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Ways to Use

Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, when outdoors, camping, hunting, or on travel.

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Bonded to Fabric

Once your treatment of Sawyer Permethrin has fully dried and bonded with your fabric fibers, the amount that can come out via physical contact or water exposure is indeterminately small. It is extended UV exposure or the heavy agitation of a washing machine that degrades the insect repellent treatment much like the dye in a t-shirt.

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Long Lasting

Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) and won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; odorless after drying.

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Protection from Diseases

Repels mosquitoes which may carry the Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, Dengue, and Chikungunya. Repels and kills ticks which may carry Lyme Disease

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Safe for Use on Dogs

Sawyer Permethrtin can be applied to dogs to help control fleas and lice for 35 days and against ticks for 6 weeks. Official application instructions for use on dogs can be found at sawyer.com/dogs.

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Odorless after Drying

Sawyer Permethrin is 100% odorless after drying. It does not harm any fabrics or finishes and can be applied to fabrics as sensitive as silk.

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73.6x Protection

Reduce likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times by treating shoes and socks with Permethrin (University of Rhode Island study - 2011).

Frequently Asked Product Questions

What is Permethrin?

Permethrin is a synthetic version of the Chrysanthemum flower’s natural insect repellent pyrethrin. The naturally occurring version breaks down rather quickly in sunlight but Sawyer’s pharmaceutical grade, synthetic Permethrin can last 6 weeks or 6 washings on clothing and other fabrics, making it a fantastic odorless barrier of protection from mosquitoes and ticks.

Will Permethrin ruin my clothes or equipment?

No. Permethrin will not damage clothes or equipment. Unlike DEET, which may harm some fabrics and materials, Permethrin is compatible for use even on fragile fabrics such as silk, plus all synthetics and waterproof membrane fabrics. Permethrin will not affect plastics or finishes. IF IN DOUBT, try a sample on an obscure surface area, especially on delicates and check it after 24 hours of exposure.Sawyer® Permethrin Insect Repellent is odorless, non-greasy and non-staining after it dries. Permethrin can be harmful to aquatic creatures such as fish, so do not spray Permethrin around fish aquariums.

How harmful are Permethrin fumes while treating clothing?

It is recommended that treating clothing with the permethrin aerosol be performed outdoors. If the treatment is accidentally carried out indoors, no adverse health effects are expected based upon calculations of inhaled dose. However, individuals with breathing problems, such as asthma, may be at greater risk. The odor arising from treating fabric with permethrin is mostly from the aerosol propellants rather than from the insect repellent itself.

How much Permethrin comes off the clothing when laundered?

A strong bond is formed between permethrin and most fabrics. In fact, some insect repellency was observed in military uniforms following 50 launderings. However, the uniforms were treated using an absorption method instead of the aerosol can. In studies performed by the U.S. Army, about 20 to 30 percent of the permethrin treatment was removed after the first laundering. Thereafter, about 3 to 5 percent was lost to each cycle through ten launderings.

Can Permethrin cause skin irritation or sensitization from repeated use?

Studies in animals have demonstrated that no skin irritation or sensitization is expected following direct application. In a controlled human study, permethrin did not cause significant skin irritation or sensitization when tested in 200 subjects. No significant skin effects are expected from wearing permethrin-treated clothing.

Will applying permethrin to flame retardant garments reduce their effectiveness?

The pump spray version of our Permethrin Insect Repellent Treatment will not harm flame retardant garments.

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