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Frequently Asked Questions about Permethrin – Part 1

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We use Permethrin based insect repellents from Sawyer Products every time we go out hunting to prevent those disease-carrying insects like mosquitos and ticks from biting us. Let’s face it, we’ve all been sitting in our blinds witnessing the magical moment where our target animal has come into view only to be interrupted by the buzz and annoyance of a mosquito. Or having to leap from your chair and start swatting because someone said they found a tick.

We get a lot of questions about Permethrin Insect Repellents from our fans as they learn more about it. We thought we’d help answer those frequently asked questions with help from our friends at Sawyer. Let’s begin.

Q: What is Permethrin?

A: 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.

Q: What is the shelf life of your insect repellent?

A: Our repellents don’t have an expiration date printed on them because they have a shelf life of 10 years when stored properly.

Q: Will Permethrin ruin my clothes or equipment?

A: 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.

Q: How do I use Permethrin Safely?

A: Permethrin is to be applied to clothing and material. It works by bonding to the fibers. When a tick or other insect comes into contact with the Permethrin, it absorbs a dose that will either repel or kill the insect. You apply Permethrin using an aerosol or trigger spray until the fabric is damp and then allow it to dry. Permethrin is easy to use and the resulting layer of protection is very important to your safety from insect-borne diseases.

Q: How long does Permethrin last?

A: At the concentration level delivered in the aerosol, non-aerosol pump sprays and soak systems (all at 0.5% Permethrin), an application lasts for six weeks and through six washings. Permethrin breaks down through exposure to air (oxygen) and sunlight (ultraviolet light). If you store the clothes in black plastic bags between uses, you can extend the time of effectiveness; however, always retreat after the sixth laundering. Permethrin may also be used on sleeping bags, tents and nettings.

Q: Does Permethrin work against mosquitos?

Yes. Permethrin clothing treatments, when applied following Directions for Use, have been determined to have “spatial repellency” against mosquitoes. This means that mosquitoes will swarm around you, but not light on your treated clothing and bite.

Also use an EPA registered repellent, such as the Sawyer® microencapsulated Controlled Release 20% DEET, on all exposed skin for further protection from biting and blood-sucking mosquitoes.

The combination of Permethrin on clothing and DEET repellent on skin forms an “Insect Repellent System.” When used as directed on the EPA registered labels, the Insect Repellent System will provide the best protection from biting, bloodsucking and disease-carrying insects. A well-known study conducted by Tom Lillie, Carl Schreck and A. J. Rahe in Alaska in 1987, showed 99.9% effectiveness against mosquitoes biting at a rate of more than 1,100/hr. This protection is far greater than either a DEET based insect repellent or Permethrin can achieve alone.

Q: Is Permethrin dangerous to my skin?

A: The warning labels on the cans or bottles are often misunderstood. Your skin metabolizes or breaks down, Permethrin within fifteen minutes of contact with skin. Therefore, it is of no value to you as a personal protection insect repellent when applied to the skin. In addition, the EPA precautionary statement, “Do Not Apply to Skin” indicates that Permethrin is ineffective when applied to the skin; therefore, do not apply to skin.

Q: How harmful are Permethrin fumes while treating clothing?

A: 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 the fabric with permethrin is mostly from the aerosol propellants rather than from the insect repellent itself.

Q: How harmful is the wet Permethrin right after applying it to clothing?

The directions for applying permethrin from the aerosol can to clothing state that the fabric should be allowed to dry before wear or handling. However, contact with the wet material should pose minimal concern but should be washed off. The amount of permethrin available for skin absorption is very low and is not expected to cause adverse effects.

 

We’ll be posting more questions about Permethrin in the near future.Be sure to visit your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s to pick up some Permethrin for your next trip into the outdoors. If you have a question about Sawyer’s Permethrin Insect Repellents feel free to reach out to us on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube Page!

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Picaridin vs. Permethrin: Know the difference

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We’re pretty sure that everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors bug free, and everyone’s go to solution is a store bought brand off the shelf at their local store. Which may work for a few hours, or repel the insects but they all seem to come back.

 

Sawyer Products are becoming a heavy hitter in the insect repellent game. They strive to not only repel insects of all kinds but also KILL said insects. So if you truly want those insects dead and gone for good, then Sawyer’s Picaridin and Permethrin line of Insect Repellents need to find their way into your home. Picaridin and Permethrin can sound intimidating to some, and parents are always monitoring what they expose their children to. So in this article we are going to break down the differences in both Picaridin and Permethrin.

Let’s Start with Picaridin…

An effective alternative to DEET that’s great for the whole family, Sawyer Picaridin is also safe for use during pregnancy. It’s considered to be the repellent of first choice by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Canadian Advisory Committee on Tropical Medicine and Travel for travelers 6 months to 12 years of age.  Picaridin will not harm or damage plastic or synthetic coatings. It won’t damage your fishing line, firearm finishes, sunglasses, watch or other outdoor products.

Picaridin has been available since 1998 in Australia and Europe (and happens to be the best selling insect repellent but was introduced to the United States only 2005. Picaridin is a perfect balance of efficacy, safety and user-friendliness. It repels a wide variety of pests including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, sand flies, gnats, chiggers, and midges. It is the longest lasting repellent with up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against a variety of flies, chiggers and gnats. It’s non-greasy, has a pleasant low odor and won’t damage plastics of synthetic coatings. All these factors combined makes Picaridin the optimal topical repellent for the entire family.

Picaridin is also known as Saltidin®, KBR 3023, or Icaridin depending on the country in which it is referenced. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the active ingredient Icaridin as product of choice for malaria prophylaxis. It is registered in over 40 countries worldwide.

Picaridin’s efficacy with mosquitos is quite impressive,  after 10 hours, the efficacy of the Saltidin®-solution (Picaridin) remains at 99%. When it comes to ticks, Picaridin’s efficacy with a 20% concentration  resulted in 2.5 hours of efficacy 5 times over DEET’s efficacy of just 30 minutes.

Sawyer offers theirPicaridin repellents in a 20% Lotion which has up to 14 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks, including mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. Repels biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand flies for up to 8 hours.

Sawyer also offersPicaridin repellents in a spray option as well. Offering 12 hour protection from mosquitoes and ticks, including mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus. The spray repels biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand flies for up to 8 hours.

 

Now onto Permethrin…

Permethrin was discovered in 1973 and is on the  World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.

For use on clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear, Sawyer Permethrin is more than just an insect repellent — it actually kills ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers, mites, and more than 55 other kinds of insects. Permethrin is also effective against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, which can transmit the Zika Virus.

Using it on outdoor gear also helps reduce the mosquito population in your camp and prevents ticks from attaching to you. In addition to clothing and accessories like hats and waders, Sawyer Permethrin is ideal for treating backpacks, tents, camp furniture, hammocks, mosquito netting, luggage, and even bed sheets. Since mosquitoes are better hoppers than flyers, adding more Permethrin-treated landing surfaces around you will improve your protection. Treatment of non-washable items will be effective for up to 42 days of exposure to sun and air. Maximize protection from mosquitoes and ticks by combining Permethrin with Picaridin, an effective and comfortable topical repellent.

Unlike topical insect repellents applied to the skin, Permethrin is applied to clothing and outdoor gear material, bonding to the fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks (42 days) or 6 washings.

When a tick, mosquito, or other insect comes into contact with Permethrin, it absorbs a dose that will either repel or kill the insect. The synthetic version of pyrethrum (a natural insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower), Permethrin is non-toxic and registered for use by the U.S. EPA.

To apply, spray Permethrin directly onto clothing and gear with a slow sweeping motion, keeping the bottle about 6 to 8 inches away and treating each side of the garment for about 30 seconds.

Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent can be applied to dogs and help control mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas for 35 days.  Official application instructions for use on dogs can be found at sawyer.com/dogs.

So the next time your planning a camping trip, vacation, picnic or even just working in your yard, head over to your local Bass Pro Shops, or Cabela’s and pick up some Sawyer Products. We hope this article has informed you on the wonderful benefits of both Picardin and Permethrin and changes the way you defend yourself, gear, and loved ones from disease and those pesky insects.