Recommendations for best Tick Repellent?

[Mighty Mouse]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/control-solutions-permethrin-10-1-pt-1133307

19:1 Ratio of water to 10% Martin's permethrin.

3 Gallons of water (384 oz) mixed with 20oz of 10% Martin's permethrin for a 0.5% dilution. Soak for 2-3 hours. Spin cycle in the washer then hang dry.

Yep, good reminder.

The Martin's 10% linked above is water based. There's some odor after treating your clothes, but not overwhelming.

Did you find that water-based 10% Martin's at Tractor Supply? I've checked two nearby Tractor Supply stores, a Bomgaars, and the local farm co-op store and every permethrin concentrate I've seen on the shelf (including 10% Martin's) says "contains petroleum distillates" on the label. I went ahead and treated my farm clothes earlier this week anyway because I would rather smell like an oil refinery than have ticks crawling on me. I would like to find some water-based permethrin concentrate for my hunting clothes though.

 

[Jpsmith1]

I'll x2 the recommendation on permethrin concentrate. My experience is that the 10% concentrate is mostly odorless, the 13% smells like fuel.

I use the 13% and I get the smell.

Treat, wash and go. Stuff works great

 

[ozyclint]

Liquid hydrocarbons are a common solvent for the active chemicals.
Permethrin is not soluble in water and you need the solvents to be able to create an emulsion when water is added.
Be the reason it turns white when water is added. Most likely an Emulsifiable Concentrate class of chemicals. EC

 

[Jpsmith1]

This is interesting.

I figured some additive was used that prevented separation like I see when I mix a gallon.

An oil vs water based mixture makes a ton of sense. Thank you

 

[dylanvb]

Permethrin. Spray on all your clothes, then the picardin on your skin, you got it. Also I like tucking pants in boots, wearing gaiters, shirt tucked in… try to get those little demons off before they ever get a chance to bite

I haven't experienced a crazy tick season yet but with the lack of water this year I feel like that's going to change. That being said I also do the tucked pants in boots, wearing gaiters and a cheap quick thing I have been adding is a couple of wraps of duct tape sticky side out above my gaiters and those have stopped almost all ticks from climbing above my knees. Only issue is if you are in high grass the duct tape will catch other stuff so just have to check from time to time. Then tucked in shirt.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I haven't experienced a crazy tick season yet but with the lack of water this year I feel like that's going to change. That being said I also do the tucked pants in boots, wearing gaiters and a cheap quick thing I have been adding is a couple of wraps of duct tape sticky side out above my gaiters and those have stopped almost all ticks from climbing above my knees. Only issue is if you are in high grass the duct tape will catch other stuff so just have to check from time to time. Then tucked in shirt.

Yeah im guessing the lack of moisture and heat will kill the few ticks we encounter off quick!

 

[Royboy99]

I take the easy button: Sawyers spray on permethrin. Spray all my hunting clothes once a year and I'm good to go. Yeah, I know you can save money mixing up concentrate, soaking, whatever. It's not like the increased cost of the ready-to-go stuff is going to break the bank anyway and, for me, the money saved isn't worth the fuss and bother.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Did you find that water-based 10% Martin's at Tractor Supply? I've checked two nearby Tractor Supply stores, a Bomgaars, and the local farm co-op store and every permethrin concentrate I've seen on the shelf (including 10% Martin's) says "contains petroleum distillates" on the label. I went ahead and treated my farm clothes earlier this week anyway because I would rather smell like an oil refinery than have ticks crawling on me. I would like to find some water-based permethrin concentrate for my hunting clothes though.

Were you looking at this one? It doesn’t mention petroleum distillates on the label or in the SDS.

 

[Caseknife]

Research Alfa Gal, tick borne illness that makes you deathly allergic to red meat and other assorted animal by products. You will be very tick aware. I use the Sawyers spray on my clothing. May try the dipping method and or send clothes off to have treated.

 

[coya]

Alpha gal is a punishment worse than death

 

[Hollow Point]

Research Alfa Gal, tick borne illness that makes you deathly allergic to red meat and other assorted animal by products. You will be very tick aware. I use the Sawyers spray on my clothing. May try the dipping method and or send clothes off to have treated.

First time I have heard or researched this tick illness. Thanks for adding. Research I have just read says it is relatively unknown and wasn't reported until the late 2000s.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I just got back from a trip to Missouri in a highly infested tick area (i.e. my property). I went full on anti-tick artillery. I sprayed my socks, a light pair of nylon pants, a couple shirts and my work pants with permethrin before I left and let them dry. I then use Picaridin on my exposed skin, mostly hands and arms. Was there for 4 days and never got a tick on me. I hate those little bastages. I jammed the nylon pants into my socks and tucked my shirts into my outer pants with a tight belt.

 

[SNelson]

Wear solid color clothing too. Camo makes the little bastards much harder to see when they do get on you.