Is it safe for my hamster if I use Permethrin spray on my hiking boots if the boots are not near my hamster?

NuggetHam · 2026-04-09T16:41:30+0100

Is it safe to spray my boots with Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment outdoors and wear the boots only outdoors? It has the same ingredient as Johnson's Insecticidal Spray Extra for Small Animals.

I just don't want to take any chances. Ticks are bad this year and I want to prevent Lyme disease in myself but I won't use it if there is a risk to my hamster. The boots will not come into contact with my hamster. Thank you.

https://packagepets.com/products/johnsons-insecticidal-spray-extra-for-small-animals

https://www.sawyer.com/product/permethrin-fabric-treatment-insect-repellent-24-oz-trigger-spray

Socks' Mum · 2026-04-09T18:01:40+0100

It would be better if you could spray it on your boots outside and store the boots in a cupboard as the smell is quite strong and might be unpleasant for your little hammy

Maz · 2026-04-09T18:02:55+0100

That's an interesting question

Permethrin is toxic, as you probably know, but once fabric is treated it's supposed to be fairly inert I think, although some people do worry about absorbing it from their clothing but I believe it's supposed to just be part of the fabric by then. I know some trousers for walkers are pre-treated with permethrin.

So if you were spraying it outside to treat inside of boots or fabric, that would be a safe place to do it. What I'm not sure of is how long it would be before it stopped "off gassing". You could maybe google that. But I wouldn't have thought the boots would be anywhere near your hamsters once treated and aired, and with usual handwashing before handling hamsters, nothing is likely to get transferred.

The first link actually seemed to suggest it's pet safe (which I doubt personally). The second one for fabric treatment I'm not sure. Was it clothing as well as boots you were going to treat?

Preventing tick bites is definitely important (assume you live in an area where that can be an issue) because Lyme disease is not something you want to get.

Maz · 2026-04-09T18:04:21+0100

I'm not sure if this helps at all for tick prevention, but I never wanted to use Deet based products for midges, and we found a natural product called bug buster which worked very well!

Maz · 2026-04-09T18:06:14+0100

Just for future reference! Worked for midges - whether it's enough to prevent tick bites ............. not sure. Seems to be a pot - I'm sure it was a tube when we had it. I don't think hamsters would like the smell of that either even if it's not toxic - some scents can be a bit strong for them

Napiers Bugbuster Outdoor Skin Cream Carolean Edition

Napiers Bugbuster Outdoor Skin Cream: Carolean Edition is a limited-edition natural insect repellent, crafted with Highland Bog Myrtle in honour of His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation. Blended with citronella, eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint, it helps protect against biting insects...

napiers.net

NuggetHam · 2026-04-09T18:12:59+0100

Maz said:
That's an interesting question Permethrin is toxic, as you probably know, but once fabric is treated it's supposed to be fairly inert I think, although some people do worry about absorbing it from their clothing but I believe it's supposed to just be part of the fabric by then. I know some trousers for walkers are pre-treated with permethrin.

So if you were spraying it outside to treat inside of boots or fabric, that would be a safe place to do it. What I'm not sure of is how long it would be before it stopped "off gassing". You could maybe google that. But I wouldn't have thought the boots would be anywhere near your hamsters once treated and aired, and with usual handwashing before handling hamsters, nothing is likely to get transferred.

The first link actually seemed to suggest it's pet safe (which I doubt personally). The second one for fabric treatment I'm not sure. Was it clothing as well as boots you were going to treat?

Preventing tick bites is definitely important (assume you live in an area where that can be an issue) because Lyme disease is not something you want to get.

Thank you! Just boots. I used to do socks but I wouldn't anymore. I worry! thanks

Maz · 2026-04-09T18:42:26+0100

NuggetHam said:
Thank you! Just boots. I used to do socks but I wouldn't anymore. I worry! thanks

Aw it's good to check. Yes I worry too about anything to do with hamsters

And chemicals and so on. I'm sure it will be fine and you need to be tick-free!

Is it safe for my hamster if I use Permethrin spray on my hiking boots if the boots are not near my hamster?

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