this post was submitted on 02 Jun 2025
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A reminder that DEET insect repellant will destroy your Lycra/technical apparel. (self.bicycling)
submitted 4 days ago by Showroom7561 to c/[email protected]
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If you ride in during the summer (who doesn't???), there may be times when you're putting bug repellent spray on.

DEET-based products harm synthetic fabric, so opt for a DEET-free bug spray if you don't want any surprises.

I've used picaridin-based products, and they seem to work as good, if not better, than DEET.

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[–] Showroom7561 1 points 4 days ago (2 children)

It’s also worth noting that permethrin treatments can last through multiple washes.

Interestingly, at least in Canada, I can only find permethrin treated clothing, but nothing I can spray myself... except for actual insecticide products that use the same ingredient.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

It should come as a spray or wash-in. You might be able to use the insecticide but you'd want to make sure it doesn't have anything harmful/destructive in it and that the strength was suitable for treating gear/garments.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago

Not sure about Canada, but in the US they usually label the other ingredients in percentages. You could try finding the "purest" and then dilute to the desired concentration before spraying the clothes. Not sure what % permethrin you need tho.

And I imagine most high concentration sources are probably regulated