You avoid mosquitoes as much as possible because they’re annoying and dangerous — they carry diseases. One method generally considered effective for mosquito control includes permethrin, which can kill skeeters in many forms, but spraying on clothing is the most common. Here’s how to use permethrin spray for clothes:
What Is Permethrin?
A synthetic (human-made) insecticide, permethrin’s makeup is based on the natural insect repellent found in chrysanthemum flowers. This bug shield happens to be used for clothing treatment, so you can avoid creepy crawlies, even mosquitoes, which can bite through clothes.
Permethrin kills by affecting the nervous systems of insects, ultimately causing paralysis and death. In addition to mosquitoes, this insect shield kills ticks, fleas, mites, black flies, human lice, and chiggers. Permethrin insect repellents can also be used as follows:
- For control of insects in public health mosquito-control programs (e.g., your city sprays for the little vampires)
- In buildings and residential sites
- On livestock and pets
- For the treatment of head lice and scabies (available in lotions, spray bottles, and pump sprays) but only under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration
What Are Permethrin’s Risks?
Several studies revealed burning, itching, or tingling of the face or dizziness, but these symptoms developed after 4-6 hours of heavy occupational exposure. Stomach pain, nausea, headache, fatigue, and vomiting have also occurred. In another study, laboratory technicians working with permethrin showed no evidence of nerve impairment.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last registered permethrin in 2006. To be registered, repellents must be scientifically studied using high doses in animals to prove they have no unreasonable short- and long-term risks to people, animals, and the environment. Per the EPA, permethrin bug spray has a very low risk for cancer.
Does Permethrin Work Against Mosquitoes?
Studies are mixed. In one journal article, a 2% to 63% reduction occurred in landings during permethrin use, and a 78% to 100% reduction occurred in blood feedings. In another study, which the researchers admitted had “limitations” (e.g., a very small sampling), this insecticide neither killed mosquitoes nor prevented them from landing.
However, the EPA has declared that permethrin-treated clothing can be effective in repelling several pests and thus preventing diseases such as Zika virus caused by mosquitoes and Lyme disease caused by ticks. However, on exposed skin, you should also always apply an approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
What Products Contain Permethrin?
Permethrin can be used indoors or outdoors in yards. All of the following can contain this repellent:
- Liquids
- Powders
- Dusts
- Aerosol sprays
- Pre-treated clothing
More than 1,400 registered products contain permethrin, which can be found in cattle ear tags and flea collars and used in spot treatments for dogs. Some of these products treat scabies and head lice in people.
Note: The National Pesticide Information Center can help you find products containing permethrin.
How Do You Apply Permethrin?
You can treat clothing and outdoor gear (e.g., backpacks, sleeping bags) with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing (e.g., T-shirts with long sleeves and long pants). Some companies will do the treatments on your personal clothes.
For DIYers, 0.5% sprays may last 5 to 7 washes, but you should not dry-clean treated clothing. Don’t place permethrin-treated clothing in the washing machine or dryer with untreated clothing, and don’t pack untreated and treated clothes together. To apply permethrin yourself, follow the instructions on the label, but in general:
- Wear protective gloves (and/or perform thorough handwashing afterward).
- Apply permethrin only in a ventilated area.
- Spray enough insect repellent to lightly moisten the fabric; do not saturate.
- When finished, hang your clothing outside until it is completely dry. Never apply to skin or to clothes you’re currently wearing.
Tip: Buy only EPA-registered repellents from retailers. To confirm that it has been registered, seek the EPA registration number on the product.
FAQ
Although children, especially those under 2, can display sensitivity to pesticides, no data exist to suggest children have increased health effects from permethrin. The EPA has determined it’s safe for children to wear permethrin-treated clothing. Permethrin treatment did not affect pregnancies in two groups of women using the repellent for lice and scabies.
Dermal exposure to dogs and cats can cause paw flicking; ear, tail, and skin twitching; or rolling on the ground. However, cats seem to be more sensitive than dogs, especially with high concentrations. When exposed to high levels on skin, cats can experience the following:
• Excitability
• Depression
• Loss of control of body movements
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Death
Symptoms begin within minutes or in up to 3 days. Pay attention to labels, which should indicate whether a product should be used on your kitty. You might even check with your veterinarian.
Permethrin does not seem to affect soil, but it is harmful in water, affecting fish and aquatic invertebrates such as clams and snails. It can remain in water, harming critters, for more than a year.
It also affects honeybees and other kinds of insects considered beneficial, so don’t spray it on or near flowers. Applied to non-flowering plants, it may last on leaves for 1 to 3 weeks.
Call the Professionals
If you want to arm yourself against mosquitoes and other bugs, you need an arsenal of products, and you may need help with them. Pest Gnome connects you to the best pest-control pros near you.
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Main Image Credit:
Evgeniy Skripnichenko / Canva Pro / License
Изображения пользователя Алёна / Canva Pro / License
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