Insect Shield Company Background
1996: Insect Shield researchers began development of the process of bonding a proprietary permethrin repellent to consumer apparel.
2001: Insect Shield, LLC, was founded to complete the development, manufacture and distribution of Insect Shield Insect Repellent Apparel.
2002: All West Point Military Academy cadet uniforms were processed by Insect Shield. Cases of Lyme disease had increased year after year at the Academy, but after Insect Shield-treated uniforms were introduced, Lyme disease cases dropped to zero. The Academy has continued to contract for Insect Shield treatment of uniforms.
2003: After seven years of comprehensive testing, researchers perfected the formulation, procedures and specialized equipment necessary to produce Insect Shield Insect Repellent Apparel; and after submitting an extensive data package to meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA registration was granted.
2004: Insect Shield teamed up with selected apparel manufacturers and distributors to produce innovative insect-repellent apparel for the consumer market.
2005: Insect Shield Insect Repellent Gear was registered by the EPA, including products for pets, horses, camping and other outdoor activities.
2006: Significant milestones—4 million apparel and gear products processed—and the EPA grants apparel registration as “effective through 70 washings.”
2007: Sales, marketing and product development division in Seattle is formed to expand the reach of Insect Shield technology.
2009: Insect Shield opens treatment facility in Zhucheng, China.
2010: Insect Shield launches Program for Workplace Safety and Health developed for companies in the oil/gas and mining/forestry operations to help protect workers from insects. Insect Shield opens a sales office in Japan.
2011: Insect Shield expands into bug repellent clothing and gear for pets product industry
2014: Insect Shield opens treatment facility in Hanoi, Vietnam
2016: Insect Shield treats clothing for Olympic teams participating in Rio games and expands corporate partnerships to include Project Lyme and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
2017: Insect Shield launches permethrin spray and surpasses 25 million mark in number of apparel and gear products processed.
2020: Insect Shield opens new processing and distribution facility in Greensboro, NC.
2022: Insect Shield partners with Tick Encounter at the University of Rhode Island to create educational video series called Equip-4-Ticks.
2023: Insect Shield signs sponsorship agreement with #1 Disc Golfer in the world – Ricky Wysocki
Summary:
In July 2003, Insect Shield, introduced the first EPA-registered insect-repellent apparel. Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel technology provides effective, invisible and odorless protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) through 70 launderings. Insect Shield apparel categories include outdoor, golf, hunting, fishing, and equestrian. Insect Shield® Repellent Gear technology is proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and fleas through six months of constant exposure to weathering (sun/rain). Insect Shield gear product categories include camping, patio, beach, pet, and equestrian. Insect Shield technology has the potential to be an important tool in the battle against insect-borne diseases. In partnership with a number of agencies and international relief organizations, Insect Shield technology is being used for apparel and other items that people use daily to aid in protection against insects. For more information about Insect Shield, visit our Technology section. Insect Shield Repellent Apparel is also offered under the brand names of ShudderBug™ and Bug Shield™.