Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Permethrin Work?

Permethrin is applied to clothing and outdoor gear material, bonding to the fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first). When a tick, mosquito, or other insect comes into contact with Permethrin, it absorbs a dose that will either repel or kill the insect. Applied to clothing, tents, outdoor furniture, or sleeping bags, Permethrin is very effective at reducing the mosquito population in your camping area and keeping ticks from attaching to you.

Sawyer Permethrin uses the same active ingredient found in hair shampoos for head lice. However, because your skin breaks down Permethrin within fifteen minutes of contact, it's not useful as a personal protection insect repellent when applied to the skin.

Permethrin-treated clothing and fabric should be your first line of defense, and it can be used in conjunction with a topical skin-based repellent such as Sawyer's Picaridin, and MAXI DEET.

What Can I Treat with Permethrin?

In addition to clothing and accessories like hats and waders, Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent 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.

Permethrin is compatible for use even on fragile fabrics such as silk, plus all synthetics and waterproof membrane fabrics (won't affect plastics or finishes). While Permethrin is safe and compatible with almost all fabrics, it has an easier time bonding to soft fabrics like cottons, wools, and synthetic blends.

How Do I Apply Permethrin Safely?

Sawyer recommends that you treat clothing and gear with Permethrin outdoors in a well-ventilated area. 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 fabric with Permethrin is mostly from the aerosol propellants rather than from the insect repellent itself.

To apply, lightly moisten the fabric of the garment 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 should not be added to a washing machine for treatment — it should be sprayed directly onto clothing and gear.

Can I Use Permethrin on My Dog?

Sawyer Permethrin can be applied to dogs. It safely bonds with dog's hair and penetrates the skin to help control mosquitoes, fleas, ticks for up to 6 weeks (including ticks that can carry Lyme disease, Powassan, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), and lice for up to 35 days. To apply, start spraying at the tail, moving the dispenser rapidly to cover entire body (including the legs and underbody).

While spraying, fluff hair so that the spray will penetrate to the skin. Make sure spray wets thoroughly, but do not saturate. Do not spray into eyes and face. Avoid contact with genitalia. Wear rubber gloves or mitts when applying. Do not use on puppies under twelve weeks. Consult a veterinarian before using this product on debilitated, medicated, aged, pregnant or nursing animals.