Folks,

As an entomologist that has north and south in some tick and chigger infested places and have tried everything- there is no better protection than Permanone or Duranone (active ingredient is Permethrin - the insecticide). Before this hit the marketan old cotton entomologist that I hunted with in NC turned me on to it (then the army started using it and it hit the mainstream)How do you use it? Just follow the directions, more is not better!!, I've had my various spring hunting outfits treated with this stuff for years, I reapply each spring just to be sure but this product will last through several washes. Is it safe? Well, its safer than a Tickborne disease Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme, or other and unless you have had a whopping case of chiggers (I'm talking hundreds imbedded in your legs at once) you don't know what itching is! Furthermore, its the same insecticide farmers have been spraying on thier fields for many many years, so if your eating food from the USA then you've been exposed plenty to this chemical. As with all chemicals though, its up to the individual. I simply don't go in the woods without it in the spring.

Now, if you are worried about the smell as a deer hunter or something then thats something you have to deal with (or not), but once this stuff dries its odorless to us (at least). For the scent freaks out there you wil have to make your own call.

One last suggestion - again, this isn't always possible, but talking a shower every evening after you come out of the woods and checking yourself (yep in the private parts as well!!) will catch many a tick that does make it past the barrier. I'm amazed at the calls I get of folks that find a tick that has been imbedded in thier back for a week since they had been in the woods! Just check yourself good in the evening before you go to bed!!

Hope this helps,

Hootnscoot