10 Best Permethrin Sprays – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Permethrin Spray + Reviews

 

The search for the best permethrin sprays can be a long journey and we know that you have more important things to spend your time on. This is why our team has analyzed the most sought-after products on the market and has made a list of reviews of the ones that do the best job in terms of quality, durability, and functionality. We have concluded that the Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is a great choice because it is very effective at repelling insects like Yellow Fever mosquitos and other biting insects and arachnids such as ticks, it is long-lasting as you can even wash your clothes many times before the effect fades out, and it is very easy to apply. It is also odorless, qualities that any good permethrin spray should have. However, if this product is not available in your area, the Control Solutions Inc 82004505 Permethrin SFR Insecticide is also a good choice.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Permethrin Sprays (Updated Reviews) in 2023

 

 

As the search for the best permethrin spray can be endless and because there are so many products on the market that can create a lot of confusion, we have made a list of permethrin spray reviews after analyzing their effectiveness, safety, and other essential features to make your choice a lot easier.

 

 

1. Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent

 

This is one of the products that are most loved by outdoor enthusiasts mainly because it is very effective in keeping insects and ticks away. It is designed to be used on clothing and gear and the great thing about it is that you can rely on its protection after you apply it on clothing for up to 42 days, or 6 weeks if you want to put it like that.

It will protect you even if you wash your clothes up to 6 times. Another great thing is that it has no odor after it dries which is pretty amazing if you consider that when you apply other similar products you have to carry it around with you all the time.

It can be applied to any type of fabric and you have to apply it outdoors or in very well ventilated spaces. After that, you have to leave your clothes to dry for about 2 hours and you are free to go knowing that you have the maximum protection possible.

 

Pros

The great thing about this Permethrin spray is that, once it is dry, it is completely odorless and you will not have to carry around an unpleasant smell.

It is long-lasting as it is effective up to 42 days and 6 washes, which is pretty cool considering that people who use this type of spray are usually outdoor enthusiasts, and applying the spray every time you embark on an adventure can be a little bit annoying.

It can be applied to any type of fabric and stays effective for 42 days regardless of what the fabric is made of.

It works really well on keeping various insects and arachnids away including ticks and Yellow Fever mosquitoes.

 

Cons

It is possible that the spray applicator leaks. However, if you use it and store it correctly this won’t happen and this type of applicator is very effective for even application, which is essential when using an insect repellent.

You can’t use it indoors if you have cats because permethrin is highly toxic and potentially deadly to them.

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2. Control Solutions Inc 82004505 Permethrin SFR Insecticide

 

This product was initially designed to get rid of termites and, over time, the formula has been improved and you can use it for a wide range of insects and arachnids. It is a concentrate and has 36.8 percent permethrin. This means that you are going to have to dilute it if you want to use it safely, this is why this product is usually used by professionals.

If you manage to dilute it so that you get a 0.5 percent concentration, then it will be safe for you to use it even on clothes and gear if you want to engage in an outdoor adventure. It can be used both indoors and outdoors on lawns and different areas that you want to prevent from being infested by insects.

The downside is that you will have to use a heavy-duty sprayer if you want to apply it to larger areas; however, it is very effective and it is worth the effort.

 

Pros

This product is great especially because it has a wide range of insects that it can repel so it is very effective for all types of problems that you might be confronted with.

It has great effects on fighting wasps which is great because you know that repelling wasps can be a little bit tricky.

It is very effective for any type of building to fight different infestation types, but you can also use it on your clothing by diluting the product without having to purchase anything else.

It is also very effective when used on lawns and any other outdoor space and its effects are long-lasting.

 

Cons

To use it effectively in large areas, you will have to use a heavy-duty sprayer. However, a heavy-duty sprayer is not complicated to use and will allow you to spray it evenly so this is a slightly small inconvenience considering all the great qualities that this product has.

Since permethrin is very toxic to cats, you shouldn’t use it indoors if you have cats living there.

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3. Martin’s Permethrin 10% Multi-Purpose Insecticide

 

This is a professional permethrin spray that has 10% permethrin and is very effective in fighting different types of arachnids and insects. It is a concentrate that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. To apply it you need a heavy-duty sprayer but this should not be a problem for professionals.

The product has to be diluted in order to be used safely and efficiently, this is why in the state of New York only professionals who have a pest control license are allowed to use it. Therefore, the product can not be shipped unless you can demonstrate that you have one and that you have all the know-how on how to use the product.

Luckily, for those who haven’t used it before, the back label has all the instructions you need so that you can be safe while using it. It is effective for most insects that live in the United States, so if you use it you can be sure that they will not visit you any time soon.

 

Pros

It is very effective in multiple spaces, both outdoors and indoors and it is specially designed to be used on different kinds of buildings.

It does a great job on a multitude of types of insects and arachnids and it is really effective for a long time after you apply it so that it will keep insects away.

The great thing about it is that it has no greasy residue which is great because you will be able to keep your indoor space clean as grease can gather a lot of dust.

 

Cons

Because this is a product especially made for professional use, you are required to have a pest control license in New York to be able to use this product, so make sure to have one if you live in that area.

Because it contains permethrin, this product should be used with extra care, especially if you have pets such as cats, as the substance can be deadly to them.

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4. Repel Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent

 

This spray is a great solution for people who go camping or want to embark on outdoor adventures. It is lightweight which is great because when you have to carry all the things you need for an enjoyable camping experience in your backpack, the last thing you need is some extra weight.

The container is also very sturdy and you will not have to worry that if you drop your backpack all the liquid will leak onto your stuff because the cap is very effective in preventing that.

The aerosol formula is very effective in applying the product evenly and from any angle you want. However, you have to be careful not to spray it on your skin because it can be harmful. It will last up to 2 weeks on your clothing and gear, even if you wash them, so if you are an outdoor enthusiast and plan to spend many days outdoors, you will love this product.

 

Pros

A big pro that this product has is that it is relatively small and can easily be carried around and also stored while you are not using it. This is great especially for campers and people who spend a lot of time outdoors and take long trips.

The packaging is also great because the container has a cap which is really effective when storing it into a backpack because it prevents the product from leaking.

Its aerosol formula is very effective in applying it evenly in different areas and you will not be disappointed by the effectiveness when it comes to insects because it has really good feedback from users.

 

Cons

The product is a little bit pricey if you compare it with other aerosol products, but considering that it is very effective compared to other competitors in the line, we can fairly say that it is worth the extra penny.

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5. $averPak JT Eaton Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent

 

This permethrin spray is great because with the amount of product you get you will be able to secure up to 40 outfits. If you want to use it just for yourself and you consider the fact that you are going to have to reapply the product only after 6 weeks, this permethrin spray will last you for 240 weeks, which is the equivalent of four and a half years.

This is pretty cool, right? It also offers reliable protection and you will also be able to wash your clothes 6 times before having to reapply it. It is very effective in keeping away mosquitoes and ticks but you can use it for other types of biting insects as well.

The product can be ordered in different quantities which is pretty great, considering the fact that if you want to use it only for yourself you might not need such a large quantity.

 

Pros

This product is great for indoor use because, except the fact that it helps you get rid of insect infestations, it will also keep insects and some types of arachnids away for as long as 30 days.

You can also apply it to clothing and it will keep its effectiveness for 6 weeks, saving you a lot of time compared to other products that have to be reapplied very often.

It comes in a large quantity and by using just 1 gallon of product, you will be able to secure as much as 40 outfits, an outfit meaning a shirt or t-shirt, a pair of pants, and a pair of socks.

It will not leave any marks on your clothing because the product is not greasy, which is also great for indoor spaces.

 

Cons

You have to be careful not to apply it on your skin because it can harm you. However, if you spray your clothes when they are not on you will be able to avoid this problem.

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6. United Abrasives Tengard SFR 36.8 % Permethrin Insecticide

 

The Tengard SFR is a product really loved by its users because it is very effective in getting rid of unwanted insects. It is a concentrate and has 36.8 percent permethrin as its main ingredient, making it really effective in getting rid of termites. This is its main use but it has proven to be effective on many other types of insects.

It can be used for both indoor and outdoor spaces; however, you have to know how to dilute it before you start using it because in closed spaces, if not diluted properly, it can become harmful, especially to cats, as permethrin can be even deadly to these animals.

It has been used by professionals for a long time and it is very effective in outdoor areas like lawns and parks. The manufacturers have labeled this product as a low odor one, which means that it smells, but it doesn’t have a pronounced smell, which is great especially for indoor spaces.

 

Pros

The fact that you can use it both indoors and outdoors is a great thing, especially for people who own a house and want to get rid of unwanted insects from their outside space as well.

It is effective in repelling all sorts of insects and among them are the bees, which makes it a great product especially for people who are allergic to bees and want to avoid them at all costs.

It comes in a relatively large amount and you will be able to use it in large areas. Also, if you know how to dilute it you will be able to use it also on camping gear.

 

Cons

The instructions given by the manufacturer on the label are very tiny and you might have to spend some time until you manage to read them entirely; however, there are so many instructions online that you don’t have to worry about that.

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7. Coleman Gear and Clothing Permethrin Insect Repellent

 

This repellent comes with a great feature, and that is the fact that it doesn’t have any scent, it is odorless and you will not need to always have that bad smell with you all day long. It comes as aerosols and can be easily applied to clothes or gear, as long as you avoid applying it to your skin.

It is best that you leave the things you apply it on to completely dry between 2 to 4 hours and only after that to wear the clothes. The effectiveness of the product will last for at least 2 weeks, so it is great for prolonged camping trips.

The container is made of aluminum, which is a very sturdy and lightweight material that will allow you to prevent overweighing your backpack. It is very effective for mosquitoes and ticks and it has proven to be very effective in keeping them away as many users love the product.

 

Pros

This product comes with a twist-locking cap which makes it very easy to carry around in your backpack or purse because it completely eliminates the possibility of it leaking and ruining your things.

Its container is lightweight and sturdy due to the fact that it is made of aluminum, so you won’t add any extra weight to your luggage.

The bottle is ergonomic and the product can be sprayed from any angle and still cover the area you are aiming for, which is great when you think of the functionality that other similar products have that do not rise to this one.

 

Cons

If you compare it with other similar products that last for as much as 6 weeks without you having to reapply them, the two-week protection that this product offers is less. However, it lasts more than some other products in the line, so it is a great choice also.

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8. Hi-Yield 38 Plus Permethrin Turf Termite and Ornamental Insect Control

 

The Hi-Yield 38 Plus has a relatively high amount of permethrin compared to most of its competitors, 38 percent. It is designed to get rid of termites, bark beetles, borers, spiders, mosquitoes, earwigs, mole crickets, bagworms, cockroaches, aphids, and many more. This is why it is a versatile product that can be used in different kinds of indoor and outdoor spaces.

The product is a concentrate and you will need to dilute it in order to safely protect your space and be very careful about it, at the same time, because it can cause health problems if it is not used in the right amounts.

It is very effective in keeping insects that destroy wood away so you will be able to use it for your log cabin, benches, or any other outdoor wooden furniture. It is best to keep the product away from children because it is very toxic if inhaled or swallowed.

 

Pros

This product is awesome for people who have a log cabin and want to protect it from insects that ruin wood because it is very effective in doing so.

It is versatile and very effective on multiple types of insects which makes it a good product to have in your home in case of unwanted insect guests.

It is very concentrated and can be diluted according to what you want to use it for without much effort on your part.

It can also be used on many wooden ornaments in your garden that you want to protect from insect damage.

 

Cons

Because it has such a high concentration of permethrin, you have to be very careful when you use it and you have to keep it away from pets and children because they can get seriously harmed. However, if you do so, you will be able to enjoy this product because it is very effective in keeping insects away.

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9. $averPak Pets – Quart JT Eaton Insect Repellent Spray

 

This is a product especially made for keeping ticks, lice, and fleas away from animals. It can be used on dogs and livestock because it is a water-based product that is not harmful. However, the manufacturers indicate that you do not use the product on cats or kittens as it is highly toxic to them. Horses, chickens, and cows will be very happy if you use this product.

The spray is also effective on face flies, horn flies, horse flies, stable flies, bed bugs, deer flies, gnats, and mites. You can apply it both in places where your pets may enter and also in outdoor spaces to keep ticks and lice away. It has a spray pump that is lockable using a nozzle which is great because you can prevent children from using the product.

If you have many animals around the farm or house, you will find that this is a great product that has proven to be very effective when used properly.

 

Pros

This is one of the products that can be used on some animals such as cattle and it is very versatile.

It is very effective against most of the insects that can harm your livestock and once applied you will not have to worry about them being in danger.

It comes with a nozzle that can be turned off or can be adjusted to spray or stream, according to how it is most beneficial for you to use it.

It is effective for dogs also which is really great because you will not have to buy an extra special product just for your furry friend.

 

Cons

It is harmful to cats so you have to be very careful when you apply it and where you store it to prevent your cats from entering in contact with it. Otherwise, we can guarantee that you will be very happy using this wonderful product to keep your animals safe.

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10. Duration Permethrin 0.5% Clothing Insect Repellent

 

This product is made especially for clothing and has a concentration of 5 percent permethrin. It is very effective in keeping mosquitoes and ticks away and can also be used for camping equipment like tents and nets. The great thing about it is that it is safe to use on children’s clothing which is great news for parents.

Unlike with other products in the line, this is not a spray. Instead, you will have to use the soaking method in order to protect your clothes. This means that you will have to soak your clothes into the solution and wait for it to do its magic.

After doing so, your clothes will be protected against insects for up to 42 days and you will be able to wash them for a maximum of 6 times. Compared to similar products, it is very effective and it is a great choice for people who want to avoid the pump sprays and aerosols formulas.

 

Pros

Being a soak formula, this product is very effective in evenly distributing the product on the clothes and you will not have to worry about missing any spots.

Your clothes will be protected from unwanted insects for 6 weeks which makes it a very effective one and takes away the burden of having to reapply it very often.

You can wash your clothes for up to 6 times before the product’s effect fades away, which is pretty cool and means that you can wash them once a week without any problems and the product will still prove its efficiency.

 

Cons

If we compare it with similar products in terms of effectiveness, this one is not so easy to apply as the spray formulas are and some people might find it hard to soak the clothes. However, there are people who prefer this method because they want to avoid the product from getting into the air they breathe.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If you are looking for a good permethrin spray and you have read every permethrin spray review in our list, you may have probably noticed that there are some essential key points that we have analyzed. There are a lot of affordable permethrin sprays that do a really good job in protecting you against unwanted insect bites and we are going to tell you what to look for.

There are more types of permethrin sprays

There are more types of permethrin sprays mostly because the manufacturers have commercialized them differently. On the market, you will be able to find a lot of products that are advertised as the best permethrin spray for ticks, the best permethrin spray for scabies, the best permethrin spray clothes, the best permethrin spray bed bugs and so on.

However, there are 3 important factors that distinguish them: their concentration, if they are suitable for animal use and if they are designed for clothing or for general use like buildings and outdoor spaces.

 

1. Permethrin sprays for general use

Permethrin is very effective in repelling a wide variety of insects and arachnids and it is used for spraying buildings and lawns or other outdoor spaces. This type of product usually comes as a concentrate and has a permethrin concentration of around 36 percent. In order to effectively use it, you first have to know how to dilute it according to your needs.

Also, these products usually come with the instruction of spraying them using a heavy-duty sprayer. Once you have learned the basics on how to dilute them you are good to go and usually, every manufacturer writes the instructions on the label of the product in order for you to use it properly.

There are some products that allow you to use them as permethrin spray tick repellent for your clothes and the manufacturers recommend diluting the product until you get 5% permethrin. However, you should always check the label. Some products are made especially for professionals and you shouldn’t use them unless it is permitted by the law.

2. Permethrin sprays for clothing and camping gear

You may have heard of Sawyer permethrin spray, for example, which is a widely used product by outdoor enthusiasts who go exploring areas filled with insects and need protection for their clothing and gear. This type of product is forbidden to be used on the skin and has to be sprayed when your clothes are off.

Some sprays help protect your clothes for about 2 weeks and others for a maximum of 42 days. Some products even offer the possibility of washing your clothes up to 6 times before reapplying the product and these are the ones you should be looking for.

Also, a great feature to be looking for is a lack of odor but also a good spray pump to be able to apply the product evenly. Good spray pumps will prevent the product from leaking and some products also come in the form of aerosol sprays. Which one you choose is up to you as both of them are really good.

An affordable permethrin spray will protect your clothing and you will be able to use it on any type of fabric. A cheap permethrin spray, on the other hand, may stain your clothes so be careful when you choose.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: How to use permethrin spray?

If you are using a permethrin spray for clothes, one of the essential things you have to remember is that you are only allowed to spray permethrin on your clothes and not on your skin, in case you want to stay safe. This is why you should always spray it when your clothes are off and never with your clothes on.

You have to spray enough product to cover all your clothing but not too much. Another important issue to consider is that you should avoid indoor spaces and always spray permethrin when you are outdoors. You should leave your clothes to dry for about 2 hours before you wear them.

When you wash them you should try to do that separately from your other clothes. If you want to apply it to your gear you should follow the same rules. If you have washed your clothes more times than it is recommended for the product to remain active, you should reapply it.

Q: What is permethrin spray?

A permethrin spray is a spray that contains an insect repellent which is made of a pyrethroid, a chemical that mimics the chrysanthemum extract – a substance that insects usually dislike. It can be used in different areas that you want to protect, even on lawns, near restaurants, and even on animals such as dogs, horses, cattle, but never cats as it’s highly toxic to them.

You might find a product at your local store that is advertised to be a permethrin spray for dogs or a permethrin spray for yard use, but they essentially all do the same thing – repel all sorts of insects depending on the concentration of permethrin they have.

Cheap permethrin sprays do not always have a stable formula and they might not be so effective in offering good protection. This is one reason why you should turn your attention to the affordable permethrin sprays which are more reliable and will be able to keep ticks and bed bugs away.

 

Q: How long does permethrin spray last?

Usually, a good permethrin spray will last for about 6 weeks when applied to your clothing, but there are some manufacturers that only guarantee a maximum of 2 weeks. Depending on the product you choose and the concentration it has, the permethrin will remain active even if you wash the product for about 6 times.

If you are using a concentrate spray, be careful to dilute it in a concentration not higher than 5 percent because, if applied to clothes in a higher concentration, a permethrin spray for clothing might become toxic and you might face several health issues. This also happens if you apply it to your skin.

Permethrin sprays usually last for a shorter period of time than clothing that is already treated by the manufacturers with permethrin as those clothes are protected for up to 70 washes. If you feel that you have washed your clothing many times, you should reapply the spray whenever you think necessary.