permethrin

kim&deborah · Jul 12th, 2006, 12:27

is anyone using permethrin on their clothing? did a little research on it and it sounds kinda toxic ...

rab · Jul 12th, 2006, 12:55

Why would you even consider the rediculous idea of wearing clothes containing insecticide?

Permethrin is one of the safer insecticides and if you follow the instructions for normal use it is perfectly safe. There is no point putting it on your clothes though.

Nick-H · Jul 12th, 2006, 12:59

me too some time back.

Probably OK for short term use on clothes in a high-mossie area, probably good for nets...

randomviolins · Jul 12th, 2006, 23:59

Using permethrin spray on clothing is not a crazy idea at all. Permethrin-impregnated uniforms have been used by the military of many countries for years. Also, there are a number of studies that suggest permethrin treatment of mosquito nets and bed linens may help reduce bites by mosquitoes and other insects.
The US Centers for Disease Control continue to recommend the use of permethrin spray on clothing as one of a number of general protective measures for travelers to areas where insect bites are likely (see http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=recs&obj=bug s.htm&cssNav=browseoyb).

As Rab said, permethrin is one of the safer insecticides. But always be cautious and follow the instructions on the label, especially when applying insecticides directly to the skin of very young children.

Nick-H · Jul 13th, 2006, 00:33

Yes, I think permethrin is sold for use on cloth/clothes rather than on skin.

What I found interesting about it is that apparently, after one aplication, it is effective through several washes.

And, as mossies bite through clothes, it seems a good idea. Also to repel them from one's general area.

hfot2 · Jul 13th, 2006, 05:03

We have used permethrin for years as recommended by our travel clinic doctor several years ago.
.
We sprayed our clothes before travel.

It is NOT for use on the skin; indeed, the info says that "skin contact deactivates permethrin within fifteen minutes,"

The company from which we used to get the stuff used to sell it in a high concentration [13.3%] that we read could be diluted to .8% concentration to approximate "military" strength. They have stopped selling the high concentration and we had to buy it already diluted - diluted to less than military concentration - and therefore lasting through only a few washings. Perhaps no longer available in high concentration because of the health issues?

Military strength was supposed to last for 25 washings.

However, it appears in some articles to have very bad properties indeed. Besides, it is difficult to permeate nylon which we wear for hot climates and the weaker solution lasts for such a short time that nightly washing of socks removes it before it can do much good. Bottom line, I think we'll probably stop using it but will check further with the doctor. [Note Ex Officio now sells BuzzOff nylon clothing pre-treated with permethrin]

This is the site for the company from which bought it. http://www.permethrin-repellent.com/home.htm

By the way - we didn't get any bites. Apparently permethrin works by setting up a barrier around you and the mossies hate it - or die from it.

edwardseco · Jul 13th, 2006, 05:26

Random is right about those studies. I read a bunch by hacking into a med school site. My only problem is about sweating which I do tons in India. I may buy some of the clothing though for non summer use..

PeakXV · Jul 13th, 2006, 05:30

I put a little dollip of deet foam on my socks, shirt cuffs, shirt nap if going into a hostile buggy area/time. Doesn't touch the skin and works very well.

Sama · Jul 13th, 2006, 05:30

the last time I was in India (this March), the person at school who had the least amount of bites was a woman who used eucalyptus oil as a repellant (plus it smelled good, too.) that convinced me enough to try it next time I go.

Sunray · Jul 13th, 2006, 07:39

I think its a total waste of time. As I mentioned in another thread, I always had a few mozzies sitting on my treated net in the morning. Never saw one expire from stitting on the net.

edwardseco · Jul 13th, 2006, 08:04

Deet on clothing is interesting because it dissolves some synthetics & plastics..

PeakXV · Jul 13th, 2006, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardseco

Deet on clothing is interesting because it dissolves some synthetics & plastics..

No problemo on Cotton.

Put a few dollips on your bed spread before you go to sleep - turn on the fan and you don't need to worry about a net.

Nick-H · Jul 13th, 2006, 12:42

Most of the "natural" repellants are based on citronella.

Whether Eucolyptus works or not I can't say, but it is quite likely that the person with the least bites was the person least attractive to mossies anyway! It is strong stuff, I would advise dillution before putting on skin

. If it does work then I wonder if Tiger Balm would? Should also ensure you get a seat to yourself on the bus!!!

What we need is someone who is known to attract Mossies to test things out! Sorry, I'm not volunteering: I have my solution (pun intended

) that works for me

I have no idea if N-Diethyl Benzamide is more or less harmful than DEET or permethrin (scientific opinion, anyone?) but India's locally produced Odomos is cheap and works well for me. It also smells nice, and does not disolve your clothes

Sensi · Aug 9th, 2006, 07:43

permethrin is cancer causing insectiside. I personally whould not put in on my clothing. What if you sweet? Same for soaking my mossie net.
A mossie net is very important of course. In some cases there maybe some many mossies that they can actually squeeze through the net. In this case it is good to have a small spray bottle of the stuff and spray it around the top and edges.

Jul 12th, 2006, 12:27	#1
kim&deborah Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5	permethrin is anyone using permethrin on their clothing? did a little research on it and it sounds kinda toxic ...

Jul 12th, 2006, 12:59	#3
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	me too some time back. Probably OK for short term use on clothes in a high-mossie area, probably good for nets... __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Jul 13th, 2006, 05:03	#6
hfot2 MemberS Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 515	We have used permethrin for years as recommended by our travel clinic doctor several years ago. . We sprayed our clothes before travel. It is NOT for use on the skin; indeed, the info says that "skin contact deactivates permethrin within fifteen minutes," The company from which we used to get the stuff used to sell it in a high concentration [13.3%] that we read could be diluted to .8% concentration to approximate "military" strength. They have stopped selling the high concentration and we had to buy it already diluted - diluted to less than military concentration - and therefore lasting through only a few washings. Perhaps no longer available in high concentration because of the health issues? Military strength was supposed to last for 25 washings. However, it appears in some articles to have very bad properties indeed. Besides, it is difficult to permeate nylon which we wear for hot climates and the weaker solution lasts for such a short time that nightly washing of socks removes it before it can do much good. Bottom line, I think we'll probably stop using it but will check further with the doctor. [Note Ex Officio now sells BuzzOff nylon clothing pre-treated with permethrin] This is the site for the company from which bought it. http://www.permethrin-repellent.com/home.htm By the way - we didn't get any bites. Apparently permethrin works by setting up a barrier around you and the mossies hate it - or die from it. Last edited by hfot2 : Jul 13th, 2006 at 23:34. Reason: more info

Jul 13th, 2006, 05:30	#8
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,333	I put a little dollip of deet foam on my socks, shirt cuffs, shirt nap if going into a hostile buggy area/time. Doesn't touch the skin and works very well. __________________ We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Jul 13th, 2006, 05:30	#9
Sama a pain in the asana Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: the India inside my heart Posts: 5,434	the last time I was in India (this March), the person at school who had the least amount of bites was a woman who used eucalyptus oil as a repellant (plus it smelled good, too.) that convinced me enough to try it next time I go. __________________ *My India, 2005-2008* BE THE REVOLUTION

Jul 12th, 2006, 12:55	#2
rab Honorary Mod Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: McLaren Vale, South Australia Posts: 1,216	Why would you even consider the rediculous idea of wearing clothes containing insecticide? Permethrin is one of the safer insecticides and if you follow the instructions for normal use it is perfectly safe. There is no point putting it on your clothes though.

Jul 12th, 2006, 23:59	#4
randomviolins Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New York Posts: 109	Using permethrin spray on clothing is not a crazy idea at all. Permethrin-impregnated uniforms have been used by the military of many countries for years. Also, there are a number of studies that suggest permethrin treatment of mosquito nets and bed linens may help reduce bites by mosquitoes and other insects. The US Centers for Disease Control continue to recommend the use of permethrin spray on clothing as one of a number of general protective measures for travelers to areas where insect bites are likely (see http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=recs&obj=bug s.htm&cssNav=browseoyb). As Rab said, permethrin is one of the safer insecticides. But always be cautious and follow the instructions on the label, especially when applying insecticides directly to the skin of very young children.

Jul 13th, 2006, 00:33	#5
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Yes, I think permethrin is sold for use on cloth/clothes rather than on skin. What I found interesting about it is that apparently, after one aplication, it is effective through several washes. And, as mossies bite through clothes, it seems a good idea. Also to repel them from one's general area.

Jul 13th, 2006, 05:26	#7
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,142	Random is right about those studies. I read a bunch by hacking into a med school site. My only problem is about sweating which I do tons in India. I may buy some of the clothing though for non summer use..

Jul 13th, 2006, 07:39	#10
Sunray Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North India Posts: 140	I think its a total waste of time. As I mentioned in another thread, I always had a few mozzies sitting on my treated net in the morning. Never saw one expire from stitting on the net.

Jul 13th, 2006, 08:04	#11
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,142	Deet on clothing is interesting because it dissolves some synthetics & plastics..

Jul 13th, 2006, 12:42	#13
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Most of the "natural" repellants are based on citronella. Whether Eucolyptus works or not I can't say, but it is quite likely that the person with the least bites was the person least attractive to mossies anyway! It is strong stuff, I would advise dillution before putting on skin . If it does work then I wonder if Tiger Balm would? Should also ensure you get a seat to yourself on the bus!!! What we need is someone who is known to attract Mossies to test things out! Sorry, I'm not volunteering: I have my solution (pun intended ) that works for me I have no idea if N-Diethyl Benzamide is more or less harmful than DEET or permethrin (scientific opinion, anyone?) but India's locally produced Odomos is cheap and works well for me. It also smells nice, and does not disolve your clothes

Aug 9th, 2006, 07:43	#14
Sensi Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: in a bungalow Posts: 118	permethrin is cancer causing insectiside. I personally whould not put in on my clothing. What if you sweet? Same for soaking my mossie net. A mossie net is very important of course. In some cases there maybe some many mossies that they can actually squeeze through the net. In this case it is good to have a small spray bottle of the stuff and spray it around the top and edges.

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