Published July 15, 2010 06:30PM
Which should be applied to clothing and gear first? Waterproofing or Permethrin bug spray?
Submitted by – Kelsy Gonzales – Sheridan, WY
Waterproofing first, then permethrin, according a representative at Sawyer Products, maker of one popular permethrin treatment: Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellant. Permethrin won’t harm the fabric or the DWR (durable water repellent), but it won’t be able to do its job if it’s sealed below it either. That’s because it’s a contact insecticide (it kills ticks and insects when it comes into contact with them). A couple other permethrin tips: it will generally last through about six washings (so wash only when necessary), and if you store the garments in a sealable plastic bag between usage, you can extend the life and potency of the treatment.