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Here in the South we have a really bad problem with ticks and chiggers. A friend is using this on her shoes and socks and gardening clothes and says it works. Just wondering if anybody else has used it. It usually is found in camping or outdoor activity stores instead of in garden centers.
That's the exact brand of permethrin I use (purchased at Dicks Sporting Goods) on my running shoes, socks, and hiking clothes (as well as on my outdoor chair when I go to outdoor concerts).
~~ It lasts well over a month OR for about 6 washings (though I think they recommend hand-washing garments).
~~ It will last on items put in storage, but exposure to light does break it down a bit, so they recommend storage in dark plastic if you must store the treated items and expect any chemical to remain.
~~ It works best when you treat ALL your clothing and gear, not just one item. You also do have to completely permeate the fabric, so it takes quite a bit of permethrin to treat gear and clothes.
~~ It cannot be used on skin, but works quite well on gear and clothing when it is used correctly.
That's the exact brand of permethrin I use (purchased at Dicks Sporting Goods) on my running shoes, socks, and hiking clothes (as well as on my outdoor chair when I go to outdoor concerts).
~~ It lasts well over a month OR for about 6 washings (though I think they recommend hand-washing garments).
~~ It will last on items put in storage, but exposure to light does break it down a bit, so they recommend storage in dark plastic if you must store the treated items and expect any chemical to remain.
~~ It works best when you treat ALL your clothing and gear, not just one item. You also do have to completely permeate the fabric, so it takes quite a bit of permethrin to treat gear and clothes.
~~ It cannot be used on skin, but works quite well on gear and clothing when it is used correctly.
Yes, I use it. I've also reinforced the last statement above. Also, when you spray it on your clothes let it dry before putting on the clothing, preferably overnight.
I just treated another set of hiking pants, a backpack, a hat, and a skirt (and they are drying on my patio).
It is incredible how quickly the permethrin spray works. Due to having a neighbor who has a ton of standing water, and thus a mosquito breeding ground, my backyard is frequently mosquito-infested. Within seconds of spraying the permethrin on the first garment, the mosquitoes disappeared.
I HATE using herbicides and pesticides in my garden, so I do worry about the fact that the mosquitoes disappeared so quickly, but I guess it is okay if that means that my clothes will protect me from ticks while I'm hiking, I guess that's a good trade-off.
***Regarding the standing water in my neighbor's yard... yes, I have contacted the health department, but they won't do anything about it.
Both DEET and permethrin have cons, as well, of course. They are strong chemicals and their use is frowned upon by many. I prefer to risk the negative effects of DEET and permethrin than to risk a tick-borne or mosquito-borne illness, but not all feel that way.
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You also do have to completely permeate the fabric, so it takes quite a bit of permethrin to treat gear and clothes.
