A photo of a tick on a leaf.
A photo of a tick on a leaf.

How to Choose the Best Tick Repellent: Practical Tips

Which active ingredients are more effective?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using only repellents that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Check the packaging for the EPA registration number and look for a graphic showing the repellent's effectiveness, which indicates how long it will last after application.

The repellent must contain approved active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, p-menthane diol, or 2-undecanone. However, the CDC warns that "oil of lemon eucalyptus and some p-menthane diol products should not be used in children under 3 years of age." Always read labels carefully for safety information.

Continue reading to learn more about choosing the best tick repellent, written by Lyudmila Zaglada.

Medya Mansyone

The permethrin-treated baby wraps reduced malaria cases in infants by 66%.

Nancy Lapid
Reporter and Editor

Medya Mansyone

While friends swatted around the campfire and during outdoor dinners, those who used this spray didn't get a single bite.

Alesandra Dubin
Writer and Editor

Medya Mansyone

The Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system includes a rugged Cnoc Premium 2-liter bladder for fast, easy water refills on any backpacking adventure.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker