Permethrin is one of the oldest, most popular, and well-known insecticides in the world. Permethrin is formulated into creams, lotions, powders, and sprays.
Each formulation is different though. Some include a synergist (a family of chemicals that improve the killing efficiency of the main chemical) and some don’t.
Other additives can increase its sticking power or extend its effective life span.
Because of these slight, yet important distinctions, it can become confusing trying to figure out which one is best which is why we've created this Permethrin spray review guide for you!
In this Pest Strategies product review you can expect to learn:
- What is permethrin?
- How does permethrin work?
- How do you find the best permethrin sprays?
- Are permethrin sprays effective?
- ...And our choice for the best permethrin spray!
If you're short on time, you can click here to jump straight to our overall #1 pick for the best permethrin spray on the market.
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Our Top Pick  | Our Top Pick | Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent – Aerosol
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| View on Amazon |
 | Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent – Pump
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| View on Amazon | |
 | JT Eaton Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent Trigger Spray Gallon
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| View on Amazon | |
 | Martin's Permethrin 10% Multi-Purpose Insecticide
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| View on Amazon | |
 | Control Solutions Inc 82004505 Permethrin SFR
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| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
(updated as of 03/24/2020)
- Odorless
- Won’t stain clothes
- No greasy residue
Unlike DEET or Picaridin, which are applied to your skin, this permethrin spray is meant to be sprayed on your clothes. Once the treated clothes have dried, the permethrin bonds with the fabric for up to six weeks or six washings.
It won’t damage clothing but will act as an insect repellent to keep all kinds of insects away. Sawyer permethrin products are odorless and this aerosol spray won’t stain your clothes or leave them feeling greasy.
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Rating: 97.50
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Top 5 Best Permethrin Sprays
- Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent – Aerosol
- Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent – Pump
- JT Eaton Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent Trigger Spray Gallon
- Martin's Permethrin 10% Multi-Purpose Insecticide
- Control Solutions Inc 82004505 Permethrin SFR
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What is Permethrin?
There are over 400 different compounds listed and registered in the United States that can be used as insecticides. Permethrin is one of the most popular of them.
Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrum, a dry powder made from the crushed petals of the chrysanthemum flower, which is mainly grown in Kenya. Botanical versions of pyrethrum are called pyrethrins.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists over 3,500 registered products that use pyrethrum (pyrethrins) or pyrethroids as the active ingredient. Along with permethrin are other related insecticides. Below is a partial list.
- Allethrins
- Bifenthrin
- Cyfluthrin and beta-cyfluthrin
- Cypermethrin
- Deltamethrin
- Lambda-cyhalothrin
Along with permethrin, these active ingredients, in various formulations, constitute the bulk of the insecticides used in the 3,500 products listed by the EPA.
Read More: Does Permethrin Kill Bed Bugs?
How Does Permethrin Work?
Permethrin attacks the central nervous system of insects, specifically, the sodium channels. This interferes with the functions of the neurons and causes muscle spasms, leading to paralysis and death.
It can enter the body through dermal contact with exposed skin or ingesting it by eating it. It also acts as a repellent.
Repellents interfere with an insect’s senses, including taste and smell. Their eyesight is so poor that cutting off their other senses effectively renders them blind. Then they tend to avoid areas where they can’t see, smell, or taste the world around them.Are Permethrin Sprays Effective?
Yes. Permethrin has a long track record of success in the United States and around the world. It’s what is called a broad-spectrum insecticide, meaning it kills many different insects.
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How To Use A Permethrin Spray
Hold the spray nozzle at least six to 18 inches away from the surface or fabric you’re spraying. Use a smooth motion back and forth across the surface until it is damp to the touch, but not dripping wet.
Check out the video below for more information on how to properly apply permethrin spray:
Are Permethrin Sprays Safe Around My Pets And Children?
It depends on how old your children are.
Small children, and most pets, are physically smaller than adults. This means they have a greater skin surface to weight ratio. Insecticides can penetrate human skin, so the more skin per body weight, the greater the amount of pesticide that enters their body relative to their weight.
Infants and small children have higher respiratory rates than adults, resulting in them breathing in more insecticidal fumes than adults. Additionally, children eat and drink more relative to their body weight than adults.
Finally, infants and young children spend much of their time crawling around on the floor, which is where you’re most likely to spray with permethrin insecticides. The same thing goes for pets.
Warning
This product is not safe for pets and young children, as they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of pesticides.
Infants, small children, and pets are more susceptible to toxic effects from pesticides than adults so they should be kept out of treated areas for several hours after spraying.
The CDC recommends a variety of active ingredients as a mosquito repellent and/or tick repellent to protect you and your family from the Zika virus, rocky mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and scabies, among other diseases.
Read More: Top Mosquito Repellents for Kids
They recommend you use the following as your first line of defense:
- DEET
- Picaridin ( also known as KBR 3023 and icaridin)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
Best Permethrin Sprays Reviewed
- Odorless
- Won’t stain clothes
- No greasy residue
Unlike DEET or Picaridin, which are formulated to be applied to your exposed skin, this Sawyer permethrin spray, in an aerosol can, is meant to be sprayed on your clothes.
Once the treated clothes have dried, the permethrin bonds with the fabric for up to six weeks or six washings, whichever comes first. It won’t damage clothing but will act as an insect repellent to keep chiggers, mosquitoes, bedbugs, black flies, ticks and other kinds of insects away.
Sawyer permethrin products are odorless and this aerosol spray won’t stain your clothes or leave
Pros
Cons
- Odorless
- Won’t stain clothes
- No greasy residue
This is the same product as above, but in a pump spray instead of an aerosol. It can be sprayed on your clothes, outdoor gear, sleeping bags, hammocks, and folding chairs. A single application will last up to six weeks or six washings.
Unlike citronella and other essential oils, it won’t stain your clothes or leave a greasy residue behind. It’s also odorless after it dries, making it ideal for hunting when you don’t want your scent to give you away.
This bug spray is an excellent insect repellent for disease control against mosquito and tick bites. The trigger spray might tire your hand from repetitive squeezing if you’re protecting a lot of clothing.
Pros
Cons
- Odorless
- Won’t stain clothes
- Doubles are regular pesticide
This permethrin clothing and gear treatment will protect you against chiggers, mosquitoes, and ticks as well as 100 percent DEET. It won’t stain or damage clothing, tents, backpacks, plastics, or other outdoor gear.
This one-gallon jug is a ready-to-use permethrin insect repellent with a trigger spray on it, along with a heavy-duty carrying handle. Once applied, it takes about two hours to dry. After that, it will last for about six weeks or six washings, whichever comes first.
It is also registered with the EPA for use as a regular pesticide, to treat cracks and crevices in your house, around windows and doors for a broad variety of insects, from ants to spiders to yellow jackets and everything in between.
Pros
Cons
- Professional pesticide
- 10% permethrin
- Broad-spectrum insecticide
This is a permethrin concentrate insecticide for indoor and outdoor use. It can be used to kill all kinds of insects at home as well as in the barn, feedlots, kennels, hospitals, businesses, warehouses, hotels, office buildings, restaurants, and schools.
In the United States, you can use permethrin to kill hundreds of different insects.
It has to be mixed with water to the correct dilution as prescribed on the label before using it. You’ll need to get a heavy-duty 1-gallon pump-up sprayer. This is a professional pesticide that cannot be shipped to NY unless you’re a professional applicator.Pros
Cons
- Professional pesticide
- 36.8% permethrin
- Originally created to kill termites
This pesticide product is 36.8% permethrin. This particular formulation was originally created to kill termites but it can be diluted to 0.5% so you can spray your clothes to protect you from mosquitoes and other biting insects.
It is registered with the EPA for pre and post-construction termite applications as well as being used on lawns, landscapes, around homes, inside homes, sheds, barns, and other structures on a wide variety of insects (see label for details).
This is a professional pesticide that has been used by pest control professionals for years. It has an impressive track record but you will need to use a heavy-duty 1-gallon pump-up sprayer with it.
Pros
Cons
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Our Top Pick: Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent – Aerosol
This Sawyer permethrin spray is meant to be sprayed directly on your clothes instead of your skin. Once the clothes are dry, you’ll be protected for up to six weeks or six washings, whichever comes first.
It won’t damage your clothing, is odorless, won’t stain your clothes, or leave them feeling greasy.
- Odorless
- Won’t stain clothes
- No greasy residue
Grab the aerosol spray can or the pump spray which many customers now prefer!
Final Thoughts On Permethrin Sprays
Sawyer products are the quickest and easiest permethrin spray for the non-professional to use to protect your and your family from marauding insects. Permethrin is an excellent repellent and Sawyer has packaged it nicely for your use.
If you want a different kind of insect shield, there are several professional permethrin products to choose from.
Other Pesticide & Herbicide Guides
Curious about other pesticide and herbicide products? Check out our other detailed guides to help you deal with your pest problems.
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Our #1 Ranked For: Mosquito Removal And Preventative Treatment