Today was “Tick Treatment” Day at the PGT. Every year in early spring I dip all of our outdoor clothing in permethrin to prevent tick and chigger bites. I prefer this to using insect repellants like DEET which is found in OFF because it doesn’t smell as bad and it seems to be more effective. Another plus is that treatment with permethrin lasts all year. With OFF you have to remember to apply if every day.
My Recipe:
1. In a large barrel mix ΒΌ cup of Permethrin (38.4% concentration) in about 10 gallons of water.
2. Dip pants, shirts and socks until they are wet with the mix.
3. Pick up the dripping wet clothing and drape them over outdoor furniture to dry (like in the picture here).
The Permethrin that I use came from an agricultural store and was sold as Pounce 3.2EC Insecticide.
I’ve tried other kinds of repellants like powered sulfur and Avon Skin-So-Soft but they did not work well for me.
Another very helpful technique is to always wear long pants and tuck the pants into your boots.