I was initially hesitant to use the stuff and then evaluated risk of usage and non-usage ( ticks and other critters) and ultimately fell on the side of usage. I would not spray any thing used as a rain-fly. I have sprayed my hammock, nylon pants, wool, cotton and merino wool with no ill effects apparent. I use picaridin on exposed skin. Realizing that this is strictly anecdotal and of short duration, I would say the benefits outweigh the risks, which from my perspective, include deterioration of gear and potential toxicity as well as just handling the stuff and having it exposed to bees, animals and beneficial insects. I use it more at the beginning of the season which is when ticks peak here. Right now they are very abundant when I go into the back forty. Around the house, thanks to three hens, nary a tick to be seen.
I use stuff I got on Amazon. I believe it was a 10% water based product, I dilute to .5% solution and spray. I do it away from house (5 barn cats at risk) away from my farm pond, (fish, frogs and turtles) try to find a nice grassy area in the sun, great tick habitat, wear latex gloves, long sleeves and spray them down. After they have thoroughly dried in the sun, I hand wash once. This last step I think may minimize potential damage to material. So to the OP, evaluate risk to gear, you, the other living critters in the world and have at it. I think risk to gear is minimal.
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Originally Posted by bolabeenz
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