Bike Forums - Best insecticide

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On permethrin, I am inclined to try the soak method described here:
https://sectionhiker.com/permethrin-soak-method-guide/

I have not done so yet, so I have no comment on that article. Unfortunately I already bought some that has some petroleum distillates in it, that article suggests (pasted):
You want to avoid buying permethrin with Petroleum Distillates in it.

But, one of the comments posted after the article said (pasted):
It stinks at first, but once the distillates evaporate, the vast majority of the smell goes away. The petroleum distillates are what allows the permethrin, which is not soluble in water, to dissolve. If you use a brand which does NOT include petroleum distillates, be sure to shake your spray bottle or stir your soaking tub frequently, otherwise the permethrin will separate out (since it’s not a true solution).

So, maybe I bought the right stuff and just need to hang the clothing in the garage for a few weeks to air out?

There also are a lot of other good comments posted after the end of that article.

ADDENDUM - June 14, 2025:

Decided to just spray on the Permethrin which I have always done before. I still had an almost empty spray bottle from Sawyer, so added half an ounce of the 10 percent concentrate to the bottle with 10 ounces of water. And sprayed up a couple pairs of pants and shirts for my backpacking trip in August and September. That was easy enough that I doubt I will try the soak method.

Quote:

Originally Posted by staehpj1 (Post 23536967)

That stuff says it is 10% not 100% if I read the site correctly. Still a much better deal than the stuff I have bought that was 0.5% sold for spraying on clothing. After reading your post I decided that for me the sweet spot was probably a 32 ounce bottle of 10% (same brand as you linked). I was almost ready to order the 0.5% stuff, but ordered the 10% from Chewy.com and figure at my age the 32 ounce bottle is most likely a lifetime supply unless I use a heck of a lot more than I have in the past. That quart bottle of 10% diluted to 0.5% will spray a lot of tee shirts and stuff. I could probably jeave the bottle to someone in my will :)

Works on your kids' head lice and post travel bed-bug decontamination too. One year my dog brought some kind of flea or similar insect infestation to my house, and I nuked the entire place with the stuff. One treatment did it. I also spray my dog before hikes.

Permethrin on clothing and shoes, never on skin. The problem with this stuff is that it kills all bugs on contact: Ticks, mosquitos, black flies, horse flies, caterpillars, ants, butterflies, bees, lady bugs, etc.