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Effectiveness, Safety, and Use of Permethrin-Treated Clothing to Prevent Mosquito Bites

andPanpim Thongsripong


Release Date: 3/8/2026

DOI: 10.32473/edis-in1467-2026

Natural Resources

Abstract

Permethrin-treated clothing is an effective and safe tool for reducing mosquito bites and preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus. This publication summarizes current scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of permethrin-treated clothing. It describes two options for using treated clothing: buying pre-treated garments or treating clothes at home. The article also offers tips to maximize protection and emphasizes the importance of using treated clothing with other prevention strategies, such as applying skin repellents and reducing mosquito breeding sites. The goal is to provide practical, evidence-based guidance for the public, as well as for public health and medical professionals seeking to reduce mosquito exposure and improve outdoor safety.

About this Publication

This document is ENY-2135, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2026. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

How to Cite

Maire, T., & Thongsripong, P. (2026). Effectiveness, Safety, and Use of Permethrin-Treated Clothing to Prevent Mosquito Bites. EDIS, 2026(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in1467-2026

Authors

Tyler Maire
Tyler Maire

former lab assistant, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Vero Beach, Florida

Panpim Thongsripong
Panpim Thongsripong
Specialist
University of Florida

assistant professor, vector-borne disease ecology, UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Vero Beach, FL

Publication #ENY-2135

Peer Reviewed
General Public

Disclaimers

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.