Swat that bug (Handstands Bug Air Freshener)

Member Name: juicy_lucy

Product:	Handstands Bug Air Freshener
Date:	11/02/06 (285 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cute little critter

Disadvantages: Doesn't last long

My car is an absolute TIP and to make up for lack of tidiness, I tend to buy air fresheners and then that’s the car valeted..
Over the years, I have tried all kinds of air fresheners…the ones which dangle from the mirror seem to be the most easily available, but these actually irritate me as they jangle backwards and forwards.
I therefore buy sticky ones, and have spent an absolute fortune on novelty ones…Little Miss (Mr Men series) having been the most popular for some considerable time.
It was time to accept the truth. I needed an air freshener which didn’t dangle, was easy to remove from the packaging and didn’t have a seriously overpowering smell, which would make all my passengers feel travel sick.
Tall order…can the bug pass the test??

**Packaging**

I have found it…an in car air freshener which does not require a pair of scissors or a degree in engineering to get the packaging open.
This comes in a little clear plastic case which is peeled from the cardboard backing to reveal and remove “the bug”.
Thankfully very simple.

**The Bug**

My bug is Mountain Pine so he is green.
The bug is actually a relatively soft ladybird shape with grooves across his/her back and is a good size to fit in your hand. I could actually imagine it being used as a stress bug… use it when the tension gets too much.

**Give the bug a home**

The bug can be used at home, in the car, in the office; anywhere you want a pseudo bug crawling about.
Firstly, remove the protective lining so that it can be stuck down.
It can be positioned on any smooth flat surface, as long as you have ensured that the surface is clean and free of dust and any other previous silicone dressings.
Don’t stick him/her/it to leather surfaces and if the bug loses its grip, give the underside a clean with a glass cleaner.

**Warnings**

1. Keep the bug out of the reach of children as it presents a possible choking hazard.
2. If used in a car. Do not stick on or near an air bag

**Price and availability**

I bought my little bug at the local garage, and assume that they will also be sold in car accessories shops

This cost £2.49 but I think they are usually a bit more expensive at garages.


**Other Products/smells**
This is available in:
Summer Breeze (blue bug)
New Car (grey)
Very Berry (red/pink)
Creamy Vanilla (yellow snazzy!)

**Producer**

Tetrosyl Ltd
Bury
Lancashire
BL9 6RE
Tel: 0161 764 5981


**Verdict**

When I first put this little fella on the dashboard, I had great hopes for him. The smell was clean and fresh and not overpowering and it was even better when I got into the car after a few hours or in the morning…oooh…smelt as though it had just been cleaned.
The bug looked pretty cute sitting on the dashboard and I wasn’t having to watch a gimic air freshener bounce about on a spring or swat away a tree dangling from my mirror.
BUT… (I always call this “beware the unspeakable truth”)…the truth is that the smell lasted only about a week.
Yes, I paid £2.49 for something which was great for a week and then nothing.
I like to think I am not particularly mean but I do think that it should have lasted longer for the price. When I think about it though, I can’t remember the packaging giving any indication as to how long it would last on average, so I suppose that must be its life span and maybe the manufacturers didn’t want to admit to it.

In conclusion, if you want a relatively cute bug sitting on your dashboard (mine is still there) then get this but be warned…its life span is short!

Thanks for reading.

Daniela x

Summary: Great initial smell and cute bug

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