Bug spray and hammocks ...

**msabo2** · 09-07-2014, 19:52

Has anyone seen any degrading in hammock material after a hang from transfer of bug repellent off the skin?

**cjayflo** · 09-07-2014, 20:12

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthi.../aa042703a.htm

"DEET can damage some plastics and synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and acetate, so be careful not to damage clothing or camping equipment."

**grannypat** · 09-07-2014, 20:28

Use picaridin instead of deet.

**Algonquin_bound** · 09-07-2014, 20:59

Ya, I guess theoretically, it 'could' possibly do damage....

I've sprayed deet on many clothing items, and never noticed any increased signs of wear, or other damage. Never had the need, but I'm sure there are plenty of hammock's out there that have had deet sprayed on directly. Never heard of a hammock failure due to deet exposure. Would be minimal amounts transferred from skin I would think.

I wouldn't worry about skin to hammock damage from deet. Technically, ya, it could possibly degrade the hammock's integrity somewhat.... But I bet gaining a few extra pounds of body weight would get you closer to the failing point than deet from skin would. Either way I'm sure your' still safe.

Play it safe and buy a new hammock once every 30 or 50 years and still avoid the nasty's by using deet when needed.

My opinion anyway.....for what it's worth......

**gunner76** · 09-07-2014, 21:03

Use picaridin

ditto and or treat your hammock and camping clothes with Permerthin

**Algonquin_bound** · 09-07-2014, 21:30

Originally Posted by grannypat

Use picaridin instead of deet.

Never heard of picaridan until this post! Sounds like good stuff! No smell, greasy residue, generally all the reasons I don't like deet, but use it when I need it....

How well do you find it works?

From the little I read, it works only against those mosquitoes that rely on smell to find targets. Which tells me nothing. Do mosquitoes in N.A. rely on smell? Damned if I know, but I can confirm, that they are able to find me. I dunno what their methodology is, but the end result still remains with me being itchy.

:edit:
+1 to the permethrin as well!!

**OCDave** · 09-07-2014, 21:35

I do my best to have bug-dope, sun screen, sweat and dirt off before climbing into my hammock out of concern for premature wear. I have been carrying action wipes http://actionwipes.com/ They are currently difficult to obtain but, I highly recommend grabbing some once they are again available.

**Loki** · 09-08-2014, 07:42

Picardin works as good as or better than DEET for me (in the carolinas).
I believe GrannyPat and Gunner are correct. Treat your hammock with Permetherin (follow the directions), then spritz a little Picardin onto your body and clothes - especially around ankles chest and shoulders. A spritz here and there usually works - no need to totally cover your arms for example.

Deet does last about an hour longer between applications than Picardin lasts for me. I have had DEET create a stinging sensation on my neck when used with a synthetic shirt.

**oldgringo** · 09-08-2014, 08:21

I once put a scrap of rs nylon in a shot glass, sprayed it full of deet, and left it for an hour or so. If there was any damage to the fabric, I couldn't detect it.

I don't like deet, but I like skeeters, ticks, and the diseases they carry much, much less.

**Montexan** · 09-08-2014, 10:37

Originally Posted by Algonquin_bound

Never heard of picaridan until this post! Sounds like good stuff! No smell, greasy residue, generally all the reasons I don't like deet, but use it when I need it....

How well do you find it works?

To be fair picaridin is new, especially compared to DEET, in the States. It was almost useless at the lower % it used to be, then the FDA got around to catching up with Europe and OZ by allowing the current the 20% max.
EPA's Doc
And more information than a normal person would ever need

I've almost completely moved over to Picaridin. No more double bagging my DEET by itself in an outside pocket for fear of sliming my food and gear. For the dogs I use Pop's Organics since skeeters spread heartworm and Revolution doesn't do anything for skeeters, only the heartworm. You could make it yourself, but essential oils are ridiculously expensive.

Originally Posted by oldgringo

I once put a scrap of rs nylon in a shot glass, sprayed it full of deet, and left it for an hour or so. If there was any damage to the fabric, I couldn't detect it.

I have a couple polycarbonate Nalgene bottles completely foggy from a single trip 2 years ago at a lake. The skeeters were real bad and 100% was required.