What repellent is recommended to spray against ticks? - briefly
Use an EPA‑registered spray with 0.5 % permethrin on clothing and a skin repellent containing 20‑30 % DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
What repellent is recommended to spray against ticks? - in detail
Effective tick‑deterrent sprays rely on proven active ingredients. The most widely endorsed options are:
- DEET (N,N‑diethyl‑m‑toluamide) – concentrations of 20‑30 % provide up to eight hours of protection against adult ticks and nymphs. Apply to exposed skin only; avoid eyes and mucous membranes.
- Picaridin (KBR 3023) – 20 % formulation offers protection comparable to DEET with a milder odor and reduced skin irritation. Reapply every six to eight hours, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Permethrin – a synthetic pyrethroid used on clothing, socks, and shoes. A 0.5 % solution kills ticks on contact and retains efficacy through several washes. Do not apply directly to skin; wash treated garments before first use.
- IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) – 20 % concentration supplies up to six hours of protection; suitable for children over two years. Less data exist on tick efficacy than for DEET or picaridin, but field studies show moderate repellency.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) / PMD – 30 % concentration yields roughly six hours of protection. Not recommended for children under three years or for pregnant individuals due to limited safety data.
Application guidelines:
- Clean, dry skin before spraying; allow product to dry before dressing.
- For clothing treated with permethrin, cover all surfaces, including cuffs and seams; do not wash for 48 hours after treatment.
- Reapply skin sprays according to label intervals, typically every six hours, or after water exposure.
- Avoid using aerosol sprays near open flames; ventilate enclosed spaces.
Safety considerations:
- DEET and picaridin have extensive toxicology records; use the lowest effective concentration.
- Permethrin is toxic to cats and aquatic life; keep treated items away from pets and waterways.
- Store all repellents out of reach of children; dispose of expired products per local regulations.
Combining a skin‑applied repellent (DEET, picaridin, or OLE) with permethrin‑treated clothing maximizes protection, reducing tick attachment risk by up to 95 % in endemic regions.