OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™ and
easy-to-use OFF!® Botanicals® Insect
Repellent aerosol launch to help Canadians protect themselves from
mosquitos
TORONTO, July 4, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Recent Google Canada search data reveals that
Canada is one of the top 20
countries globally searching for information on mosquitoes the past
five years1. With mosquitoes being top of
mind for Canadians this summer, OFF!®, one of SC
Johnson's leading insect repellent brands, partnered with Google
Cloud and Climate Engine to introduce OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™:
a cutting-edge model for predicting mosquito populations in
Canada up to seven days in
advance. The new mosquito forecast from OFF!® and
Google Cloud and Climate Engine will help Canadians stay informed
about mosquito activity all summer long.
Dr. Tom Mascari, Principal
Entomologist at SC Johnson, emphasized the importance of proactive
measures in combating mosquitoes and the potential diseases they
may carry. "Prevention is the best form of protection against
mosquitoes, which may carry diseases," said Dr. Mascari. "Summer's
warmth and humidity create an ideal environment for mosquitoes to
thrive and while only female mosquitoes bite, they can be extremely
persistent. Beyond the itchy bites, mosquitoes can transmit
diseases such as West Nile virus, making it essential to protect
your family during mosquito season."
With over 65 years of experience in personal insect repellents,
SC Johnson takes pride in the efficacy of its products. The SC
Johnson Center for Insect Science and Family Health stands as a
global leader in entomological research, dedicated to studying
insect biology, disease prevention, and developing effective
solutions for consumers. This collaboration emphasizes SC Johnson's
commitment to preventing mosquito-borne diseases globally such as
Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Malaria.
Through the integration of Google Cloud technology, the
OFF!® brand aims to educate the population about
mosquito incidence and prevention, thereby helping Canadians enjoy
the summer season.
"OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™ exemplifies how technology can
provide essential information to help Canadians protect themselves
from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases and foster a more
proactive and informed approach to health care," said Sam Sebastian, VP & Country Manager, Google
Cloud Canada.
How OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™ Works
The OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™ aggregates data from
various sources to offer consumers a projection of mosquito
activity in their area. Leveraging a secure Google Cloud
environment and Google Earth Engine, the forecast integrates
billions of individual weather data points. An algorithm, developed
in collaboration with the SC Johnson Center for Insect Science and
Family Health and Climate Engine experts, translates this weather
data into actionable mosquito insights. The resulting seven-day
forecast, colour-coded for clarity, aligns with the mosquito
lifecycle, from egg laying to potential human interaction.
With Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver being the top cities searching
mosquito-related questions in Canada2, OFF!Cast
Mosquito Forecast™ is launching just in time for summer, to
address concerns surrounding mosquito bites and mosquito-borne
diseases among communities.
Mosquito PREtection with OFF!®
Botanicals® Insect Repellent
In addition to the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™,
OFF!® is making it even easier for Canadians to
adopt a PREtection ritual with a new product that can help
individuals protect themselves during the peak season:
- OFF!® Botanicals® Insect Repellent
- now in a convenient aerosol spray, is DEET-free and can be
used on anyone in the family 3 years and above. This new aerosol
offers a pleasant, fresh fragrance, plus it has a twist & lock
cap for easy, on-the-go use. The continuous spray offers precise
targeting, even upside down, ensuring consistent coverage.
Providing 2 hours of protection from black flies, midges, ticks,
and mosquitoes, OFF!® Botanicals® Insect
Repellent is a #1 dermatologist-recommended brand in Canada according to a recent survey of
Canadian physicians3.
To learn more about OFF!® products and explore
the OFF!Cast™ Mosquito Forecast™, in Canada, consumers can
visit off.ca/en-ca/mosquitoforecast.
ABOUT OFF!®
OFF!® has been a pioneer in personal insect
repellents for over 65 years. As one of SC Johnson's leading pest
control brands, OFF!® is on a mission to make life
better for the next generation. In addition to providing protection
against mosquitoes, OFF!® is a part of SC Johnson's
mission to develop mosquito prevention programs and support
scientific studies on mosquitoes to help make a difference in
millions of lives. OFF!® is proud to create
products with proven effectiveness that repel mosquitoes, so
families can have a trusted line of protection. No matter the
activity or time indoors and outdoors, there is an OFF! product for
every occasion. OFF!® product offerings include:
OFF!® Family Care Aerosol and Spray, OFF!®
Deep Woods Aerosol and Spray, OFF!® Gentle Aerosol and
OFF!® Active Aerosol and Spray. OFF! products should
always be used as directed. Effectiveness against pests differs by
product and each OFF! product label should be read and followed
carefully. For more information on OFF!® products and
ways to help protect yourself from mosquitoes, visit
https://off.ca/en-ca.
ABOUT SC JOHNSON
Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin USA, SC Johnson believes
that a more sustainable, healthier and transparent world that
inspires people and creates opportunities isn't just possible –
it's our responsibility. A heritage of innovation and bold,
transparent decisions is why our high-quality products and iconic
brands – including OFF!®, Raid®,
Glade®, Windex®, Scrubbing
Bubbles®, Ziploc®, Mrs. Meyer's Clean
Day®, method®, Autan®,
Baygon®, Mr Muscle®, Duck®,
Lysoform® and more – are in homes, schools and
businesses in virtually every country worldwide. As a global,
purpose-led company, we are committed to making the world a better
place today and for future generations. That means relentlessly
bringing our expertise in science, innovation and partnerships to
bear on some of the world's most pressing environmental and health
issues like reducing plastic waste and helping to eradicate
malaria. Around the world, we use our resources to unlock greater
economic and educational opportunities for people and communities
where access may be limited, but curiosity and potential are
limitless. See how SC Johnson is a Family Company At Work For
a Better World by visiting scjohnson.com or joining us
on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT GOOGLE CLOUD
Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to digitally
transform its business. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that
leverage Google's cutting-edge technology – all on the cleanest
cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and
territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable
growth and solve their most critical business problems.
1 Google Canada Search Data 2019-2024
2 Google Canada Search Data 2019-2024
3 2023 IQVIA ProVoice Canada Survey from
1/2023-12/2023.
SOURCE OFF!®