TICK-BORNE DISEASES: VECTOR SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL

Permethrin is the standard military clothing repellent, and it is the most effective repellent for use
against ticks. Since permethrin is actually a contact pesticide, it incapacitates and eventually
kills ticks. Permethrin is available through the military supply system in several formulations: a
6-ounce aerosol can that is used to treat a single military uniform, a 5.1-ounce bottle of
concentrate that is dissolved in a 2-gallon sprayer for treatment of 8 uniforms, and an
impregnation kit for treatment of a single uniform. Desert camouflage uniforms are permethrinimpregnated
at the factory, and so automatically offer protection from tick attack for their
combat life. Manually treated clothing should be dried prior to wearing, and permethrin should
only be applied to clothing – never to skin.
Permethrin aerosol (NSN 6840-01-278-1336) contains 0.5% permethrin. The aerosol should be
sprayed liberally, to the point of dampness, over the entire outside surface of the uniform (a color
change in the fabric indicates wetting; it dries to its original color). When treated with ¾ of a
can, the uniform will provide excellent tick protection through up to 6 launderings. It is
especially important to apply permethrin to the lower pant legs, crotch, waistband, shirt sleeves,
collar, front placket and lower edge of shirt.
Permethrin concentrate (NSN 6840-01-334-2666) is used in a 2-gallon sprayer to treat 8 sets of
uniforms. When dry, the uniforms offer effective protection for the combat life of the uniform.
The Individual Dynamic Absorption Application Kit (IDAA kit, “baggie” method) (NSN 6840-
01-345-0237) is used to impregnate a single uniform with permethrin. The kit consists of two
small vials of permethrin concentrate, two plastic treatment bags, two pieces of twine, and a
black permanent marker. The pants and shirt are treated separately. Each is rolled up, tied with
a piece of twine, and placed in a treatment bag into which a vial of permethrin and ¾ canteen
cupful of water have been mixed. After three hours, all the liquid will have been absorbed by the
clothing, and it is then hung to dry. The kit imparts effective protection from tick bites for the
combat life of the uniform.
Companion animals should be closely monitored for ticks on a daily basis. Dogs are particularly
vulnerable, having been shown to be several times more likely to acquire Lyme disease than their
owners. A number of commercial products are available for controlling fleas and ticks on pets,
but these should be used cautiously. To avoid toxic synergistic effects, contact a veterinarian for
advice on using more than one type of treatment on an animal. A veterinarian may also provide
prescription chemicals. Under no circumstances should pet flea and tick collars be used on
humans. Dogs and cats have few or no sweat glands in their skin and therefore do not absorb
chemical toxicants from collars. However, human skin readily absorbs chemicals, and people
who foolishly wear pesticide-impregnated flea and tick collars risk skin damage or poisoning.
Use of other commercial products (e.g., bath oils) in a manner inconsistent with their labeling
may also be hazardous or may fail to provide protection equivalent to standard military
repellents.
7. Tick Control (CHPPM Fact Sheet)
a. Integrated Control