Permethrin Use

**sparky32** · 07-18-2015, 16:36

I have never used permethrin, but I've seen it talked about in terms of treating clothing to prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, etc.

Before I go out and purchase some, my question is this. Aside from treating your clothing, can it also be used on other fabrics as a method to keep bugs away from a person. Is there anything that permethrin should not be used on, such as nylon, kevlar, silnylon, amsteel, zing-it/lash-it, etc. (basically, any gear that a hammock camper may have in his/her possession or use during a trip)?

**WaffleBox** · 07-18-2015, 16:42

There is no point in using it on Sil as it will not be absorbed. Also, don't use it on your cat. They can die if they come into contact with it in its liquid form. Once it is dry, it is safe for them to touch stuff that has been treated with it. Some people avoid treating underwear with it, but I'm not sure why. Aside from that, you are good to go.

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-18-2015, 16:51

I personally don't think permethrin is very effective on silnylon, cuben fiber, or any other waterproof fabric (backpack included), but there are some who do. It would never occur to me to treat my Zing-It, Amsteel, TQs, or UQs with permethrin, so that is out as well.

I limit my use of permethrin to my bugnet, clothing and shoes only. I've never gotten a tick around camp so I just don't use it for those purposes.

**WaffleBox** · 07-18-2015, 16:53

I treat everything I wear, including shoes. I also treat my hammock and bug net. I don't treat quilts, tarps, suspension, or packs.

**sparky32** · 07-18-2015, 17:21

I really only planned to treat my clothes and possibly my headnet and hammock,. I just mentioned the other items out of curiosity.

I've also heard that permethrin is toxic to cats but I didn't realize that it could be fatal only if they were exposed to the liquid and that it's not a problem once the liquid has dried.

Good stuff to know. Thanks.

**joe_guilbeau** · 07-18-2015, 17:56

Permethrin is safe for all fabric types.

DEET is not, and there is really no point to using any concentration of DEET over 35% concentration levels according to researchers.

A combo will keep the chiggers, ticks, mosquitoes etc...away. Keep the DEET off of your synthetics, not very friendly at all.