Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent?

[Matt Cashell]

Well, I did a little searching and it looks like Sawyer has discontinued the soak version (at least for sale to the public). However, I found another extremely similar .5% permethrin solution kit marketed under the "Tick Block" brand name.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I've heard of folks using diluted farm versions for similar purposes but didn't know they actually had a "soak" designed for that purpose.

 

[kyle1112]

any issues with certain fabrics, merino wool specifically? no issues with the dwr or any waterproofing coating?

 

[Matt Cashell]

It does not harm or reduce the performance of any fabric types or coatings, from my internet-research. It was originally designed for application on wool uniforms, so wool should be good. Sawyer says it adheres better to natural fabrics, but also works on synthetics.

I have read that it is the agitation/friction that removes it in washings, not the detergent or soaking in water. It does seem to last easily through several washings, IME.

 

[kyle1112]

And no scent whatsoever? ! Pretty gnarly in the bottle....

 

[Kotaman]

I've been using this stuff for years and it works great. Virtually no odor when applied and dried. The area I hike is tick infested. Without permethrin treatment will leave me with between 30-50 ticks. With treatment, I might occaisionally have 1. I've use it on all types of fabric including Merino.

 

[parshal]

For me it works wonders for keeping ticks off. It doesn't do much for mosquitos as far as I can tell.