Mosquito repellent tests

agesilaus wrote:
As a retired chemist: Permethrin is a type of Pyrethrin. Pyrethrins were first derived from a plant, a species of Chrysanthemum and have been in use since the year 1900 or so. Permethrin is a synthetic derivative that was first made in 1973. So that makes it's use in Viet Nam unlikely.

So what were they using as personal repellents for 'Nam era military personnel besides DEET and burning barrels?
Pyrethrum? And would Permethrin as a synthetic be a more readily available version of the organic compound?

I do know that newly issued military uniforms are infused w/ Permethrin at the factory to ensure even coverage.

agesilaus wrote:
As a retired chemist: Permethrin is a type of Pyrethrin. Pyrethrins were first derived from a plant, a species of Chrysanthemum and have been in use since the year 1900 or so. Permethrin is a synthetic derivative that was first made in 1973. So that makes it's use in Viet Nam unlikely.

That clears it up ! Thanks.

As a retired chemist: Permethrin is a type of Pyrethrin. Pyrethrins were first derived from a plant, a species of Chrysanthemum and have been in use since the year 1900 or so. Permethrin is a synthetic derivative that was first made in 1973. So that makes it's use in Viet Nam unlikely.

agesilaus wrote:

Clay L wrote:
Back in 1963 in Vietnam the military issued us a Pyrethrin compound that was put on clothing and mosquito nets - not on skin. I believe it killed insects rather than repelling them. I wonder if it is still in use for that purpose?

Could it have been Permethrin? That's how it works and it is available from Amazon. Our Vet says that you can use it on dog fur too.

I Binged it and yes it appears to be the same thing - two spellings. HERE

pnichols wrote:
2012Coleman,

The fan in your photo appears exactly like the oscillating, multi-speed, height adjustable one we have!

We sometimes pack it under the dinette seat to carry along with us in our motorhome on trips to move the air when sitting outside under the awning on a hot day .... OR to keep mosquitoes away when sitting outside or eating outside at a table.

We can even use this great fan when boondock camping out in the middle of nowhere, as our little 650 watt portable Honda generator can easily and very quietly power the fan using an extension cord with the genny sitting on the other side of the motorhome.

Great minds think alike! The image is just a google image - mine is black and has a remote control!

Clay L wrote:
Back in 1963 in Vietnam the military issued us a Pyrethrin compound that was put on clothing and mosquito nets - not on skin. I believe it killed insects rather than repelling them. I wonder if it is still in use for that purpose?

Sawyer's Permethrin Spray is pretty much the same stuff and yes it's still in use:

https://sawyer.com/maximize-effectiveness-permethrin-fabric-treatment/

I called them yesterday and found out it works for black flies as well. O happy day as a region I'll be camping at this summer will be chock a block w/ em.
You can buy it @ REI and maybe Cabela's too.

Clay L wrote:
Back in 1963 in Vietnam the military issued us a Pyrethrin compound that was put on clothing and mosquito nets - not on skin. I believe it killed insects rather than repelling them. I wonder if it is still in use for that purpose?

Could it have been Permethrin? That's how it works and it is available from Amazon. Our Vet says that you can use it on dog fur too.

2012Coleman,

The fan in your photo appears exactly like the oscillating, multi-speed, height adjustable one we have!

We sometimes pack it under the dinette seat to carry along with us in our motorhome on trips to move the air when sitting outside under the awning on a hot day .... OR to keep mosquitoes away when sitting outside or eating outside at a table.

We can even use this great fan when boondock camping out in the middle of nowhere, as our little 650 watt portable Honda generator can easily and very quietly power the fan using an extension cord with the genny sitting on the other side of the motorhome.

Back in 1963 in Vietnam the military issued us a Pyrethrin compound that was put on clothing and mosquito nets - not on skin. I believe it killed insects rather than repelling them. I wonder if it is still in use for that purpose?

the fan is a great tool for under the awning. we do that also and it sure works. we use the good spray for hiking etc :)