For trips to buggy areas, we pre-treat our own clothes [using spray-on permethrin](https://www.sawyer.com/products/permethrin-fabric-treatment), which lasts about 6 washings or 60 days. You need a total of about 4.5-6.0 oz per outfit (including socks) for full effectiveness (4.5 oz is roughly 160 sprays using the included trigger). You can also send away your clothes to [Insect Shield for professional treatment](https://www.insectshield.com/pages/insect-shield-your-clothes), which is intended to last for a garment’s expected lifespan. We also spray items that might come into contact with bedbugs, such as the fabric portions of our luggage and backpacks, and any sleep sacks or pillowcases we might use. ## Bug spray For bug spray, we prefer picaridin insect repellent over DEET, as it’s not greasy, doesn't ruin fabrics, and is odorless, while being just as effective. It’s just a far superior product for most uses.