Is Permethrin dangerous?

[headchange4u]

I had always that Permethrin was just an insect repelant. Does it actually kill bugs and ticks?

[T-BACK]

I had always that Permethrin was just an insect repelant. Does it actually kill bugs and ticks?

Permethrin is an insecticide that has almost immediate knockdown power. It is hamless to humans when dry. Even when wet, the oils on your skin will deactivate its toxic effect. That's why it is not effective if applied to skin. I certainly would not want to drink it and when I soak items in higher concentrations I do wear gloves. I've used this stuff since the middle 80's. I find it completely benign compared to burning feeling and numb lips I,ve experienced after using DEET. I too use the Repel lemon eucalyptus spray because I dislike DEET so much. I've found it works pretty well. I believe it is the only "natural" repellant endorsed by the CDC&P as effective. Be careful about all natural products. Chemicals is Chemicals no matter what you call them. Or is it a rose by any other name...anyway, even my Repel says to only apply a maximum of twice daily. I hate to any type of chemical on my skin or clothing because there is always a slight risk involved, however, I have had Lyme disease and mosquitos are vectors for quite a few nasties nowdays. In my mind the risk of disease is much more of a threat than the chemicals I choose to combat them. It's a personal decision that each of us has to make for ourselfs. I would never try to influence someone to use something just because it works for me, be it bug spray or equipment. Weigh the pros and cons of everything and if you think it might work for you, try it.

[Cuffs]

I have used both Permethrin and Pyrethrin in my garden and flower beds...

I have pretty much switched to solely using the Pyrethrin. My decision is based on:

1. its natural, not man made synthetic
2. safe to eat the veggies the same day the Pyrethrin was applied.
3. safe for use on cats and dogs for control of fleas and ticks (and yes, it works)
4. I see bugs un-*** the area as soon as I put the stuff out, so it must be working. And if they hang around, I find their little carcasses lying around the next day.

The only form Ive found it is in powder... I'll going to start checking for liquid or how to use as bug repellant for peoples.

[BillyBob58]

They make clothes pre-soaked in permethrin, so it must not be very toxic when dry. It works great as a backyard spray, killing the bugs that don't run for their lives.supposed to be good for 3 or 4 weeks. I've also noticed far fewer ( maybe none?) fire ant beds and wasp nests around the house the last couple of years, since I started spraying occasionally with permethrin.

The Eucalyptus stuff seems to work pretty good as a repellent, but quite a strong smell. Still a far more tolerable smell and sensation then deet, but even stronger in it's own way.

My current favorite is picariden(sp?). I don't know if this is natural or chemical. It seems to work pretty good at ( I think it was) 10%, and even better at 15%. Both consumer reports and backpaker mag recently tested all these bug repellents. The higher concentrations were needed for picariden. Avon makes some stuff my wife bought, with only 10%. It has worked for me for at least short periods of time. And it has a completely pleasant smell that is not a strong smell. I don't mind spraying it on at all.

Either Con.Report or Backpacker(or both) tested permethrin clothing along with the sprays, and they didn't seem to work very well, for what it is worth.

I need to look into this "Pyrethrin" stuff AlHikerGal speaks of.

[Spock]

I'd say, first of all, find out if you need to use it. The only time I've ever had mosquitoes poke through a hammock is when using loosely woven fabric such as netting - which I no longer do. I don't know whether most hammocks are proof against mosquitoes. I'm sure Hennessey's and my home made ones are.

I have applied Permethrin to net and very loose nylon hammocks and it worked OK. However, it is not as durable on nylon as on some other fabrics, so it needs to be reapplied now and then.

[angrysparrow]

I don't know whether most hammocks are proof against mosquitoes. I'm sure Hennessey's and my home made ones are.

I can tell you from first-hand personal experience that mosquitos are more than able to 'poke through' a HH Explorer UL. That very issue is how I came to know of this forum.

[Cannibal]

Agree with angrysparrow, not the reason I came to the Forum, but certainly the cause for me looking into Permethrin. My first trip out with my HH Explorer in Florida was a rude awakening; I thought I'd be safe from bugs sleeping directly on the hammock fabric.

[te-wa]

last year I spent some time on a commercial flight chatting with a chemist, who then worked for Dow*. We discussed Permethrin and its pros/cons and he only told me that it is not a great idea to inhale the mist when sprayed. Against skin, not a problem. In that respect, you are going to spend a great deal more money and heartache dealing with Lyme disease.

*dow does not manufacture permethrin products, but he seemed to be highly aware of its properties.
fish are highly sensitive (read: it kills them) to permethrin so thats an option if your flies arent catching any. (kidding, dude)

[neo]

I just read a post here, on HammockForums.net. In the post the member stated that he was thinking of applying permethrin to the bottom and bug net portion of his hammock. I was curious so I googled permethrin.
I found this article...

http://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pest...report/cox.htm

I have only skimmed it, so I may have missed something, but from the little bits I read it does NOT sound like a nice thing to have right next to ones face.
I am not trying to start a controversy here. I am just curious what others have to say.

Thanks

its not dangerous if used as directed,i mainly use it in main tick seasonneo

[Walking Bear]

This site has health studies on workers that have been exposed
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/si...@rn+52645-53-1
No reaction in most studies, some skin irration in some.