The Insect-Repellent Clothing and Gear Every Traveler Should Have

At best, getting a bug bite is an itchy nuisance for a few days. At worst, it could expose you to a serious or even deadly disease. Common mosquito-borne illnesses include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile virus, and Zika virus, while ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other maladies. To protect yourself, consider packing insect-repellent clothing and other gear on hiking trips, tropical vacations, or any other trips where you might be at risk of bug bites.

Permethrin Clothing Spray

If you don’t want to invest in a whole new wardrobe of insect-repellent clothing, treat what you already have with permethrin spray, a bug repellent designed to be used on clothing and shoes (but not skin!) that lasts through multiple washings. This permethrin spray for clothes is effective against mosquitoes, ticks, mites, and other bugs for six washings or six weeks, and it’s as effective as 100 percent DEET. Odorless after drying, it won’t stain or damage your clothes, so you can wear them again after your trip.

Find the complete list of Insect-Repellent clothing and gear every traveler should have here.