Application of Novel Insect Repellent Formulations to Military Clothing

Vector-borne diseases plague hundreds of millions of people worldwide, including U.S. soldiers who operate abroad. To reduce the impact of vector-borne diseases on military operations, the Military employs the arthropod repellent system, which combines a permethrin-treated uniform with the use of DEET repellent on exposed skin not covered by the uniform. An increasing permethrin-resistant arthropod population around the world makes the development of factory-treated uniforms with insect repellents other than permethrin an increasing necessity. TDA Research, Inc. proposes to develop novel, non-permethrin insect repellent formulations and techniques to apply them to military clothing. We will test the new formulations on fabric for both the standard Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and the Fire Retardant ACU, which has proved difficult to treat with previous formulations. Tests and analysis will assess the efficacy and durability of the improved treated fabric, and project its cost in production.