With the Zika virus arriving in the United States, mosquitoes have been in the news quite often. Most mosquitoes can carry and transmit dangerous diseases, but the Zika virus ratchets up the concern a notch as it targets unborn babies. That’s why today’s technology is tackling the problem head-on with mosquito repellent clothing but does it really work?

How Mosquito Repelling Clothing Works

Clothing used to repel mosquitoes has been treated with permethrin. Permethrin is a chrysanthemum extract, and the type used on clothing is a synthetic form. It is also what is used in many flea collars for pets. The upside of clothing treated with permethrin is that the mosquito repelling effects will last through seventy washes. That should take a person through the summer months which tend to be the worst time for mosquitoes in most areas of the country.

A benefit of treated clothing is that it will repel most mosquitoes and give you some protection from their bites and the diseases they carry such as the Zika virus. The downside is that the clothing doesn’t cover all of your body. The more skin covered by the material the better, but as you know, when it is hot outside, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants isn’t always comfortable or possible.

It’s also important to know that the EPA has approved synthetic permethrin for use in clothing and many studies have shown that any hazard to humans is minimal at best.

So, while mosquito repelling clothing can help protect you from the Zika virus and other dangerous diseases that mosquitoes carry, it isn’t going to do the job completely.

Check Out Preventive Pest Control to Combat Mosquito Borne Illnesses

While protective clothing is a great start when it comes to keeping yourself and your family safe from mosquitoes, it is just the first step. Keeping mosquitoes out of your home and yard in the first place will ensure that you and your family, as well as your pets, can enjoy the great outdoors all summer long without the threat of being bit.

To learn more about mosquito protection, give us a call at Preventive Pest Control. Our team of Las Vegas mosquito exterminators can help devise a treatment plan to meet your needs. Take back your yard and keep mosquitoes at bay all year long.