Permethrin fail

**hutzelbein** · 09-02-2013, 18:57

After the many glowing reviews here, I went and bought 2 bottles of Sawyer's Permethrin and started treating my hiking equipment. I used is as directed, but the mosquitoes don't seem to care. I got several bites through my pants and also saw the buggers land on the pants and start searching for a good biting location. What did I do wrong? I had the un-opened bottle in my car for about 6 weeks, but I don't remember reading special storage instructions. I'm considering returning the 2nd bottle - unless I find that I made a mistake with the application...

**Junebugdawn** · 09-02-2013, 19:21

I treated my gear this year with the concentrate from Tractor Supply. I did not notice bugs crawling onto my gear and then falling off dead as many have reported. I went on a 4 day paddling trip and within the wood line where we hung, the mosquitoes were relentless. I did not get bitten through my bugnet or hammock, but I had my UQ on. The mosquitoes camped outside my hammock all night trying to get at me. Honestly, I'm not sure if the treatment worked or not. I figure it helps some, but I think the mosquitoes are just way out numbering us this year with all the rainfall.

**KMACK** · 09-02-2013, 19:49

Did you spray your pants until almost soaking wet? Some make the mistake of just spraying their gear/clothes with just a light spray. You really need to get it soaking wet and let it air dry.

**SoundWitness** · 09-02-2013, 19:54

I have been treating my gear, clothes and hammock for 4 years now. Use Sawyer's as well, purchased from Campmor and wally world. I've noticed a difference when treated, little annoying pests are at bay.

I've always given a pretty good application. Not a light spray, but not totally saturated, and air dry.

**Sky kid** · 09-02-2013, 19:56

Mine has worked, from what I can tell. I bought the concentrate also, and did the 1% mix instead of .5. It's supposedly good up to 52 washes, so ill know more over time. I recommend soaking the hammock. They say that we have 3 years worth of mosquitoes in 1 year this season. Best of luck!

**hutzelbein** · 09-02-2013, 20:01

On the bottle it said the content is good for 4 outfits (socks, pants, shirts). I used the complete bottle on the exact number of clothes. They were pretty much soaked by the time the Permethrin ran out. I dried the clothes outside for around 4 hours.

Maybe it's the evil Maine mosquitoes

**gunner76** · 09-02-2013, 20:07

maybe the sketters did not read the instructions telling them to stay away

**Beast 71** · 09-02-2013, 20:20

I left some permethrin in my garage over the winter and the freezing made it less effective, but it still worked some what. Maybe your's froze on a truck or in a warehouse. I use the soak stuff.

**XTrekker** · 09-02-2013, 21:09

I have had great success with permethrin since I started using it few years ago...With that said, I never really expected it to completely eliminate mosquitoes from biting me, as they dont seem to care even when I am wearing 100% deet products. Yes the products do help but some mosquitoes just dont care and will bite you anyways. Its just how it is. I use the permethrin mainly because of ticks which it does an outstanding job of keeping them away.

**DBX** · 09-02-2013, 21:55

Originally Posted by XTrekker

I have had great success with permethrin since I started using it few years ago...With that said, I never really expected it to completely eliminate mosquitoes from biting me, as they dont seem to care even when I am wearing 100% deet products. Yes the products do help but some mosquitoes just dont care and will bite you anyways. Its just how it is. I use the permethrin mainly because of ticks which it does an outstanding job of keeping them away.

Same here. DEET on skin for mosquitoes, permethrin on clothes for ticks.
Some of these Gulf Coast mosquitoes, though, think DEET is a condiment.

ETA: Permethrin works on Chiggers, too.