Buzz Off!

[DaktariEd]

I have seen a number of both online and local outdoor retailers offering clothing tagged "Buff Off" that apparently is permethrin-permeated.

Has anyone looked at whether these actualy work (aside from marketing hype)?

If the permethrin works, what distance will it repel bugs?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Ed

 

[Ursidae69]

I've always had good luck with simply misting my hat or clothes with deet or the new stuff, picaradin. I saw lots of folks using Buzz-Off apparel, including some in my group, while I was in Brazil and it looked like they were dealing with just as many bugs as I was. Just some anecdotal evidence…

 

[DesertRose]

I have seen a number of both online and local outdoor retailers offering clothing tagged "Buff Off" that apparently is permethrin-permeated.

Has anyone looked at whether these actualy work (aside from marketing hype)?

If the permethrin works, what distance will it repel bugs?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Ed

First, some field testing proof of the efficacy of Buzz Off clothing:

Given that each shirt is somethink like $60-80, I figured why not buy a thrift shop linen shirt and spray it with .02% permethrin you can get at an outdoor store?

Wellllllll - here's the reason I wouldn't! Like all chemicals, this stuff is nasty:

"The insecticide permethrin (in the synthetic pyrethroid family) is widely used on cotton, wheat, corn, alfalfa, and other crops. In addition, over 100 million applications are made annually in and around U.S. homes.

Permethrin, like all synthetic pyrethroids, is a neurotoxin. Symptoms include tremors, incoordination, elevated body temperature, increased aggressive behavior, and disruption of learning. Laboratory tests suggest that permethrin is more acutely toxic to children than to adults.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified permethrin as a carcinogen because it causes lung tumors in female mice and liver tumors in mice of both sexes. Permethrin inhibits the activity of the immune system in laboratory tests, and also binds to the receptors for a male sex hormone. It causes chromosome aberrations in human and hamster cells. "

This info is from a tracker website on insecticide use - but I checked at EPA to verify:

EPA references

I just wouldn't mess around with it anywhere near my skin (our largest organ, right?) - especially after witnessing what happened to Jonathan after 3 weeks of using even lower-does DEET in Mexico when he was running his sea kayaking tours. He reported dizzyness and nausea, and was pretty affected physically. Very scary.

The citronella natural stuff really does work - it's what people use on their horses' faces in summer for flies; it seems to work on 'squitos, too.


PS - the Buzz Off line is, IMO, a total ripoff! Marketing, marketing, marketing!

 

[DaktariEd]

Love the pic! :xxrotflma
That's kind of what thought...marketing at work.

Now about permethrin...
It IS the recommended treatment for scabies and head lice in adults and children down to 2 months of age! FDA approved at 1% on scalps and 5% on skin.
Go figure! :Wow1:

I used to use lindane, but that is no longer recommended...it's a neurotoxin too!

Ed

 

[haven]

Buzz Off

If you've been in mosquito territory with a group of people, you know that the bugs like some people more than others. I think the best way to avoid mosquitoes is to stand next to someone who attracts the bugs more than you do. The critters will fly right past you to annoy your buddy! :victory:

The Buzz Off fabric contains a low concentration of permethrin, bonded to the fabric (I think the fabric is soaked, then dried at high heat). The protection is supposed to last for 25 trips through the washing machine. Because Buzz Off is bonded better, it has a Class 4 rating by the EPA, meaning slightly toxic.

The spray-on permethrin is a higher concentration, and bonds less well to fabric because it is dried at room temperature. Protection is rated to last through 5 or 6 washings. EPA rating of permethrin applied this way is Class 3, somewhat toxic.

A better way to apply permethrin yourself is to soak the fabric in a permethrin solution in the bathtub for two hours. This treatment lasts 6 weeks. You can treat tents, mosquito nets, and exterior clothing this way.

Incidentally, that photo that shows the flies on the Buzz OFf shirt is misleading. Permthrin requires that insects come into contact with the fabric before they feel the insecticide effects.

Permethrin treats fabrics, so you still need to apply a repellent to exposed areas of skin. DEET is the most common, but I don't like applying it liberally. There's a new insect repellant on the market called Picaridin (also KBR 3023). Picaridin has proven to be just as effective and long-lasting as DEET, and it lacks the nasty side effects of DEET. DEET is dangerous to get into your eyes, stings like crazy if you have a cut, and DEET dissolves many types of plastic (like plastic eyeglass lenses -- don't ask how I know this...)

I like to use DEET in a solid form, like a deodarant stick. This way I can apply it directly to exposed areas like the tops of my ears and my hairline without getting any DEET on my fingers. I'll switch to Picaridin in a stick form when it becomes available.

No mosquito repellent is 100% effective. There will be times when you'll need a head net, or even a full bug suit, to keep them at bay.

Chip Haven