Permethrin.

[Aloha]

Picked up some to treat my hiking clothes as well as my friends sons camping gear. 

[Swiss Guy]

Good stuff. I make sure to spray my clothes and tent before camping every time. The first time I used this, we had the entire Northern California mosquito population descend on us. It was like walking through a sea of mosquitoes, there were so many of them.

When I got back home, I only had one mosquito bite--on my foot. That means i got it while I was in my tent, sleeping, because I don't wear my socks while sleeping and therefore, no permethrin to protect me.

After that, I got my dogs a permethrin-based flea medicine because I know how effective it is. Just don't go near any cats when you use the stuff because it is extremely toxic to them.

[Aloha]

I am not around any cats so I'm happy I wont be harming them.  Between this and my Thermacell I think I shall be good to go.  The heavy rains we've experienced has the mosquito populations ( or so it seems ) really taken off.  My yard has experienced a heavy presence of them.  I have deet however I tend to not want to use it unless absolutely necessary.  I've also been treating my skin to Lemon/Eucalyptus oil which so far I'm pleased with.

I believe I am covered with all that I have.  Mosquitos seem to really like me which is why I am not afraid to layer on the protection.   

[docfossil]

Treating clothing with permethrin is step one. Exposed skin should be treated with DEET 30-35% is generally sufficient or Picaridin (20%). If you are using sunscreen, put it on first and apply the insect repellant on top.

Once, after treating some clothing, I hung it under my deck to drip dry. For several weeks there were dead bugs every morning where the excessive liquid dripped and soaked the ground.

[Aloha]

Good tip on the usage of Sun Screen and skin products.  I've been happy with Lemon Eucalyptus Oil so far.  I do have deet and will use it should the L/E Oil not work any longer.

[docfossil]

Some folks prefer picaridin over DEET for the following reasons: it doesn't dissolve certain plastics and smells better. On the other hand DEET in some formulations lasts 12 hours while picaridin lasts about 8 hours. I've used both and find both quite effective.

[ThundahBeagle]

I use a deet spray for me and my clothes, and a permethrin liquid for the Beagle. I sometimes augment that with - of all things - Avon Skin So Soft. All the archaeologists were using that back in the day.

Once in a while I will also boil some rosemary and let the water cool, then use that as a rinse for the dog. Tried the lemon part of Alohas mix, but haven't added the eucalyptus yet. I think I will go home from work and concoct some rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus

[ThundahBeagle]

Of course, with the Avon, be sure to wipe your hands VERY well with a towel after applying, or you will never get up a ladder or be able to keep  firm grip on the steering wheel...very slippery stuff

[Aloha]

Theres some great research on using other means to repel insects.  Like I mention I am not afraid to use DEET when I have to.  The permethrin is wonderful and I've not had any issues with my treated clothing.     

[styx]

I think most repellents in Europe are made with Icaridin (another name for Picaridin) so this sounds interesting

[Tired_Yeti]

I live in the hot, humid southern United States where trillions of insects  swarm the earth daily. So I do my own pesticide in and around my home. Permethrin is like magic!
VERY, VERY effective and safe for humans and other mammals (and except cats, as you know). I swear by the stuff.
For skin protection, I use DEET. Never used anything else. It doesn't taste all that great and it smells a little "campy", but it's very effective. Back in the day, Muskol used to sell little bottles of 100% DEET. I still have one that I use for dabbing my face (I don't like to spray my face; it makes me sneeze). I haven't been able to find 100% DEET anywhere in years.


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[ThundahBeagle]

I believe I misspoke earlier. When my Beagle was younger, I used a monthly topical Permethrin treatment. For a year or two now it has actually been Cyphenothrin, plus all of the other above treatments. Works great. Any information on that stuff?