What Insects Does Permethrin Kill?

Warm weather means pests are back. While permethrin is a popular insect control solution, it's important to understand this product's effectiveness in dealing with bugs. Use this guide to determine how best to use permethrin this season.

Woman spraying clothing with permethrin.

What Is Permethrin?

Permethrin is a synthetic version of the natural substance taken from the chrysanthemum flower. The flower contains pyrethrin, which acts as a natural insecticide against a wide range of insects.

Permethrin is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is considered safe for use on clothing and gear, but should not be applied directly to skin.

When liquid permethrin is sprayed on surfaces, it can kill insects by disrupting their nervous system, causing paralysis and death. It also acts as a repellent, as many insects avoid contact with treated surfaces. Clothing and gear pre-treated with permethrin can help protect against bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.

How Does Permethrin Kill Insects?

Permethrin affects insects by disrupting the normal function of sodium channels in their nerve cells. These channels control the flow of sodium ions, which are essential for transmitting nerve impulses. By keeping the sodium channels open, permethrin causes the nerve cells to fire continuously, leading to muscle spasms, paralysis, and ultimately death.

Especially if you’re allergic to insect bites, you’ll want a product that rapidly kills unwanted pests. Does permethrin kill on contact? The effect depends on the size and type of the insect. That’s because the insect absorbs the product through their outer shell. Once absorbed, permethrin immediately attacks the nerve cells.

Most of the time, the insect’s body absorbs permethrin and kills the insect quickly. You might notice a brief delay in killing larger insects or pests with thicker shells.

While permethrin-treated clothing and gear may not kill insects on contact, they are highly effective at repelling them. Many insects are deterred from landing or biting because of the compound's presence.

What Insects Does Permethrin Kill or Repel?

What bugs does permethrin kill? It is effective in killing a broad range of insects, including these biting and nuisance pests.

Mosquitoes

As mosquitoes near a potential target, they detect permethrin in any clothing or gear the individual wears. This will repel them or if they touch the material will cause a paralysis preventing bites that might otherwise lead to West Nile virus, Zika virus, malaria, and other transmittable diseases.

Ticks

Since ticks are very small, permethrin will kill them after brief contact. Ticks can transmit a variety of illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Keep permethrin-treated apparel and equipment handy to prevent exposure.

Fleas

Adult fleas can carry diseases such as murine typhus and cat scratch disease, passing these pathogens to pets and people. Treat your pets’ bedding with permethrin to prevent exposure. Use the compound on the gear you use with your pets or children. Avoid directly spraying a child’s skin or a pet’s coat with permethrin.

Flies

Fly bites aren’t normally dangerous, although they can transmit diseases or cause allergic reactions. Permethrin is an effective repellent for biting files. Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear when spending time outdoors.

Ants

Some ants are merely a nuisance, while others (fire ants, carpenter ants, etc.) pose more serious dangers. Permethrin spray is an effective form of pest control when camping, working outdoors, or engaging in any outdoor activity.

Chiggers

Permethrin-treated clothing and gear will keep chiggers from getting too close. Use permethrin spray and treated products when spending time in grassy or wooded areas.

Midges (No-See-Ums)

Some midges bite while others just swarm and cause a nuisance. Permethrin-treated clothing and gear helps prevent midge bites.

Bed Bugs

Permethrin sprays can help control bed bugs, but severe cases usually require professional pest control treatment. You’ll also find permethrin in mattress treatment products. Spray permethrin in corners, closets, and anywhere you might suspect a bed bug infestation. You can also spray your luggage to help avoid bringing bed bugs home with you on trips.

Why Choose Permethrin-Treated Clothing and Gear?

Insect Shield uses a proprietary treatment process that infuses clothing and gear with this repellent inspired by nature. Some benefits of our treated products include:

Odor-free and invisible protection
Lasts the expected lifetime of the product
Convenient and low-maintenance since there’s no need to reapply

Our clothing and gear offer excellent protection while traveling, camping, hiking, or gardening. Use our permethrin-treated products while engaging in any activity in an area known for a higher risk of insect exposure.

Some permethrin-treated products available include:

We also sell permethrin-treated outdoor blankets, workwear, uniforms, and dog bedding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Permethrin

Many first-time customers have questions about permethrin before using our products. Here are a few answers to the most common questions.

Does Permethrin Kill All Insects?

Permethrin doesn’t kill all insects, but it is highly effective against many biting and nuisance insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, ants, chiggers, and flies, especially those common in North America.

Can I Use Permethrin Directly on My Skin?

Do not use permethrin spray products directly on your skin since it will have a limited effect. However, some topical medications with low-concentration permethrin (e.g., 5%) are FDA-approved for treating lice and scabies under medical supervision. Permethrin requires a “carrier” such as fabric to remain durable and bioavailable to biting insects.

Consumer bug repellents for the skin typically contain DEET or picaridin, both of which are safe and effective for direct use on skin. These skin applications evaporate to mask the wearer from an insect looking for a blood meal, but because of that, they require re-application.

Is Permethrin Safe for Pets?

Permethrin is toxic to cats, even in small doses, and should never be used directly on them. It's generally safe for dogs when used in products specifically designed for canine use. Additionally, while permethrin has been known to be harmful to cats in liquid form, Insect Shield permethrin-treated clothing is so tightly bound to the fabric fibers in such minimal amounts that it does not pose a risk to cats, or when used in multi-pet households.

How Long Does Permethrin Last on Clothing?

Factory-treated permethrin clothing lasts the lifetime of the product. This usually offers protection for up to 70 washes. DIY permethrin spray protection lasts up to six weeks or six washes.

Final Thoughts

Insect Shield offers permethrin products to help with unwanted pests. Explore our full line of permethrin-treated apparel and accessories to stay protected from biting insects — wherever your adventures take you. Contact us to learn more or visit our product pages to place your order today!