We still have some hot weather ahead of us, so you still need to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Bug repellent is always a good idea but you may want to add permethrin to your arsenal. The chemical compound has been proven to not only repel mosquitoes but to incapacitate even kill them in some situations. But permethrin is considered a pesticide and needs to be handled safely, the EPA regulates it. Here are some ways you can safely use the chemical.
- Only use permethrin approved for clothing. You may be tempted to try to use the one meant for agricultural uses but that is both illegal and risky. Permethrin designed for clothing is designed to stick to fabric.
- Spray it only on your clothing. Make sure the clothes aren't on your body, it's not meant to go on your skin. The EPA says you shouldn't treat underwear with permethrin.
- Use enough, not too much. Spray the clothing until its damp but not drenched. You need a thorough coat. Let the clothes dry completely before you use them.
- Wash them separately when you're done. Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine or hand wash them to preserve the protection.
- And re-treat the clothing when necessary. Manufacturers of pretreated clothing say they'll still be effective after many washes. Experts say you should retreat after six washings.