What repels mosquitoes and ticks? - briefly
DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and permethrin‑treated clothing are proven to repel both mosquitoes and ticks.
What repels mosquitoes and ticks? - in detail
Effective deterrents for biting insects and arachnids fall into three categories: chemical agents, plant‑derived substances, and physical barriers.
Chemical formulations with proven efficacy include:
- N,N‑Diethyl‑m-toluamide (DEET) – concentrations of 20 % to 30 % provide protection for 4–6 hours against mosquitoes and up to 8 hours for ticks.
- Picaridin – 20 % solutions offer comparable duration to DEET with a milder odor and lower skin irritation.
- IR3535 – 20 % concentration protects for 6 hours, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) – 30 % preparations give 4–5 hours of mosquito protection; effectiveness against ticks is limited.
Plant‑derived repellents, while less consistent, can be useful in low‑risk situations:
- Catnip (nepetalactone) – laboratory studies show up to 2‑fold reduction in mosquito landing rates.
- Citronella oil – requires reapplication every 30–60 minutes; offers short‑term mosquito deterrence.
- Neem oil – demonstrates tick‑repellent activity in field trials when applied at 2 % dilution.
- Rosemary and thyme extracts – provide modest mosquito deterrence when used in concentrations above 10 %.
Physical measures enhance chemical and botanical protection:
- Long‑sleeved clothing treated with permethrin (0.5 % concentration) repels ticks for up to 6 weeks and reduces mosquito bites.
- Insect‑proof nets with mesh size ≤1.2 mm block both mosquitoes and ticks when used over sleeping areas.
- Closed footwear and gaiters prevent ticks from crawling onto the skin.
Environmental management reduces exposure risk:
- Eliminate standing water to disrupt mosquito breeding sites.
- Maintain low, trimmed vegetation around residential areas to lower tick habitat.
- Apply acaricides to perimeters of yards when tick populations are high, following label instructions.
Application guidelines:
- Apply repellents to exposed skin and clothing, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes.
- Reapply after swimming, sweating, or after the specified duration expires.
- Store products in a cool, dry place to preserve efficacy.
Safety considerations:
- DEET concentrations above 50 % increase the likelihood of skin irritation without extending protection time.
- Pregnant or nursing individuals should favor picaridin or permethrin‑treated clothing, as recommended by health authorities.
- Children under 2 years should not receive oil‑of‑lemon‑eucalyptus products; DEET up to 30 % is acceptable for older children.
Combining chemical repellents with treated clothing and habitat control yields the most reliable defense against both mosquito bites and tick attachment.