Latest news with #Permethrin
Time Magazine
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
What Experts Use to Repel Ticks and Mosquitoes
If you want to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks—which seem to be everywhere this year—you might need to enlist a heavy-hitter. Insect experts reach for one thing: permethrin. Here's what to know about the synthetic insecticide, plus how and when to use it. How permethrin works Permethrin, which is derived from the chrysanthemum flower, has been used in some form since around 400 B.C. During the wars of the early 1800s, Napoleon dusted his soldiers with a permethrin-like powder to control fleas and body lice, which protected them from anemia and gave them a physical edge over their enemies. Permethrin is a neurotoxin that targets an insect's nervous system, triggering muscle spasms, paralysis, and eventually death. It functions as a contact insecticide, which means it kills via direct contact when a bug lands on a treated surface. That distinguishes it from DEET-based repellents, which work in a different way. DEET 'blocks the sensors for an insect to find you, so you end up with a cloak of invisibility,' says Lee Haines, a medical entomologist at the University of Notre Dame who studies how insects spread diseases. 'They're attracted to your heat, but they can't find you.' To visualize how permethrin works, consider what would happen if you ate nothing but cotton candy for a week. 'Can you imagine how hyperactive you would be?' Haines asks. The same thing happens to bugs: 'If you see a mosquito that touches permethrin, it's shaking uncontrollably, it's flying uncontrollably, like it just had a lot of sugar. It's buzzing around, and that's because all of its nerves are firing at once.' That causes muscle spasms; once the insect's muscles are exhausted, it becomes paralyzed and then dies. If that sounds unpleasant, it is. 'It's not a nice way to die,' Haines says. Read More: 7 Surprising Symptoms of Lyme Disease Permethrin is odorless and colorless, and insects can't detect its presence, she adds. That helps make it effective. In one study of Iranian military members, for example, the average number of mosquito bites in those wearing untreated uniforms was 108 per hour, compared to 10 per hour in soldiers wearing permethrin-treated uniforms. Meanwhile, research has found that people who wore permethrin-treated socks and sneakers were 74 times less likely to get a tick bite than those wearing untreated footwear. Study participants who wore permethrin-treated shorts and T-shirts were about 5 and 2 times less likely, respectively, to get tick bites than those who were permethrin-free. The results highlight 'the potential of permethrin-treated summer clothing for significantly reducing tick bites and tick-borne pathogen transmission,' the researchers wrote. DIY vs. pre-treated clothes How you apply permethrin matters. If you want to go the DIY route, opt for a product with a concentration of 0.5% permethrin. You can either buy a pre-diluted spray bottle, or dilute a concentrated jug yourself. You can spray permethrin on your clothing, accessories, and gear—just not your skin. People often spray their pants, shirts, socks, shoes, hats, jacket, backpack, and tent, for example. (It doesn't harm clothing.) You typically need to apply it 24 to 48 hours before going out; that way, it has time to dry and bond to the material you sprayed it on. Spray your clothing outside and while it's off your body; hang it up on a clothesline, for example, and spray it evenly so that it becomes damp but not dripping wet. Bobbi Pritt, a professor of laboratory medicine and pathology and the chair of the division of clinical microbiology at Mayo Clinic, always sprays permethrin on her gear outside on her screen porch, which is well-ventilated. Keep in mind that the liquid form can be toxic to cats, though it's safe once it dries. At that point, 'You don't need to worry about having a cat in your lap,' says Pritt, who runs the blog Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites. Read More: Long Dismissed, Chronic Lyme Disease Is Finally Getting Its Moment If you choose to spray permethrin on your clothing and gear, you'll need to keep track of when you do it. Most products last up to six weeks or six washes—whichever comes first—and then need to be reapplied. That's one reason why some people prefer longer-lasting pre-treated clothing, which is sold at outdoor-gear stores and can generally last up to 70 washes. It's the only insect repellant used for factory treatment of clothing, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the EPA's risk-assessment procedures 'showed that permethrin factory-treated clothing is unlikely to pose any significant immediate or long-term hazard to people wearing the clothing,' according to their website. Haines recommends opting for pre-treated garments rather than applying permethrin yourself. 'It's way better to get factory clothes,' she says. 'It's longer-lasting, and they've had to test it to make sure it works.' Plus, it's more consistently applied and eliminates the possibility of human error from an imperfect spraying technique. It also removes the need for advanced preparation: People sometimes forget to apply permethrin to their clothing ahead of needing it, but with pre-treated clothes, you can grab and go. What about natural bug sprays? Permethrin is considered safe when used as directed. Research suggests that less than 2% of the insecticide is absorbed through the skin when it's applied to clothing, and the EPA notes that there are no known risks of permethrin to women who are pregnant or nursing. It's also safe for kids who are over 2 months old. 'From all the studies and data that we have, it's considered pretty safe as long as you use it according to the instructions on the container of the specific brand that you have,' Pritt says. Still, some people prefer natural options. There are a couple of candidates: Oil of lemon eucalyptus can be applied to exposed skin as well as clothing and works well to repel mosquitoes and ticks, Haines says; make sure to get one with a 30% to 40% concentration, and dilute it with water before use. 'It has a very strong smell, and you have to reapply it every two to three hours, but it works,' she says. Tea tree oil, which also needs to be diluted, is another popular natural insect repellent. It 'reeks,' according to Haines, which keeps bugs away, but you have to reapply it as frequently as oil of lemon eucalyptus. 'What I try to tell people is that, yes, there are alternatives, but you have to use them responsibly if you want to protect yourself,' she says. 'The natural answer is never as good as one that has been tweaked by a chemist to be higher efficacy.' Making permethrin part of your routine Pritt thinks of permethrin as 'one piece of the puzzle—one tool in your toolbox of protecting yourself against ticks and mosquitoes.' When she goes out in the field to do research, she tucks her pants into her socks and wears tall boots. She sprays her entire outfit with permethrin the night before so it's ready the next morning. She also sprays insect repellent on any exposed skin—often opting for oil of lemon eucalyptus, which she's found works well for her. Read More: The Best and Worst Way to Remove a Tick Haines takes a similar approach, but sprays a repellant with 20% picaridin on her exposed skin. 'It's really deadly on ticks,' she says. 'It works on midges and mosquitos—it works on everything.' Plus, it typically lasts for eight to 12 hours. It doesn't have a strong smell, she adds, and isn't greasy. Pair it with your permethrin-treated clothing, and you'll be much more protected from the blood-thirsty pests of summer.
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Aldi launches £2.49 buy that will banish flies, wasps and mosquitoes from your home this summer – it works ‘instantly'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you've noticed an army of flies and wasps entering your home, fear not, you've come to the right place. There's nothing more annoying than relaxing on your sofa or enjoying a freshly-cooked dinner, only to have an irritating insect that won't leave you alone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 If you're on a mission to get rid of flies from your home, we've got just the thing Credit: Getty 4 Thanks to a new bargain buy from Aldi, you'll say goodbye to pests this summer, with no effort involved 4 It works on wasps and mosquitoes too Credit: Getty 4 This new Fly & Wasp Spray is only £2.49 Credit: Aldi Flies tend to thrive in the warmer weather and reproduce quickly - and while this is great for them, it may not be so positive for us. The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. But fear not, luckily for you, Aldi has now launched an incredibly effective solution that will banish the annoying pests from your pad in no time. Not only is it said to work 'instantly', but it also gets rid of mosquitoes too. And if you're on a budget, then you'll be pleased to know that this supermarket buy is incredibly affordable. So if your purse is feeling the pinch and you're searching for a solution that won't break the bank, you'll need to get your shoes ready and move quickly. Thanks to Aldi's latest drop of Specialbuys, shoppers can now get their hands on the Zero In Fly & Wasp Spray. It's priced at just £2.49, making it great for those looking to pocket pennies where possible. It's been described as a 'fast acting killer' that works to 'instantly stop wasps and flies'. This 'fast action formula' will 'kill flies, wasps and mosquitoes' and is intended for indoor use. How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack This affordable spray works to banish insects on contact and you must make sure to thoroughly shake it before use. Spray directly at insects from a distance of 60cm to 90cm. Shoppers should note that this bargain buy contains Permethrin, Tetramethrin and PBO. Why do flies come out in summer? Flies are present all year round, but all of a sudden when summer comes, they are just EVERYWHERE! The main contributing factors are the breeding cycle of flies and the soaring temperatures. Insects are cold blooded and in summer, when their body temperature rises from the external heat, they become more active. The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. House Fly eggs take around 20 hours to hatch, but when the temperature rises above 37 degrees, can hatch within 8 hours! In extreme hot weather the eggs can mature from larvae to adult fly in as little as four days. The average lifespan of a housefly is 21 days, so each female can lay up to 900 eggs during the summer months! It's important that users avoid direct contact with soft furnishings, carpets and polished areas. It is also not for use on clothing or bedding. It is available to buy from Aldi stores nationwide, while stocks last. But you'll need to get to your nearest Aldi fast if you want to nab it, as like all middle aisle finds, it is sure to sell out incredibly fast. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Aldi launches £2.49 buy that will banish flies, wasps and mosquitoes from your home this summer – it works ‘instantly'
IF you've noticed an army of flies and wasps entering your home, fear not, you've come to the right place. There's nothing more annoying than relaxing on your sofa or enjoying a freshly-cooked dinner, only to have an irritating Advertisement 4 If you're on a mission to get rid of flies from your home, we've got just the thing Credit: Getty 4 Thanks to a new bargain buy from Aldi, you'll say goodbye to pests this summer, with no effort involved 4 It works on wasps and mosquitoes too Credit: Getty 4 This new Fly & Wasp Spray is only £2.49 Credit: Aldi The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. But fear not, luckily for you, Aldi has now launched an incredibly effective solution that will banish the annoying Not only is it said to work 'instantly', but it also gets rid of mosquitoes too. Advertisement Read more Aldi stories And if you're on a budget, then you'll be pleased to know that this supermarket buy is incredibly affordable. So if your purse is feeling the pinch and you're searching for a solution that won't break the bank, you'll need to get your shoes ready and move quickly. Thanks to Aldi's latest drop of Specialbuys, shoppers can now get their hands on the It's priced at just £2.49, making it great for those looking to pocket pennies where possible. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous It's been described as a 'fast acting killer' that works to 'instantly stop wasps and flies'. This 'fast action formula' will 'kill flies, wasps and mosquitoes' and is intended for indoor use. How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack This affordable spray works to banish insects on contact and you must make sure to thoroughly shake it before use. Spray directly at insects from a distance of 60cm to 90cm. Advertisement Shoppers should note that this bargain buy contains Permethrin, Tetramethrin and PBO. Why do flies come out in summer? Flies are present all year round, but all of a sudden when summer comes, they are just EVERYWHERE! The main contributing factors are the breeding cycle of flies and the soaring temperatures. Insects are cold blooded and in summer, when their body temperature rises from the external heat, they become more active. The hotter weather also let's them seek out cool moist spots, like inside your home, to escape from the sweltering heat and to lay their eggs. House Fly eggs take around 20 hours to hatch, but when the temperature rises above 37 degrees, can hatch within 8 hours! In extreme hot weather the eggs can mature from larvae to adult fly in as little as four days. The average lifespan of a housefly is 21 days, so each female can lay up to 900 eggs during the summer months! It's important that users avoid direct contact with soft furnishings, carpets and polished areas. It is also not for use on clothing or bedding. It is available to buy from Advertisement But you'll need to get to your nearest Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Why do Aldi and Lidl have such fast checkouts IF you've ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you'll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi's speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It's all part of Aldi's plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses 'shelf-ready' packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock.
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
I'm a sleep writer — 3 products I'd buy to bed bug proof my mattress in the Memorial Day sales
It's officially bed bug season. The hot weather and the increase in travel over the summer is a recipe for infestations, with bed bugs feeding and breeding quicker than ever. So, what steps can you take to prevent these pests from taking over your bed? Once bed bugs enter your mattress, it's a tricky job trying to get rid of them, let alone stopping them from spreading through the rest of your home. If you've invested in one of this year's best mattresses, you'll want to protect it from creepy crawlies, not only for your sleep hygiene, but also for your sleep quality. And the good news is that you can. With these three products, currently discounted in the Memorial Day mattress sales, you can reduce the risk of bed bugs settling in your mattress, keeping your sleep environment fresh, clean and pest free. While the best mattress protectors do a great job at protecting your bed from spills, stains and accidents, they won't do much against an infestation of bed bugs. This is because they only cover the top of your mattress, and often, these pests will crawl into your mattress from underneath. The solution? A mattress encasement. These cover the whole mattress and zip up at the edge, stopping anything from reaching your bed. Opt for a breathable fabric so you don't trap heat and impact the temperature regulation of your mattress. Alternatively, anti-bed bug mattress liners are an effective solution. These are essentially fitted sheets that can stop bed bugs from feeding and breeding, which means they die within just 10 minutes of contact with the liner. Linenspa Zipped Mattress Encasement: was from $19.99 from $17.59 at AmazonNot only is this encasement waterproof, but it's also made from ultra-thin, flexible fabric to keep your bed breathable. It can fit over up to 12' mattresses, and it zips up at the foot of the bed to protect from bed bugs, dust mites and other allergens. The fabric is hypoallergenic, helping you keep a clean sleep environment, and is OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning it has been tested and cleared for any toxic materials. Currently a queen is $21.99 (was $24.99) on Amazon, and you can request the 10-year manufacturer warranty. ActiveGuard Mattress Liner: from $61.20 at AmazonThe ActiveGuard Mattress Liner is an EPA-registered bed bug product intended to 'kill bed bugs and dust mites in mattresses and box springs.' The liner fits over your bed like a normal fitted sheet, but the hypoallergenic material is treated with Permethrin which kills bed bugs. A queen is currently $81.90 on Amazon. While a vacuum alone is unlikely to kill an infestation, it's an important bed bug prevention step. Regularly vacuuming your mattress can help reduce the build up of dust mites and other allergens, and keep a clean and hygienic sleep environment. Bed bugs are attracted to human odor and warmth and clutter creates an ideal environment for them to thrive, so keeping a tidy bedroom will help deter pests from settling in your mattress. On top of this, regularly vacuuming your mattress will get rid of any existing bed bugs or bed bug eggs, helping you spot the early signs of an infestation and taking steps to prevent it. Jigoo Mattress Vacuum Cleaner: was $169.99 now $126.99 at AmazonThis powerful vacuum cleaner has a UV light technology built in to kill dust mites and other allergens. On top of this, it's heated air maintains a 140°F temperature, which kills bacteria, and is hot enough to kill bed bugs and their eggs. You'll be able to watch the digital screen as you vacuum which shows a real-time cleanliness index so you can ensure every inch of your bed is clean. Right now, it's discounted to $126.99 (was $169.99) on Amazon. While no mattress can prevent bed bugs alone, you can keep a super fresh and clean bed set up by investing in an anti-allergen mattress. These are beds that have a hypoallergenic cover or use hypoallergenic materials which help to prevent dust mites, pollen, pet dander, dead skin and more from accumulating and building up in your bed. While it won't stop bed bugs, it'll help you maintain a clean environment that will naturally deter them. Birch Natural mattress: was from $1,373.33 now from $1,030 at BirchThe best organic mattresses often incorporate hypoallergenic natural latex instead of synthetic materials like memory foam, and the Birch Natural mattress is a great example of this. Made from layers of organic wool, latex and cotton, the mattress is breathable and moisture wicking, as well as naturally repellant to allergens. Read our full Birch Natural mattress review to see if it's the right choice for you. A queen is currently discounted for Memorial Day to $1,399 (was $1,865.33), and you'll get a 100-night trial, a limited lifetime warranty and fast free shipping.
The Market Online
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Cipher Pharmaceuticals' Natroba granted Medicaid preferred status in Illinois
Cipher Pharmaceuticals (TSX:CPH), a profitable specialty pharma company, reports that its Natroba treatment for scabies and head lice has been upgraded to preferred status by the state of Illinois Concurrently, the state has downgraded Natroba's main competitor, Permethrin 5%, to non-preferred status Cipher is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a diversified portfolio of commercial and early to late-stage products, mainly in dermatology Cipher Pharmaceuticals stock has added 50.23 per cent year-over-year and 1,322.22 per cent since 2020 Cipher Pharmaceuticals (TSX:CPH), a profitable specialty pharma company, reports that its Natroba treatment for scabies and head lice has been upgraded to preferred status by the state of Illinois. Concurrently, the state has downgraded Natroba's main competitor, Permethrin 5%, to non-preferred status. According to Tuesday's news release, the changes mean that 'all Medicaid treatments for scabies and Permethrin 5% prescriptions in the state must first step through Natroba being the preferred treatment in Illinois.' The company believes that recent studies showing parasitic resistance to Permethrin played a determining factor in the updated preferred drug listing. See work by Rinaldi and Simonart for further reference. Cipher has delivered positive net income over the past five fiscal years, with a high of US$26.64 million in 2022, and grew revenue by 58 per cent in 2024 thanks to increasing market share and the acquisition of Natroba. Investors have collected an over 1,300 per cent return since 2020. Leadership insights 'The medical decision made by the state of Illinois is just another example of the effectiveness of Natroba (Spinosad) and what clear growth potential for the product remains ahead of us,' Craig Mull, Cipher Pharmaceuticals' interim chief executive officer, said in a statement. 'We believe it is only a matter of time until more state pharmacy directors require step-through of Natroba representing the standard of care in the treatment of scabies and head lice. We are in active discussions with other U.S. states to build upon this recent success, and we continue to believe there is significant potential outside the U.S. to out-license Natroba whereby lice resistance to Permethrin-based products is a pervasive worldwide issue and whereby Natroba fills an unmet need.' About Cipher Pharmaceuticals Cipher is a specialty pharmaceutical company with a diversified portfolio of commercial and early to late-stage products, mainly in dermatology. The company markets its products in Canada, South America and the United States. Cipher Pharmaceuticals stock (TSX:CPH) is up by 3.31 per cent on the news trading at C$12.80 as of 10:01 am. The stock has added 50.23 per cent year-over-year and 1,322.22 per cent since 2020. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this pharmaceuticals stock on the Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. Bullboard and check out Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here. (Top photo: Cipher Pharmaceuticals)
