How Sol Defense protects you from insects
Our new Sol Defense Hoody doesn’t just protect you from sun exposure, it also guards against insect bites. That’s because the core fibers we use to build the shirt are treated with a compound called permethrin. But what is permethrin and how, exactly, does it work?
What Is Permethrin?
Permethrin is a synthetic compound that emulates a chemical found in the chrysanthemum flower called pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is a naturally occurring insecticide that helps protect chrysanthemums from pests. Humans developed a synthetic version of pyrethrum in 1973, and since then it’s become one of the most popular insecticides and medications on the planet. Permethrin is used for everything from protecting crops, to treating head lice and scabies, to controlling mosquito and tick populations. It’s also become a common additive in mosquito nets and outdoor clothing to provide built-in insect protection.
Where did Permethrin Come From?
The ancient Persians discovered the insecticidal properties of chrysanthemum flowers around 400 BC. Powders derived from the dried and ground flowers have been used to control all kinds of insects and arachnids for centuries all over the globe. Versions of pyrethrum powders were used in Nepal and China at least 2000 years ago. Napoleon applied chrysanthemum powder to French troops to control flea and lice infestations. The FDA approved the use of permethrin, a synthetic version of pyrethrum that doesn’t require chrysanthemum flowers, in 1979. Since then, it’s become accepted as one of the safest, most effective insecticides on the market.
What Does Permethrin Do?
Contrary to what many people assume, permethrin doesn’t repel insects the way deet or citronella will. When an insect lands on a surface that contains permethrin, the chemical absorbs into its feet and then travels through the insect’s entire body almost instantly. Within seconds, permethrin starts disrupting the bug’s nervous system, causing paralysis, incapacitation, and then death.
How Does the Sol Defense Work?
When you’re wearing a Sol Defense hoody, mosquitoes and other biting bugs will still land on you, but the permethrin will usually affect them before they’re able to bite. If you watch a bug land on your shirt, you’ll notice it quickly starts to get lethargic, then drops off before it’s able to start sucking your blood. Because permethrin is not a repellent, you might want to apply some kind of spray to other parts of your body, especially exposed skin.
How Long Does Permethrin Last?
Over time, as you wash your Sol Defense Hoody, the permethrin will begin to leech out of the fibers, and the efficacy will eventually decline. You should get approximately 40 washes out of your hoody before you notice any change in performance. Fear not, though; you’ll still have an incredibly comfortable sunshirt packed with fishy features.