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There are various measures of protection against tick bites. Depending on the type of active ingredient, tick repellents are divided into two types. One group is the real repellents, the other the contact poisons. What repels ticks does not necessarily kill them. Repellents work through their smell, which is somehow unpleasant for insects and thus keeps them away. Ticks simply fall off when they come into contact with surfaces (skin or clothing) treated with repellent. Contact poisons work differently, if an insect comes into contact with it, it quickly interferes with the cell metabolism and kills the bug.
Why Use Tick Repellent?
Because ticks can transmit bacteria and viruses that can make you really sick!
One out of ten ticks carries Borrelia bacteria which can possibly transmit Lyme disease if they bite you. The risk of borreliosis after a tick bite is quite high. The CDC estimates there are about to be 300,000 cases of Lyme disease in the United States each year.
About one out of 100 ticks contain one or more other viruses that can cause dangerous diseases like ehrlichiosis, rickettsia, babesia… in all there are at least 16 known diseases that can be transmitted by ticks.
Prevention of tick bite is better than treatment, but what repels ticks and can reduce the risk of tick-transmitted illness?
Best Tick Repellents
Tick repellents reduce the risk of a tick bite and thus the risk of contracting a tick-transmitted disease. There are different types of tick repellents you may choose from:
Personal Repellents – (topical repellent) to be applied directly onto the skin or clothing
Surface Sprays – to be sprayed onto surfaces or clothing to repel or kill ticks on contact
Pet Repellents – only recommended for use on animals
Repel Sportsmen Max Insect Repellent Pump Spray
Repel Sportsmen Max Insect Repellent is a highly effective insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET.
DEET is widely considered as one of the most reliable and effective insect repellents. Its strong insect-repelling effect works against all sorts of biting insects. These include, in particular, mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
The active ingredient DEET was developed by the US Army in the 50s, it is not only one of the most effective but also one of the most studied insect repellents. It is classified as safe to use by the EPA – Environmental Protection Agency. However, in rare cases, DEET can cause skin irritation or allergies in some users.
When using any insect repellent whether it contains DEET or any other active ingredient, you need to consider the benefits it against the risks. Contracting a dangerous disease through a mosquito or tick bite is usually far worse and more dangerous than the rare side effects through the repellent.
Key features: Repels and deters biting insects.
Pros: Highly effective against all kinds of biting and stinging bugs.
- Repels: create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas.
- Contains 40% DEET: provides long-lasting protection in the great outdoors.
- Developed for outdoor enthusiasts: especially for campers, backpackers, golfers, hunters, bikers, hikers, joggers, ball players and others who are active outdoors.
- Lasting protection: long-lasting protection ensures that you have the toughest Repellent for any adventure
- Pump spray: liquid spray pump is easily packed with your outdoor gear so it's ready whenever you need it.
- REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, ticks, gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas.
- FORMULATED FOR SEVERE INSECT CONDITIONS: Contains 98.11% DEET for protection in heavily infested conditions.
- PROTECTS FOR UP TO 10 HOURS: Enjoy the outdoors without the bite – provides long-lasting protection, so you don't have to limit your adventure because of bugs.
- ALSO REPELS TICKS, GNATS, BITING FLIES, CHIGGERS & FLEAS: Create a barrier against annoying bugs that can spoil the outdoors.
- PUMP SPRAY: Perfect for outdoor travel – the compact size stores perfectly with whatever adventure gear you're taking that day.
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent
An alternative to strong synthetic chemical repellents: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, contains only naturally occurring compounds extracted from plants.
Repel insect repellent is a mixture of a base- oil and the essential oil of the Lemon-Eycalutus Tree (Corymbia citriodora). It has a cool and refreshing scent that repels mosquitoes and ticks.
Use as directed, to apply onto clothing and exposed skin. Do not spray directly on the face, instead, spray on the palm of a hand carefully rub to the face and neck.
Key features: natural ingredients, an essential oil extract from the lemon-eucalyptus tree.
Pros: repels ticks, mosquitoes, cool refreshing scent, natural.
- MADE WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: This DEET-free insect repellent provides you with protection during adventures in the backyard and on the go.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES FOR UP TO 6 HOURS: This repellent keeps you and your family protected for hours, so the fun doesn't have to end.
- REFRESHING SCENT: This DEET-free personal repellent leaves you with a cool, refreshing scent so you don't have to put up with the usual bug spray smell.
- REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
- NOT GREASY OR STICKY: Formulated with oil of lemon eucalyptus to provide protection without leaving your skin feeling sticky or greasy.
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Picaridin Insect Repellent from Sawyer
Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin as an active ingredient has been a bestseller for many years. Available as a topical spray or a topical lotion it provides effective and longlasting protection against mosquitos, sandflies, ticks, and other biting insects.
Picaridin is usually well tolerated. In rare cases, hypersensitivity to the active ingredient could cause itching and redness of the skin right after application. When using, be careful not to get the product into open wounds or near mucous membranes. Contact with the eyes should also be avoided. Available as lotion and spray. Use only as directed, read the label.
Key features: longlasting protection against all biting and stinging bugs
Pros: won’t stain fabrics, suitable for the whole family
- Non-greasy, fragrance free, odorless; Dries quickly and won't damage plastics or synthetic coatings — safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent lotion deters a wide variety of pests — up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, and Zika viruses), chiggers, and more
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
- Top rated bug repellent by WireCutter/New York Times (May, 2020); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sawyer Premium Clothing Insect Repellent Spray
This bestselling insect repellent is specially designed to treat clothing, tents, or any other outdoor gear. It provides effective protection for anyone who spends time outdoors hunting, fishing or backpacking or just walking the dog.
Permethrin clothing spray will keep you safe from harmful parasites by causing a “hot feet effect” on the bug, which makes them fall off. If they remain in contact with treated surfaces then the permethrin quickly becomes toxic to the ectoparasite and it dies. When sprayed on clothing the effect of the spray will last up to 6 weeks, keeping ticks, fleas, bugs, and any other insect away.
Permethrin spray has anti-staining properties and is odorless.
Key features: innovative design, lasts up to 6 weeks, and odorless.
Pros: provides safe and reliable protection against all sorts of biting pests.
- Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; fragrance free
- Reduce likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times by treating shoes and socks with Permethrin (University of Rhode Island study - 2017); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Picaridin topical repellent for the skin
- Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, when outdoors, camping, hunting, or on travel
- Ideal for backpacking, backyard BBQs, hunting, and other outdoor activities, it's effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme) and mosquitoes (West Nile & Zika) to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more
- Sawyer Permethrin stays effective despite sweat or water, degrades via UV exposure or washing machine agitation; each 24-ounce trigger spray bottle treats 5 outfits (EPA now reconmends 4.5 ounces per outfit consisting of shirt, pants, and socks)
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
YAYA Organics Tick Repellent
YAYA Organics specializes in natural and organic products that are safe for both, humans and the environment.
YAYA Organics Tick Protection is a purely organic tick repellent made from a combination of natural essential oils.
This plant-based repellent can be safely used by all family members and can even be used on dogs. The YAYA tick repellent is an alternative to synthetic agents for anyone who likes outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, golfing, hunting, etc. without being bothered by annoying mosquitos and ticks.
Key features: natural ingredients, essential oil.
Pros: suitable for all, safe and used for many purposes.
- All Natural Bug Repellent: Our extra gentle formula contains non-GMO therapeutic grade essential oils like geranium and certified organic castor and soybean oils. Perfect for sensitive skin and babies’ skin. Keep the bugs away from your little ones on your next outdoor adventure
- Family Friendly: Protect your whole family with our baby safe, natural bug spray. Great for travel, camping, hiking, fishing, summer adventures, and days spent in the mountains with your kids. Our natural baby bug repellent is independently lab tested for efficacy
- Easy Application: No aerosol here - simply “shake and spray” from head to toe, avoiding eyes, mouth, and hands. Our bottle is recyclable, convenient for frequent applications and the 4 ounce size easily fits into purses, diaper bags, backpacks, and pockets for traveling
- Safe and Gentle: Perfect for babies (6+ months), toddlers, children, pregnant/nursing mothers, and easily irritated skin. Protect your baby’s skin and health with Baby Bug Ban. Our bug guard spray won’t stain clothing and is safe to use on delicate, soft skin
- Fresh Floral Scent: Amazing floral scent that you and your baby will love and bugs will hate! Non-irritating, non-greasy, 100% plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free formula. No DEET, Permethrin, clove, eugenol, alcohol or synthetics. Made in the USA
Last update on 2025-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Use Repellent
The above are some of the most popular and effective tick repellents. They are used by thousands of satisfied customers. However, if you use a new product for the first time, apply only a small amount and observe your skin for any reactions. Some people may react hypersensitively to certain products!
So choose the best tick repellent and enjoy a safe time outdoors. Remember what repels ticks also repels mosquitos and other bloodsucking pests.
What if You still get Bitten
If you still get bitten by a tick it is important to remove the tick as soon as possible. After getting the parasite out, observe the bite site and monitor your body for signs and symptoms. Mark the area with a pen, or take a photo of the bite site, this can help to monitor it for changes. If, a ring-shaped reddening of the skin appears, around the wound or anywhere on your body, a doctor should be consulted.
If you develop flu-like symptoms within a couple of days after a tick bite, such as headache, body aches, fever, fatigue, or generally start to feel sick, go and see a doctor for clarification.
So, what repels ticks best?
Any time spent outdoors in meadows, forests, and fields or even in your yard around your house puts you at risk of a tick “attack”. More so during the warm time of the year. So even on warm days, instead of shorts and Flip-flops, you may want to wear long pants and sturdy shoes, to make it more difficult for ticks to attach. Wear bright clothes as on those crawling ticks can be easier seen than on darker clothing.
No single measure provides 100 percent protection. But using effective tick repellents in combination with other precautions can reduce the risk of a tick bite.
