How Does Permethrin Work?
Permethrin, a chemical product used to reduce bites from common insects, including mosquitoes and ticks, works by over-exciting an insect’s nervous system. When an insect encounters permethrin, it becomes paralyzed, and in this weakened state, the insect generally disengages, falls off, and frequently dies.
Key Takeaways
- Permethrin works by affecting the nervous system of insects and ticks on contact.
- On treated clothing and gear, permethrin can irritate, knock down, impair, or kill pests.
- Permethrin-treated clothing works differently than skin-applied repellents like DEET or picaridin.
- Permethrin clothing and gear treatments, like Permethrin Spray, are not meant to be applied directly to skin.
- For more complete bite protection, use permethrin-treated clothing with an EPA-registered skin repellent on exposed skin.
Quick Definition: What Is Permethrin?
Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide used on clothing and gear to help reduce contact with mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. For a deeper breakdown of what permethrin is and where it’s used, see our full guide to permethrin.
On this page, we’ll focus specifically on how permethrin works once insects or ticks come into contact with treated fabric.
Permethrin for Clothing & Gear
Permethrin is used in several different ways, including lice and scabies medications, equestrian products, and pest-control applications. In this article, we’re focusing specifically on permethrin used on clothing and gear.
For outdoor bite prevention, permethrin is applied to fabric either through a factory-treated process or a do-it-yourself spray treatment. It should not be applied directly to the skin.
Permethrin-treated clothing works differently from skin-applied repellents like DEET or picaridin. Instead of masking your scent or discouraging insects from landing, permethrin affects insects and ticks when they come into contact with treated fabric.
How Permethrin Works on Insects
Permethrin affects the nervous system of insects and ticks. When a mosquito, tick, or other biting insect comes into contact with treated fabric, the active ingredient can interfere with normal nerve signaling.
That exposure may cause them to become irritated, disoriented, impaired, knocked down, or paralyzed. In most cases, the insect disengages from the fabric, flies away, falls off, or dies. Exact outcomes depend on the type of insect, how long it stays in contact with the treated fabric, and the level of exposure.
Does Permethrin Repel or Kill Insects?
Permethrin can do both, depending on the pest, the dose, the application, and the amount of contact. On clothing, permethrin often works as a contact insecticide. Insects that land on or crawl across treated fabric may become irritated, detach from the fabric, become impaired, or die.
This is different from skin-applied repellents, which are designed to reduce landing or biting on exposed skin.
Why Are Bugs Still Landing on My Permethrin-Treated Clothing?
Seeing a mosquito, tick, or other insect on treated clothing does not necessarily mean the product is not working. Permethrin works through contact with treated fabric, so pests may still land or crawl briefly before becoming irritated or impaired but the main thing is they lose their ability to blood feed.
How Long Does it Take for Permethrin to Work?
Permethrin can begin affecting insects soon after contact with treated fabric. Some pests may react quickly, while others may take longer depending on how they move, how long they stay on the fabric, and how much exposure they receive.
Ticks, for example, may not respond the same way as flying insects because they crawl slowly and may require more contact time. The goal is reduced attachment and biting risk.
How Long Does Permethrin Last on Clothing?
How long permethrin lasts depends on how it is applied. Insect Shield factory-treated apparel is designed to remain effective through up to 70 washes, or the expected lifetime of the product, while Insect Shield gear remains effective through up to 25 washes.
Do-it-yourself spray or wash-in treatments typically do not last as long and should be reapplied according to the product label.
Explore permethrin treated repellent clothing & gear
How Insect Shield Applies Permethrin to Clothing
Our permethrin formulation and application process designed specifically for creating Insect Shield products differs greatly from permethrin-based technologies employed in other industries.
Permethrin bonded to a stable carrier, such as textiles and clothing, creates a constant, prolonged effectiveness since the permethrin remains integrated with the fabric. Additionally, it is invisible, odorless, and convenient.
Insect Shield applies its revolutionary permethrin technology to socks, pants, shirts, blankets, tents, and more. The more Insect Shield present, the greater the protection. In one scientific study, Insect Shield permethrin-treated clothing was shown to have 99% fewer tick attachments and 93% bite reduction versus non-permethrin treated clothing. It retains effectiveness through 70 washings, the expected lifetime of the garment. Or 25 launderings for Insect Shield gear.
The benefit of wearing permethrin-treated clothing in conjunction with a topical repellent cannot be overstated. The next time you are outside, put on your Insect Shield clothing and gear, and enjoy peace of mind protection from insects and the diseases they may carry.
FAQs
Does permethrin work on mosquitoes and ticks the same way?
Permethrin affects both mosquitoes and ticks through the nervous system. Mosquitoes may react quickly after contact. Ticks may respond more slowly because ticks crawl and stay in contact longer.
How fast does it work?
On some insects, the effects of permethrin can be quick. On ticks, it may take longer because they move slowly and may not show impairment immediately. The goal is reduced attachment and reduced biting risk.
Does permethrin-treated clothing smell or feel different?
Most treated garments have little to no odor once dry. Some spray-treated items can have a temporary smell from the carrier during application and drying. If odor persists, check that you used the correct product and followed drying directions.
Can I wear permethrin-treated clothing next to my skin?
People can wear treated clothing as directed once the product is fully dry. Anyone with sensitive skin should stop use if irritation occurs and consult a professional.
More On Permethrin and Insect Borne Diseases
Is Permethrin Treated Clothing Safe?
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