[pct-l] Mosquitos & Sawyer brand Permethrin ??? //// Re: Pct-L Digest, Vol 98, Issue 28

[jcil000-hiker at yahoo.com]

Regarding Permethrin soak or spray-on, I've used the product by Sawyer soldvia REI and its marketed to last through about six washings (and thus rain).
That said, was curious to see how the mosquitos would react around it so Iwatched their behavior as they would buzz around my long sleeved campshirt. They acted as if they didn't really like it and would still set down butmy overall bites were lessened.
But, anyone on this board is welcome to explain something as I've never inquiredfrom the manufacturer Sawyer. The concept is that the product soaks in, smellspretty strong while still wet, and then once dry is odor free. But, I can't see how itsoaks into a synthetic material as I use synthetic pants and shirts. It would seem thatit coats the fibers at best and then I cannot see how it would really bind. Hence, itseems it would flake off. I'm guessing its success is best on non-synthetics. But itsbetter than nothing, for certain. You just cannot use it on anything that touches yourskin such as underwear. But exteriors of hats, jackets, gloves, are marketed as safe.
I must confess. I once tried a full body mosquito suit. My two camp mates were gettingeaten alive and quit their laughing at me once they experience that. But I did admit I looked somewhat the Big Foot creature of lore. And the mosquitos still got mebecause as you sit the suit lays close to your skin and its like a mere fish net to them. They just stick their proboscis (think straw / hypodermic needle) through into you. Butthats a non-toxic answer for you... and only weighs a little.
I write this in response to the following comment by another contributor:
"I sent Permethrin in my resupply at Kennedy Meadows along with deet bug
spray and treated my clothes there.  Worked okay but my pants didn't seem
to hold the effectiveness of the permethrin very long, I suspect because
of all the stream crossings and them being wetted so often.."

Day Early