How to Use Permethrin Spray
Learn how to apply permethrin spray to clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear for long-lasting protection from ticks, mosquitoes, and other listed biting bugs.
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Spray clothing, shoes, socks, and outdoor gear only.
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Apply outdoors or in a well-ventilated area until items are evenly treated.
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Let treated items dry completely before wearing or using.
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Reapply as directed on the product label.
Watch how to apply permethrin spray to clothing and gear before your next hike, camping trip, or outdoor project.
Where to Use Permethrin Spray
Treat clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear before activities where mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects are most likely to be a problem.
Which Insect Shield Option Is Right for You?
Compare DIY permethrin spray, ready-to-wear Insect Shield clothing, and Easy Pack professional treatment to choose the right option for your needs.
Choose Permethrin Spray when...
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You want DIY treatment for clothing, shoes, and gear
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You need to treat shoes, packs, tents, or trip-specific items
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You want a flexible option for seasonal prep
CURRENT PRODUCT
Choose Pre-Treated Clothing when...
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You want long-lasting repellency built into the garment
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You do not want to spray items yourself
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Shop Insect Shield Clothing
You need easy grab-and-go outdoor apparel
Choose our treatment services when...
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You want your own clothing professionally treated
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You need longer-lasting treatment than DIY spray
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Treat Your Clothes
You are treating multiple favorite garments at once
Complete Your Protection Setup
Pair permethrin spray with ready-to-wear Insect Shield essentials for more complete outdoor coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Permethrin Spray is for clothing, shoes, and gear only. Do not apply it to skin.
No. Apply it before wearing the item, then let it dry completely according to the product label.
Apply permethrin spray to clothing, shoes, or gear only, never directly to skin. Use it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, let treated items dry completely before wearing or using, and always follow the product label. For more details, read our guide on how to use permethrin on clothing safely.
It repels listed insects for up to 60 days. Always reapply as directed on the product label.
A 6 oz can treats approximately 2 outfits. An 18 oz can treats approximately 6 outfits.
Permethrin is commonly used to treat clothing and gear for tick protection. Spray shoes, socks, pants, cuffs, and gear before spending time in tick-prone areas.
Permethrin spray can be used on clothing and gear for mosquito protection. For exposed skin, use an EPA-registered topical repellent.
Permethrin spray is for clothing, shoes, and gear only. For exposed skin, use an EPA-registered topical repellent.
Use it on clothing, shoes, socks, tents, packs, hammocks, camp chairs, and outdoor gear according to the product label.
No, permethrin spray should not stain or damage most clothing or gear when used as directed. We recommend testing a small hidden area first, especially on delicate fabrics, lighter colors, or specialty materials. Let items dry completely before wearing or using.
The main difference is how long the protection lasts. Permethrin spray is a DIY option you apply at home to clothing, shoes, and gear. It is a good choice for treating specific items yourself, like boots, tents, packs, or other gear, and it lasts up to 60 days or 6 washes.
Insect Shield clothing has insect protection built in, so there is no spraying or drying time needed. It is a better choice if you want ready-to-wear protection for regular outdoor use. The treatment is bonded to the fabric fibers for longer-lasting protection and is designed to last through 70 washes, or the expected lifetime of the item.
The main difference is how long the protection lasts. Permethrin spray is a DIY option you apply at home to clothing, shoes, and gear. It is a good choice when you want to treat specific items yourself, like boots, tents, packs, or gear. Spray treatment lasts up to 60 days or 6 washes.
Our send-in treatment option, including Easy Packs, is a professional treatment service for eligible clothing you already own. You send your clothing to us, we treat it with Insect Shield technology, and send it back ready to wear. The treatment is bonded to the fabric fibers for longer-lasting protection. Insect Shield treatment is designed to last through 70 washes, or the expected lifetime of the item.
No. This spray is a DIY option for clothing, shoes, and gear. Insect Shield treated apparel and our treatment services for your own clothes are professionally treated options.