What is better to use against mosquitoes and ticks? - briefly
Use a DEET or picaridin formulation (20‑30%) for reliable mosquito deterrence. For ticks, treat clothing with permethrin and apply a skin repellent containing 0.5% permethrin or DEET.
What is better to use against mosquitoes and ticks? - in detail
Effective protection against both biting flies and arachnid pests requires a combination of personal repellents, treated fabrics, and environmental management.
Personal repellents applied to skin should contain proven active ingredients. DEET (N,N‑diethyl‑meta‑toluamide) at concentrations of 20‑30 % provides 4–6 hours of protection against mosquitoes and 6–8 hours against ticks. Picaridin (5‑% solution) offers comparable duration with a milder odor and reduced skin irritation. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (30‑% concentration) is a plant‑based alternative delivering 4–5 hours of mosquito coverage; its efficacy against ticks is limited. IR3535 (10‑% solution) provides moderate protection for up to 3 hours and is suitable for children.
Clothing and gear should be treated with permethrin (0.5 % concentration). The insecticide bonds to fibers, remaining active after multiple washes and killing ticks on contact within seconds; it also repels mosquitoes for up to 6 weeks of wear.
Environmental control reduces population pressure. Eliminate standing water to disrupt mosquito breeding sites; regularly empty, clean, or treat containers, birdbaths, and gutters. Maintain short grass and clear leaf litter to deter tick habitats. Deploy carbon dioxide or heat traps in high‑risk areas to capture adult mosquitoes, and consider entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae) for tick suppression in heavily infested zones.
When selecting a strategy, consider the following criteria:
- Duration of protection – DEET and permethrin provide the longest continuous coverage.
- Safety profile – Picaridin and IR3535 have low toxicity; permethrin is safe on clothing but should not be applied directly to skin.
- Target species – DEET and permethrin are effective against both insects; lemon eucalyptus is mosquito‑focused.
- Application convenience – Sprays and wipes allow rapid skin coverage; pre‑treated garments require no additional steps.
Combining a skin‑applied repellent (DEET or picaridin) with permethrin‑treated apparel delivers the highest overall efficacy, while environmental measures lower the overall pest load and extend the protective window.