect repellent gardening hats and accessories debuting at the National Hardware Show, May 6-8, 2008 (Booth #60066). The Insect Shield® products from Sloggers also provide UPF 50+ sun protection, meaning that they block more than 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.

The Sloggers brand, known for its popular garden clogs and other quality garden apparel, will offer innovative Insect Shield® Repellent Technology in a number of Sloggers products. Insect Shield’s patent-pending process binds insect repellent permethrin 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 insect-repellent 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 Sloggers to bring insect repellency to the gardening industry, says Jason Griffin, Buzz Off Insect Shield executive VP. “Sloggers Insect Shield products offer the ideal fusion of function and style. Now gardeners will be able to look great and stay protected from bugs and the sun while enjoying their time in the outdoors.”

Gardening continues to emerge in mainstream America as one of the top leisure pastimes. The National Gardening Association (NGA) reports that an average of 80 million U.S. households – three out of four – have participated in one or more types of do-it-yourself lawn and garden activities annually for the last five years.

“Hats and accessories with insect repellency built in are a wonderfully convenient method of bug protection for gardeners,” says David Hoyt, president, Sloggers Garden Outfitters. “We’re excited to offer this great advantage to our customers.”

About Insect Shield Technology:
In July 2003, Buzz Off Insect Shield, LLC, introduced the first EPA-registered insect-repellent apparel. The Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel technology provides effective, invisible and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums), which lasts through 70 launderings. The Insect Shield® Repellent Gear technology is proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies and fleas, which lasts through six months of constant exposure to weathering. Insect Shield apparel categories include outdoor, golf, hunting, fishing, and equestrian in partnership with select brands such as ExOfficio, L.L. Bean, Orvis, Outdoor Research, Tilley Hats, Ariat, Cintas and Sloggers. Insect Shield gear products categories include camping, patio, beach, pet, and horse products, in partnership with brands such as Horseware Ireland, Eagles Nest Outfitters and Orvis. For more information visit www.insectshield.com.

About Sloggers Garden Outfitters:
Principle Plastics, the sole owner of the Sloggers® brand, is a 55-year-old manufacturer of footwear items. All Sloggers garden clogs are made on premise, in the Los Angeles, CA area, using highly sophisticated injection molding machines designed and built in Italy. Sloggers also offers a variety of garden hats, apparel and accessories. Several Sloggers hat and accessory styles offer protective qualities such as 50+ UPF protection from the sun and insect repellency. For more information visit www.sloggers.com.

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