FAQs

Permethrin acts as both an Insect Repellent and an Insecticide, depending on the insect. Some insects will not go near the treated product. Some may pass through the repellent zone and sit on the fabric. These insects will quickly become disorientated while the Permethrin acts on the neurological part of their brain that enables them to bite, blood suck and feed. Do not worry as they cannot do any harm to your horse in this state and it is only a matter of time before these insects move on and die. The time it takes for this to happen will vary, depending on the species – see knockdown test results and link to videos.

Our Insect Control Rugs all offer 70%UV protection.

However our Ripstop fabric has a lower porosity so it offers greater UV protection than our Mesh fabric (around 90%UV coverage).

Permethrin is a man-made version of a natural insect control found in certain chrysanthemum plants. The Insect Repellent process binds a Permethrin formula tightly to fabric fibres—resulting in effective, odourless insect protection that lasts the expected lifetime of apparel. Permethrin has been successfully used in the United States as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered product since 1977, with an excellent safety record. It is used in lice shampoos for children, flea dips for dogs, and various other products, some of which are regulated by the FDA.

Insect Repellent Technology has been proven to help control mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, biting flies, midges and sandflies. The EPA requires extensive effectiveness data to prove a product’s ability to help repel insects. Many species and varieties of these insects have been tested, including those that can carry dangerous diseases. Our products are individually put through rigorous testing for every different fabric type. The top ten most harmful insects of each species are tested by independent laboratories and must pass before EPA approval can be given.

Insect Control Technology treated products are exceptionally durable and unique because unlike other products, the treatment has been bonded deep into the fabric fibres, instead of just being sprayed on. By using this patent process, we eliminate having high initial concentrations that can have dangerous overdose effects, but then wash off in a short time with rain and perspiration. The permethrin in our treated products is EPA-registered to last through 25 launderings—the expected lifetime of a garment. However, even after this point, testing has shown that the fabrics can retain over 92% of their effectiveness. This is also well beyond the life of most performance finishes commonly used in the technical-apparel industry.

In most cases, your Insect Control Technology horse rug will provide good protection. In heavily infested areas you can get increased protection by fitting your horse with Insect Control Technology leg protectors, which can help protect the lower legs and also help prevent ticks from crawling up onto your horse’s legs in heavily infested areas. Insect Control Technology treated Fly masks/Hoods are also recommended in high insect areas, as they are brilliantly designed for a great fit. The hood sits further back on your horse’s neck and helps protect all key areas for your horse.

Insect Control gear stops mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, sandflies and midges. The EPA requires extensive effectiveness data to prove the product’s ability to repel these insects. Many species and varieties of ticks, mosquitoes, flies, etc., have been tested.

No. Insect Repellent Technology protection is odourless, colourless and does not change the feel of the fabric.

Insect Control Gear provides effective protection against insects through 25 washings. Horsewear should be machine-washed separately in cold water using standard laundry detergent. You should not dry clean, as this will remove the permethrin (the active ingredient) from your horsewear, thereby reducing the insect repellent capabilities.

Please see product care.

For horses with EXTREMELY sensitive skin we do recommend that you wash your rug before use.

A mild & sensitive detergent works best.

You should allow 3-7 business days for standard Australian delivery and 1-3 days for express parcels. However most of our customers find that their order arrives sooner than these estimated times. See our daily post cut off times bellow.

Daily post cut off times

1st August-30th April: 4:30pm Monday-Friday

1st May-31st July: 3pm Monday-Thusday

All orders received during these periods both over the phone or online are immediate and will be sent out that day, orders received outside these times will be dispatched immediately on the following dispatch day. High priority is given to all your parcels and we work hard to get them out to you as fast as possible.

To fix this issue after placing the rug on your horse grab the webbing (near the lycra) at either side of your horse’s wither. Pull the full Rug forward of your horse’s wither, slide your hands down the webbing and secure your chest firmly. Our Rugs are cut forward of the wither so it is important that they are pulled forward this will give you extra coverage across your chest and alleviate pull across shoulders.

Cool Mesh: Our lightest and coolest most popular option, our customers love these, perfect for warmer climates. Once you have the insects and your itch under control this Rug can be worn all year round, even as an under Rug to keep your horse covered and itch free (for extreme rug wreckers see below Super Strength Mesh info).

Super Strength Mesh: Our Super Strength Mesh is a great option for horses that don’t overheat easily. The larger open hole allows cooling airflow but is a great option for horses that are tougher on their Rugs.

For extremely itchy Rug wreckers please remember horses will itch on the saliva insect bites they already have for up to 3 weeks so it’s important to keep your horse calm during this period. We highly recommend your horse gets an antihistamine or Cortisone shot from your vet before putting the Rug on to keep your calm in the interim and help prevent Rug wreckage. 

Duo: Our Duo Rug is a great combination of two of our most popular fabrics, Cool Mesh and Ripstop. It has Cool Mesh panels along the neck and base of the Rug great for cooling airflow and Ripstop on the top line and chest area where horses can be a little tougher, offering a cool but strong Rug. A Perfect all year round Rug.

Ripstop: One of our Strongest options – Strong fabric great for all year round protection. For horses in Summer not living in our hottest climates.

Please call us on 0406440196 if you’re unsure of what fabric your horse will need.

Our Anti-heat absorbing Nylon Mesh is NOT treated with our long-lasting Insect Control, simply because we are unable to bind it into the fabric fibres for long-term wear.

All of our products have safety give points where needed, this means the product is designed to give way if under full force to protect your horse. All Elastic on our Poll & Chin straps utilise this design for your horses safety.
When repairing your Rug It’s important not to use bartac stitching so it will re-give at this point if needed.

The Super Secure range has an extra wide top strap. If your horse is sensitive behind the ears, or heats up easily in this area and doesn’t need the added security, you may be better to look at the Ultimate UV range or Classic range.