As a quick reminder or educational link for those who aren't sure about how deet works...
http://www.torontohiking.com/html/deet.html
This post is in regards to the "plasticizer" comment in the above link.
Polyethylene is what sunglasses, watches, and most other "cheap plastic" stuff is made out of. I've defiantly seen the effect of deet on stuff made out of polyethylene.
But what about nylon?
Most of our hammocks are made of nylon or a derivative from my understanding they're chemically dissimilar enough not to respond to deet. Can anyone answer this with chemical authority?
The reason I ask is because in summer months I find it effective to pre-treat my hammock with a very light spray of deet. Of course I put a little on my exposed parts for good measure on topside but it'll last a good few days to prevent being eaten alive. I've tried nets and cocoons but if my hammock touches the sides the mosquitoes bite THROUGH the net AND the hammock.
Deet has alleviated this entirely. In most areas I don't even need a cocoon, I just sleep in the bare hammock.
But is it destroying my nylon? So far, I see no effect after about 2 years of medium usage. AKA 3-4 day trips every other month.
The up side for me is that at this rate I don't really care. I use the cheap $30 fake-eno hammock stuff. Hammock Bliss etc. So if I go through 1 every two years I'll still do it. I just don't wanna inspire others to destroy their expensive Warbonnets or tents and whatnot.
PS Take a look at the link. They suggest eating lots of Vitamin C and B1 and avoiding other food to prevent creating lactic acid that attracts female mosquitos. Can anyone vet for this?
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