Abstract: An insect repellent substrate (10) includes a fabric base material (12) made of felt which is impregnated with a repellent carrier composition (14). The carrier composition (14) includes a mixture of wax and a naturally occurring insect repellent such as pyrethrum oil. The carrier composition (14) may also include scented or aromatic oils such as citronella oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil and neem oil. Strips of the fabric base material may be attached to headwear such as a headband or cap so that it is in contact with the wearer's hair or body. Active constituents of the carrier composition (14) provide effective treatment and prevention of headlice and other parasitic insects.