Insect ShieldEfficacy Testing
Our repellent technology passes the most current efficacy testing protocols so you can be confident it will work out on the job site.
Knockdown Test
Insect Shield is Tested and Proven
Knockdown testing is a widely accepted scientific laboratory methodology for determining the efficacy of insect repellent-treated textile products. Knockdown is a precise lab test that shows effectiveness through long-term washings. A repellent-treated textile sample is placed in an enclosed space containing insects for a brief period, after which the sample is removed and the insects' reaction is documented.
Many recognized agencies utilize KD testing for this purpose. These include:
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Knockdown Testing Overview
(1) Schreck, Haile & Kline, The effectiveness of Permethrin and DEET, Alone or in Combination, for Protection Against Aedes Taeniorhynchus, published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene 33 (4): 725-30 (1984). Field study done using zero wash clothing. Schreck Final Report to USAMRDC 87 study showed knockdown at zero washes at 74%, 74%, 84% and 32% for four separate mosquito species averaging 66%
(2) Insect Shield technology provides 91.7% knockdown through 70 washes, average for four mosquito species.
Insect Shield Average Knockdown Effectiveness on Mosquitoes
Insect Shield Average Knockdown Effectiveness on Ticks
WHO Mosquito Knockdown Tube Test
The WHO Tube Test is a mosquito knockdown test using standard WHO-Tubes to determine the efficacy of different insect repellent-treated textiles. For this test, an independent laboratory places an Insect Shield treated textile sample in an enclosed tube containing insects for a specified time period, after which the sample is removed and the insects' reaction is documented.
Arm-In-Cage Selection Test
Test Description
Three acrylic chambers are created. One to hold the population of test mosquitoes, one for a bare exposed arm and one for an arm covered in an Insect Shield treated garment. Once arm ports are opened, mosquitoes are able to choose which arm chamber to enter. At the end of the exposure period the arm ports are closed and the number of mosquitoes are recorded in each arm chamber. Mosquitoes are also inspected for blood and number of blood feedings recorded.
Test Results
Tick Bite Prevention Pilot Study
Introduction
Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are a significant concern for many thousands of workers who have frequent and unavoidable exposure to tick infested habitats. Many North Carolina state employees with outdoor occupations report multiple tick bites each year, indicating that existing tick preventive strategies may be underutilized or ineffective. Treatment of clothing with permethrin, a nontoxic chemical with insecticidal, knockdown, and repellent properties, is highly effective against ticks. However, most permethrin products must be reapplied after several washings in order to maintain insecticidal activity. Recently, a factory-based method for long-lasting permethrin impregnation of clothing has been developed by Insect Shield, which allows clothing to retain insecticidal activity for over 70 washes.
Methods
A non-randomized open label pilot study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Insect Shield treated clothing for the prevention of tick bites among sixteen outdoor workers from the North Carolina Division of Water Quality under actual field conditions. Participants completed questionnaires at the start of follow-up (March, 2008) and at the end of follow-up (September, 2008), and tick bites and outdoor work hours were reported on weekly tick bite logs for the entire follow-up period.
Results
Subjects wearing Insect Shield treated clothing had a 93% reduction in the total incidence of tick bites compared to subjects using standard tick bite prevention measures. The rate of tick bites acquired during work hours was reduced by approximately 99% among subjects wearing Insect Shield treated clothing.
Conclusion
This study provides preliminary evidence that long-lasting permethrin-impregnated clothing to be highly effective against tick bites.
Shelf Life Study on Permethrin Treated Fabric
Summary
Shelf life assays of permethrin-treated fabric (16.8 years) recorded 100% kill of adult Ae. aegypti within 15 minutes after a 30 second exposure to the treatment.
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