Tick Block

How Does Tick Block work?
Tick BLOCK is a new way of thinking about bug spray. Tick BLOCK is not applied to the skin - You can turn any outfit into the Ultimate Bug Barrier with ease.

Clothing is soaked or sprayed with Tick Block solution.  As it dries, permethrin molecules form a tight bond with the fabric. 

This water-based formula is non-staining, odorless and has exceptional resistance to degradation by sunlight (UV), heat and water.  

Permethrin is not water soluble therefore it does not come off clothing in normal detergent washing.  When tick and other insects come in contact with the clothing they get a dose of permethrin and die. 

Permethrin is about 2,200 times more toxic to insects than to mammals; that is, a very small amount kills bugs but doesn't harm you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Permethrin?
Permethrin is a synthetic compound derived from the chrysanthemum plant which contains a chemical with insecticidal properties. It has many uses and is the active ingredient in many common household products.

Is it Safe?
Permethrin is about 2,200 times more toxic to insects than to mammals; that is, a very small amount kills bugs but doesn't harm you. Permethrin is poorly absorbed through the skin and is rapidly inactivated in mammals.  Tick block contains only 0.5% active ingredient compared to other repellents which you apply directly to skin and can contain from15%-over 30% active ingredient.

Why can't I put it on my skin?
Although permethrin is approved for skin application under certain circumstances such as head lice formulas, it is not applied to skin as a repellent. Permethrin does not bond (stick) to skin and is quickly deactivated by skin's esterase action into inactive compounds. Because of these attributes permethrin offers no repellent benefit on skin.  That instability, not health concern, is the main reason that the insecticide is suggested for use on fabrics.  It is only effective when used as a clothing treatment. 

Can I still use DEET on exposed skin?
Yes.  As part of the U.S. militaries Insect Control Program they also use DEET on exposed skin in addition to permethrin-treated outfits. If you feel you need that ultimate protection you can - but we find in most circumstances you won't have to.

Does it work against mosquitoes?
The early history of permethrin development involved tests on mosquitoes conducted by the US Army and Air Force. Tests showed that when lightweight uniforms were treated until moist the permethrin gave nearly 100% protection from mosquitoes. The effectiveness of permethrin can be shown in the following anecdote reported during testing in the Everglades, "Mosquitoes were also repelled because of the side-stream effect caused by numerous treated uniforms within the same general location. This required that the test site be moved to locate more mosquitoes!" Now that's performance...

What if my clothes get wet while I'm wearing them?
When used as a repellent, permethrin is applied to exterior clothing where it dries and bonds to the cloth fiber.  It does not come off during normal detergent washings, thus even if clothing gets completely wet there is no risk to you.

Can I dry my treated clothes in the dryer?
Yes, Whether you air-dry treated clothing on a line or put them in an automatic drier Tick BLOCK binds to the fabric and lasts.  We suggest hanging a single, treated outfit to dry to save energy but if you treat a full load of clothes or the weather is not in your favor you can put them in the drier.

How many clothes can 1 kit treat?
Tick Block treatment solution contains enough active ingredient (when used as directed) to treat one large adult outfit - typically one pair of pants, one long sleeve shirt and a pair of socks.  When treated properly all of the clothing should be damp to wet.  If some parts of the clothing appear dry there may be too much clothing or the solution was not worked around thoroughly.  If solution remains in the bag you can add more clothing - from an extra pair of socks to another shirt depending on size.  

Can I use the pump spray to treat clothes?
Yes, But we recommend treating clothing using the treatment kit.  That way you are ensured that the entire outfit is covered - It's much easier too!  The pump spray is designed to treat shoes, or hats that you don't want crumpled or any fabric-based material that doesn't fit into the bag.

Will it affect how my clothes feel and smell? 
No, Once Tick BLOCK is dry clothing can be washed and comes out smelling and feeling just like all of your other clothing.

Can I treat any type of fabric?
Permethrin absorbs and binds to most fabrics, cotton, cotton-poly blends, leather.  It does bind to most synthetics such as nylon but it may not last as long.   It does not bind to plastics or rubber products.