Quick Picks to Repel Ticks
Tick-borne diseases have more than doubled in the United States over the past 20 years, so it’s more important than ever to choose an effective tick repellent when spending time outdoors.
These blood-sucking parasites burrow into the skin and can spread dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome and anaplasmosis.
With ticks becoming more prevalent during the warmer months, it’s important to wear a quality repellent whenever you spend time in nature.
We asked several entomologists for advice on which repellents are the most effective available. Here’s what they told us.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using only repellents registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Check the packaging for the EPA registration number and look for the EPA repellency awareness chart. This chart tells you how long the repellent will be effective after application.
Active ingredients approved in tick repellents include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.
However, the CDC warns that “oil of lemon eucalyptus products and some para-menthane diol products should not be used on children under 3 years of age.” Always read product labels carefully for safety information.
Dr. Angela M. Tucker, a vector and vector-borne disease specialist at the University of Tennessee, says, “It’s hard to recommend one repellent or even two because everyone has different needs.”
She suggests using this helpful tool on the EPA website to choose tick and mosquito repellents that are sure to be EPA-registered.
“The most important thing to remember is to always check yourself after hiking, walking, working, or going outdoors for any reason where you might encounter ticks,” she says. “Detecting and removing ticks before they feed will help reduce your risk of contracting a tick-borne disease.”
The most tested and proven active ingredient in tick repellents is DEET. While its effectiveness is undisputed, it can damage some plastics and synthetic fabrics. It also has a strong odor that some people find unpleasant and can be greasy on the skin. It can also occasionally irritate sensitive skin.
The non-greasy, odorless alternative is picaridin, a synthetic substance available as an insect repellent in the United States since 2005.
“Studies indicate that picaridin is as effective as DEET against ticks,” says Dr. Goudarz Molaei, director of the Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program at Yale University School of Public Health.
“However, because picaridin is relatively new on the market, we do not have enough information about its potential long-term side effects and health risks. The question is whether we want to choose an older, more established product or a relatively new product,” he adds.
Molaei suggests choosing a repellent that contains 30 percent DEET or 20 percent picaridin. For children, he advises choosing a concentration of 30 percent DEET or between 5 percent and 10 percent picaridin.
If you find a tick on yourself, a child, or a pet, check out our expert-led guide on how to safely remove ticks.
Best Tick Repellent
This is one of the longest-lasting repellents on the market. The lightweight lotion, which contains 20% picaridin, is effective for up to 14 hours against ticks and mosquitoes. The spray version is effective for up to 12 hours. The bottle is also small, making it convenient for air travel and hiking. The downside to the lotion is that it can be messy to apply on the go, and the picaridin concentration may be too high for use on children.
Best Tick Repellent with DEET
This formula contains the recommended concentration of 30 percent DEET to repel ticks for up to eight hours. That’s 5 percent more DEET than the slightly cheaper Off! Deep Woods. If you don’t have sensitive skin and don’t mind the pungent odor, DEET gives you peace of mind thanks to over 60 years of use and considerable research. The pump bottle makes it easy to apply, and it’s safe for air travel. Ben’s also offers versions with a higher concentration of DEET, but Kait Chapman, an urban entomologist and extension educator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, says that “higher percentages of DEET may provide longer protection, but anything over 30 percent offers no additional repellency.”
Best Tick Repellent with Sunscreen
This Avon formula is one of the few EPA-approved insect repellents on the market that comes with a sunscreen. It’s also water-resistant, which is great for humid, sweaty conditions or outdoor sports. It repels mosquitoes and ticks for up to 10 hours, but it’s not suitable for children.
Best Tick Repellent for Clothing and Gear
This product is not intended for use directly on skin. Its permethrin formula is intended to be sprayed onto camping or hiking gear and clothing without damaging the materials. It can last up to six washes, or six weeks for items like tents that aren’t likely to be washed as regularly as clothing. Follow the directions for use very carefully, as permethrin is classified as an EPA-regulated pesticide.
Read the product label to determine how often and where to apply it, and whether the product is appropriate for your age and needs. Always avoid your eyes and mouth, and do not touch them after application. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating as well.
“When using sprays, do not spray directly on your face,” advises Jeff Landis, EPA media communications specialist. “Spray on your hands first, then apply to your face. Apply sparingly around your ears.”
The CDC also advises applying your repellent After your sunscreen.
“Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding their hands, eyes and mouth,” said a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health.
Molaei also advises “not to use products that combine repellents and sunscreen” on children. “It is also important to wash children’s skin with soap and water after using repellents and after returning from outdoor activities,” he adds.