Everything but Vampires

Yesterday's San Diego Union-Tribune had an article on bug-repellent clothing citing its effectiveness against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies and chiggers - all the blood suckers of summer except vampires - and maybe bedbugs. How does it work? Permethrin, a man-made version of a natural repellent found in chrysanthemums, is used in making the shirts, hats, pants and bandanas. It kills bugs by disrupting their nervous systems. According the the article, clothing permeated with Permethrin works well for up to 70 washings, a good value if you plan a trip to a highly insect-ridden area. The International Journal of Medical Microbiology reported a protection rate of 95.5 percent when using permethrin-treated clothing. Made by Insect Shield, the apparel is expensive, but can be found at local retailer REI or ordered on the web at LL Bean, Orvis, Exofficio, Mad Dog, or Sloggers. Mosquitos and other blood-sucking insects can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and malaria. As noted in a previous blog, repellent sprays are also effective against bites. For more tips on summer mosquito control, click  here.