With what to repel ticks? - briefly
Apply an EPA‑approved repellent—DEET (10‑30 %), picaridin (20 %), or IR3535 (20 %)—to exposed skin, and treat clothing and gear with 0.5 % permethrin for extended protection. Avoid high‑risk habitats during peak tick activity to further reduce exposure.
With what to repel ticks? - in detail
Effective tick deterrence relies on a combination of chemical agents, natural extracts, protective clothing, and habitat management.
Synthetic repellents containing DEET (N,N‑diethyl‑m‑toluamide) at concentrations of 20–30 % provide protection for up to six hours against adult and nymph stages. Permethrin, applied to garments and footwear at 0.5 % concentration, kills ticks on contact and remains active after multiple washes. Picaridin (5–20 % solutions) offers comparable duration to DEET with a milder odor profile.
Natural compounds exhibit varying efficacy. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) at 30 % concentration repels ticks for 4–6 hours. Citronella, geraniol, and rosemary oil demonstrate limited short‑term activity; they are best used in combination with a carrier oil and re‑applied every two hours.
Protective attire reduces exposure. Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and tuck pant legs into socks. Treat fabrics with permethrin or a commercial tick‑inhibiting spray before use. Light‑colored clothing facilitates early detection of attached arthropods.
Environmental measures lower tick density. Maintain grass at a maximum height of 5 cm, remove leaf litter, and create a mulch barrier between wooded areas and yards. Apply acaricides such as bifenthrin or fipronil to perimeters, following label instructions for dosage and re‑application intervals.
Personal practices complement repellents. Conduct thorough body checks after outdoor activities, focusing on scalp, armpits, groin, and behind knees. Prompt removal of attached ticks using fine‑tipped tweezers reduces pathogen transmission risk.
Summary of recommended actions
- Apply DEET (20‑30 %) or picaridin (5‑20 %) to exposed skin.
- Treat clothing with permethrin (0.5 %); re‑apply after laundering.
- Use lemon eucalyptus oil (30 %) for short‑term natural protection.
- Wear long, light‑colored garments; tuck pants into socks.
- Keep yard vegetation trimmed; install mulch barriers.
- Perform systematic tick checks and remove any attached specimens promptly.