Insect Repellent Clothes
Insect-repellent clothing is treated with permethrin, an insecticide that has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more than 40 years and is the only repellent used to treat factory clothing. You’ll often find these clothes labeled as having “No Fly Zone” or “Insect Shield” fabrics.
Kevin Chan, in-house entomologist for national pest control leader Mosquito Squad, told Shop TODAY that Permethrin-treated clothing acts as a contact irritant and is commonly used for camping gear and even military uniforms to help keep bugs away.
Though it can be an investment, the use of permethrin-treated clothing has proven to be very effective in protecting against bugs.
“It repels all flying insects in addition to ticks, and this method of protection is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” said David Brown, technical advisor of the American Mosquito Control Association.
How effective is insect-repellent clothing?
Immo Hansen, principal researcher of The Hansen Lab at New Mexico State University (which performs research in the molecular biology of mosquitoes), put insect-repellent clothing to the test in a study on permethrin-treated clothing — and the results were impressive.
“We tested Insect Shield fabrics and found them highly effective in preventing the covered area from being bitten by mosquitoes,” Hansen told Shop TODAY.
When applied properly, permethrin binds to the fabric of the treated clothing items, so it can last for plenty of washes without faltering in efficacy, according to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). The tight binding also means that the insecticide will not be absorbed by the skin, but the EPA recommends washing permethrin-treated clothing separately from non-treated clothing.
Will you still need bug spray?
While bug repellent clothing is an effective shield against insects, experts suggest coupling permethrin-treated clothing with the use of an insect repellent for even better protection.
“It is important to also use an EPA-registered repellent since the permethrin-treated clothing does not protect exposed skin,” Chan said.
When looking for a good bug spray, there are a few key ingredients to keep in mind.
“A very effective and very safe active ingredient in spray-on repellents is also one of the oldest ones — DEET,” Hansen said. “Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a very effective ‘natural active ingredient.'”
If you’re looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe with some insect-repellent clothing, we found several top-rated options that can help keep bugs away.
Insect Repellent Clothes
The secret to insect shield is the use of permethrin, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring chemical called pyrethrum, which is found in chrysanthemum flowers. Chrysanthemums are known as a good natural deterrent to pesky insects. Permethrin is a “knockdown” insecticide, meaning it disables the insect when they come in contact with it. So it doesn’t so much repel the insects as knock them out or kill them.
How insect shield actually works is a bit of a mystery — or more like a trade secret. But we do know that permethrin is actually woven into the fibers of the clothing fabric. Since a mosquito is able to insert it’s proboscis through most clothing, then warding them off your t-shirt is a good idea. It’s odorless and isn’t readily absorbed into the skin, so it’s safe for adults and children. Do you need to walk around smelling bad because you’re afraid to wash your $50 Buzz Off pullover? Not at all — the new line of insect shield clothing can stand up to 70 washings and maintain effectiveness.
List Of Insect Repellent Clothes
- Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, when outdoors, camping, hunting, or on travel
- Ideal for backpacking, backyard BBQs, and other outdoor activities, it’s effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (West Nile and Zika viruses) to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more
- Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) and won’t stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; odorless after drying
- Reduce likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times by treating shoes and socks with Permethrin (University of Rhode Island study – 2017)
- 24-ounce trigger spray bottle treats five complete outfits (updated EPA dosage is 4.5 ounces per outfit consisting of shirt, pants, and socks); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Picaridin topical repellent for the skin
Additional Info :
| Color | Yellow |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 11.023622036 Inches |
| Width | 3.799999996124 Inches |
| Length | 10.299999989494 Inches |
| Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
| Release Date | 2011-10-28T00:00:01Z |
- Repels Bugs & Insects – Add a layer of insect protection to your clothing and gear with Insect Shield’s Premium Permethrin Insect and Tick Repellent Spray. Our spray is perfect for use on clothing such as shirts, shorts, hats, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, and any other accessories when outdoors for camping or hunting.
- Tested, Proven, & EPA-Registered – Insect Shield is an EPA-Registered technology for treating apparel that repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers.
- Invisible & Odorless – Our permethrin spray is odorless after drying and will not damage your gear, and lasts for up to 60 days.
- Up to 60 Days of Insect Protection – Permethrin sprays should be applied to clothing and gear outdoors with plenty of air and ventilation. To apply, evenly spray the product in a slow sweeping motion, treating all sides and surfaces
- One Can Treats Two Outfits – Add a quick layer of protection to clothing, tents, boots, backpacks, camp furniture, hammocks, luggage, and other outdoor gear with permethrin spray. Repels and kills insects like ticks and mosquitoes that may carry dangerous diseases.
Additional Info :
| Color | Clear |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7.5 Inches |
| Width | 2.25 Inches |
| Length | 2.25 Inches |
| Weight | 0.375 Pounds |
- Repels Bugs & Insects – Add a layer of insect protection when you go out with Insect Shield’s comfortable socks. Our socks comfortable and a fashionable way to repel insects during any outdoor activity. The repellency stays in the socks, not on your skin. You can’t tell it’s there, but the bugs can. Insect Shield is Insect repellent you’ll love to wear
- Tested, Proven, & EPA-Registered – Use our socks to protect your legs from bug bites and ticks during outdoor activities such as hikes, backyard BBQs, camping, international travel, and more. Insect Shield is an EPA-Registered technology for treating apparel that repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums)
- Comfortable with Built-in Cushion – Our comfortable socks have built-in cushions on the foot bed and ankles to keep you comfortable throughout the day
- Sustainable Materials and Designed to Last – Our insect repellent socks are made of a comfortable blend of Bamboo which consists of 49% polyester, 47% cotton, 3% rubber, and 1% spandex for flexibility and a custom fit
- Insect Repellency Lasts Up to 70 Washes – Insect Shield is tightly bonded to fabric fibers resulting in long-lasting repellency, expected to last the lifetime of the garment, up to 70 launderings for apparel and 25 for gear
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 0.75 Inches |
| Width | 4 Inches |
| Length | 10 Inches |
- Permethrin effective against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, which can transmit the Zika Virus
- Permethrin insect-killing repellent for your clothing is effective against ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes; as effective as 100 percent DEET
- Family-friendly Controlled Release insect repellent formula with 20% DEET; effective against ticks and all mosquitoes
- Encapsulates DEET in a protein that dissolves slowly, releasing DEET over a longer period of time — up to 11 hours
- Permethrin lasts up to 6 weeks (or 6 washings); will not stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear
Additional Info :
- Repels Bugs & Insects – Add a layer of insect protection when you go out with Insect Shield’s comfortable socks. Our socks comfortable and a fashionable way to repel insects during any outdoor activity. The repellency stays in the socks, not on your skin. You can’t tell it’s there, but the bugs can. Insect Shield is Insect repellent you’ll love to wear
- Tested, Proven, & EPA-Registered – Our T-shirt will protect your body from bug bites and ticks during outdoor activities such as hikes, backyard BBQs, camping, international travel, and more. Insect Shield is an EPA-Registered technology for treating apparel that repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums)
- Lightweight & Breathable – Made from a breathable Dri-Balance material that stretches. Not only is the shirt insect repellent with EPA-registered permethrin repellent built into the fabric, it’s also great for everyday wear made from 70% Cotton and 30% Polyester
- UPF 30+ UV Sun Protection – Our comfy shirts will keep biting bugs away and keep the sunburn off your backs
- Insect Repellency Lasts Up to 70 Washes – Insect Shield is tightly bonded to fabric fibers resulting in long-lasting repellency, expected to last the lifetime of the garment, up to 70 launderings for apparel and 25 for gear
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Weight | 0.62 Pounds |