Bug defense

[JeffP]

Does anyone spray their bug net or hammock body with Permethrin, Deet or other bug sprays? If so, what are your results?

[jakev383]

I have a double layer Blackbird XLC, and I spray the outermost layer with permethrin once a year. During the summer I do not use an underquilt in most of the southern states I camp in. I have no scientific proof that I get bit less, but I feel like I do
I do not treat my bugnet.

[JeffP]

Thanks for the reply. Most of our summer nights here in Wisconsin have lows in the sixties, so some bottom insulation is needed.

I’m interested if others have strategies to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at a distance.

[Twistytee]

I use permethrin once or twice a season. Plenty threads on here as to whether or not it helps but I find it effective. I also treat the bugnet and my underquilt. Whatever you choose to use, do not spray Deet anywhere near nylon or other synthetics. It will damage your hammock. If you’re trying to avoid pesticides you can try a thermalcell or mosquito stick like Murphy’s.

[Tangent]

I soak my hammock and bugnet every 3-4 months in permethrin. Living in the south it needed pretty much year round, or at least I feel it is. I've gotten mosquito bites as late as Nov and as early as Feb.

Please do not use deet on your gear. It will melt your hammock and bugnet. Deet is a solvent and melts any plastic.

Sent from my Lenovo TB-J616F using Tapatalk

[dkurfiss]

I use permethrin every year on my hammock and my bug net. Just take care when it is wet as it will kill cats.

[iceman857]

I soak my hammock and bugnet every 3-4 months in permethrin.

I do the same as Tangent, except I soak all my hammocks, non-DCF tarps, socks, pants, shirts, and base layers. For cost effectiveness and best results, make sure you don't buy any Permethrin concentrate with a petroleum distillate because it will make you smell like a gas station. Instead, find something that is formulated for clothing applications. I personally use Duration 10% concentrate, mix up a 5 gallon bucket ad dilute to 0.5%, put on gloves, and go to town. hiking-guides.com/product/duration-permethrin-10-concentrate/
How To Treat Your Hiking Clothes With Permethrin - The Trek

[cougarmeat]

I am puzzled because Amazon sells Duration in 10% and 5% options. I'm guessing the 5% is a ready-to-go spray-on, and the 10% has instructions to dilute it to 5% and is used for soaking gear in a bucket. If the concentrate uses a petroleum distillate will it use those words on an ingredient list or is it represented by other names? What makes it better than Sawyer and other products?

[dscotthep]

Deet is a solvent and melts any plastic.

Except for the plastic bottle it comes in... ;-)

But seriously, deet will damage some plastics, so use care around your synthetic gear.

[donig]

For treating clothing or hammocks, usually a 0.5% permethrin solution is used. I use 6 oz 10% diluted to a gallon of water.

Most solutions up to 10% permethrin are in water. Higher concentrations usually require some mineral spirits to keep it in solution.