Permethrin is a non-toxic insecticide that’s registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s a synthetic version of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide produced from the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin is applied to your clothing and gear only, never to your skin. Clothing should be light-colored with a fairly tight weave so you can easily spot ticks. You can also line the perimeter of your property with permethrin, making it a less hospitable habitat. It lasts for six weeks or six washings and repels or kills ticks and mosquitos on contact. Treat all of your outdoor clothing and gear with Permethrin as the first step in Lyme disease prevention.