Dallas Man Tests Mosquito Repellent On Himself

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The ongoing West Nile threat means big business for mosquito control companies but, for a Dallas man, it has been an inspiration to create his own natural effective repellent.

Steve Moore likes to be called 'Mosquito Steve' and he even likes to brag about being bitten by mosquitoes hundreds of times.

"I'll stand here for as long as I can stand, it depends on how many are getting on me, sometimes 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and let 'em come and feed on me," says Moore.

Five years ago Moore contracted West Nile. Since then he has become even more serious about creating  his own repellent. While some people may call him crazy, Moore says the bites are all for the sake of research.

"You see these claims on these labels of these cans and bottles at the hardware store and they say 'this'll keep the mosquitoes out of your yard for 30 days,' it's just not true," says Moore.

According to Moore the problem with the products in the store is that they were tested in laboratories. Instead, he breeds mosquitoes in his backyard and tests various products on himself.

"So, I like to have about 20-30 mosquitoes in a two minute count land on me and then I count how many land on me after that," says Moore.

Moore works in the mosquito misting business. While he is not critical of commercial sprays, he and some associates have been working to create an economical, natural outdoor repellent that actually works. He also recommends the standard precautions.

"If you're putting DEET on you, and you're spraying the area, too, I think that is the best protection," says Moore.