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Top 7 Best Tick Repellent for Humans

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedJuly 31, 2024

Ticks are normally a nuisance to people who are involved in outdoor activities and those who go camping. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus are just some of the hazardous sicknesses that are being transmitted by these blood-sucking parasites.


Repel Tick Defense

Editor's Choice

Repel Tick Defense

Repel Tick Defense exceeded our expectations. Its unscented aerosol spray felt lightweight and clean, offering effective protection from ticks and mosquitoes. We loved that it didn't stain clothing and only had a brief chemical scent upon application. A must-have for outdoor enthusiasts!

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If you are an outdoor junkie and you are in search of a reliable and long-lasting tick repellent, then Repel Tick Defense is the best for you.

Pros

  • Repels ticks and mosquitoes for up to 10 hours.
  • Protects against mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue, and Chikungunya viruses.
  • Can be applied to skin and clothing without damaging cotton, wool, nylon, acetate, or spandex.

Cons

  • The aerosol spray may not be suitable for those who prefer a lotion or cream formula.
  • Some users report a slight chemical smell.
  • The spray may leave a residue on clothing.

We recently tested Repel Tick Defense on a hike in a heavily wooded area and received good results. The unscented aerosol spray was lighter and did not leave any sticky or oily feeling on our skin. We did not encounter any ticks or mosquitoes during our six-hour hike.

It was also useful to us that we could apply Repel Tick Defense to the cloth of the particular garment without affecting its color or texture. I would also like to note that there was a faint chemical smell when the spray was initially applied, but it went away soon after.

In conclusion, if you are in need of a long-lasting tick repellent, then Repel Tick Defense is the ideal repellent that you should go for during your next camping spree.


Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent

Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent

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Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent is one of the best tick and mosquito repellents that you will come across in the market.

Pros

  • Provides long-lasting protection against ticks and mosquitoes for up to 10 hours.
  • Contains no alcohol or additives, making it a strong and long-lasting bug spray.
  • The convenient 3.4 oz pump spray bottle is perfect for travel and can easily fit in your backpack or hiking pack.

Cons

  • The spray nozzle can be a bit difficult to use at times.
  • The product has a slight scent that may not be agreeable to everyone.
  • The price is a bit high compared to other bug sprays.

My family has tried Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent during camping and hiking, and it has always been proven reliable. The 100% DEET formula offers long-lasting protection from ticks and mosquitoes commonly found in bug-infested places. We also like the fact that this product has no alcohol or any other additive; it’s just the substance in the bottle.

The convenient 3. The 4 oz pump spray bottle is extremely portable and can be carried in your backpack or hiking pack when traveling. However, we did notice that the spray nozzle is somewhat problematic to operate, as it rotates too freely. We also observed that there is a trace of smell that might not be very pleasant to some users.

In general, Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent is our top pick for anybody seeking an efficient bug repellent. Compared to other products, the price is somewhat high, but the product’s performance and ability to save a lot of time make it all worth it.


Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent 6 oz Eco-Spray

Ben's 30 Tick & Insect Repellent 6 oz Eco-Spray

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If you want tick and mosquito protection, Ben’s 30 Tick & Insect Repellent 6 oz Eco-Spray is one of the best products you can use. This DEET bug spray offers efficient control and shield against biting insects for up to 7 hours, so it is ideal for use during camping, hiking, or hunting.

Pros

  • Provides powerful protection against ticks and mosquitoes for up to 7 hours
  • Water-based formula means less repellent evaporates off your skin
  • Continuous spray ensures even coverage and requires no rubbing

Cons

  • Slightly oily and sticky upon application
  • May not be effective against all types of insects
  • Some users may prefer a different application method, such as wipes or lotion

My family and I have used Ben’s bug spray during summer in the bug belt and it proved effective against ticks, mosquitoes, and all other biting bugs. spray is different from others in that it is water-soluble rather than alcohol-based and, hence, does not dry up on the skin. A convenient 6 oz screw-top pump spray bottle is recommended for traveling and fits in backpacks, hiking backpacks, or camping bags. The locking cap also guards against any accidental sprays within your hunting, hiking, or camping bags.

Although this product may be a little oily and tacky once applied, it is so worth it for the protection it provides. Besides, though Ben’s is powerful against ticks and mosquitoes, it might be less effective against other species of insects. Some users may also have a preference for the type of application method used and may prefer wipes or lotion.

In general, Ben’s 30 Tick & Insect Repellent 6 oz Eco-Spray may be very useful for those who need a good bug spray for their outdoor activities. Thanks to its active protection and portable case, it should be a must-have for backpackers, hikers, and campers.


Ben's Tick Repellent Picaridin spray 6oz

Ben's Tick Repellent Picaridin spray 6oz

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For a very strong tick repellent but safe enough for use by families, we highly endorse Ben’s Tick Repellent Picaridin spray 6oz.

Pros

  • The maximum strength 20% Picaridin formula provides powerful protection against deer ticks, wood ticks, and more.
  • Repels ticks for 12 hours, providing maximum protection whether you're in deep woods or your own backyard.
  • Safe on clothing and gear, the non-greasy formula won't damage sunglasses, rain jackets, plastics, or other synthetic materials.

Cons

  • The spray bottle may be a little big for some people's needs.
  • It has a slight scent that may not be appealing to everyone.
  • It may not work as well on other insects like mosquitoes.

We recently had an opportunity to use Ben’s Tick Repellent Picaridin spray 6oz while camping in a wooded area and it proved quite effective. We did not get a chance to test tick bite in the area, and the repellent was effective for the entire 12 hours. I liked that it was easy to spray and it didn’t stick to our clothing and gear when used.

We also like the fact that the active ingredient Picaridin is one of the CDC's recommendations for repelling insects that transmit diseases. This makes us free to use the product, especially in regions where diseases caused by ticks are identified.

In conclusion, we think Ben’s Tick Repellent Picaridin spray 6oz is a good and safe product for protecting yourself from ticks. It is safe for families and has long-lasting effectiveness for any outdoor activity.


Repel Tick and Mosquito Defense 1 Pack

Repel Tick and Mosquito Defense 1 Pack

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Among the variety of products intended for tick protection, Repel Tick and Mosquito Defense 1 Pack can be considered the most effective.

Pros

  • Repels ticks that may carry Lyme disease
  • Lasting protection against mosquitoes and ticks for up to 10 hours
  • Can be applied to skin and clothing

Cons

  • Some users may not like the unscented product
  • May not be as effective in extremely wooded areas
  • Pump spray may not be as convenient as aerosol

Recently, I had the opportunity to use Repel Tick and Mosquito Defense 1 Pack when we went on a camping trip and it was fantastic. No ticks were found on us, and the mosquitoes never came to bite us during the whole of the night. It has a thin, non-greasy texture, and the smell did not linger on the skin like some other repellents do.

Additionally, the Repel Tick and Mosquito Defense 1 Pack can be used on skin and clothing, making it even more convenient. This means that you can obtain maximum coverage and protection against ticks and mosquitoes. The pump spray is also easy to use and can easily be carried in your pocket or pack.

The only drawback is that the product does not have any smell; however, some people may want a scented repellent. Also, in areas that are densely wooded, the product may not be as efficient as in some open terrains. Last but not least, the pump spray could be a bit less convenient than an aerosol spray for some users.

All in all, we have given Repel Tick and Mosquito Defense 1 Pack a big thumbs up for anyone who needs a quality tick repellent that doubles up as a long-lasting mosquito repellent.


Ben's Tick Repellent

Ben's Tick Repellent

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If you are searching for an effective tick repellent for people, you should try Ben’s Tick Repellent.

Pros

  • With a maximum strength 20% Picaridin formula, this tick repellent is highly effective against deer ticks, wood ticks, and other pesky insects.
  • You can enjoy the great outdoors for up to 12 hours without worrying about ticks.
  • Safe and effective for use on both skin and clothing, this repellent is also great for repelling mosquitos.

Cons

  • The product can be a bit oily, but it's not too bothersome.
  • The label on the bottle can slip around, but it doesn't affect the product's effectiveness.
  • The product may have a slight scent, but it's not overpowering.

We recently employed Ben’s Tick Repellent while camping and were pleased with the outcome. There were no tick bites on our bodies after being out in the field the whole day, and there were no cases of being bitten by mosquitoes. The 12-hour protection was also good because we did not have to re-apply the repellent during the day.

This product is safe to use on all outdoor gear and synthetic material without harming it in any way. We also acknowledge that the active ingredient in the product is Picaridin, which can be applied to the skin as well as to clothes.

All in all, if you are interested in effective tick protection for humans, Ben’s Tick Repellent can be regarded as one of the best choices. It works, lasts, and is non-hazardous to your body and your equipment as well.


Grandpa Gus's Tick Repellent Spray

Grandpa Gus's Tick Repellent Spray

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Grandpa Gus’s Tick Repellent Spray is a natural tick repellent that is safe for the whole family.

Pros

  • Repels Ticks Up to 8 Hours! Grandpa Gus's Tick Repellent Spray is new and improved to repel ticks up to 3 times longer than other natural product players.
  • Longer Lasting Formula! Our unique, natural formula was crafted to steadily release its plant-based actives over time for so you can enjoy up to 8 hours of activities before needing to reapply.
  • Safe For the Whole Family. Grandpa Gus's Tick Repellent Spray is dermatologist-tested and non-irritating. It is pleasant on the skin with a fresh scent, DEET Free, non-greasy feel and won't stain fabric and gear. Made in the USA.

Cons

  • May not be effective against all types of ticks.
  • The spray pump may be faulty.
  • Some users have reported that it did not work for them.

I have used Grandpa Gus’s Tick Repellent Spray on our outside trips and can say that it works effectively to repel ticks. We appreciate that it is made from natural plant-based products and that it can be used by everyone in the household. It is fragranced and does not leave my skin feeling oily or tacky like some other repellents that we have used.

Though it proved beneficial for us, it can be less efficient against some other species of ticks. Further, some customers have complained that the spray pump is defective. However, we did not encounter any problems with the pump when using it.

All in all, we would endorse Grandpa Gus’s Tick Repellent Spray as a natural and eco-friendly solution to tick repellent.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best tick repellent for humans, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some important features to look for:

Active Ingredients

The active ingredient of the tick repellent is one of the key factors to consider when selecting one. Some of the active ingredients that have been used most often in tick repellents are DEET, picaridin, and permethrin. All these ingredients have unique merits and demerits; therefore, the selection depends on the suitability of the ingredient for a given task.

Application Method

These repellents are available in sprays, creams, lotions, and even wet wipes. To sum up, you should decide which variant of repellent application would be more suitable for you. For instance, if you plan to undertake outdoor activities often, a spray might be most suitable because it is easier to apply.

Duration of Protection

Another criterion that can be taken into account is the duration of protection, which the repellent can offer. It depends on the type of repellent used, as some of them are effective for several hours while others require reapplication within a short time. Your chosen repellent depends on the activities you planned for the day and the duration of time you expect to spend outdoors.

Additional Features

Additional functions of some tick repellents include sunscreen and insecticides. These features can also be a smart investment as they allow you to get several advantages from a single item. However, care should be taken not to add any features that may hamper the ability of the repellent to keep the ticks at bay.

With the above things in mind, you will be able to make an informed decision on which of the tick repellents to use the next time you decide to go out in the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective tick repellent for humans?

The best human repellent is one that contains more than twenty percent DEET or Point zero. 5% permethrin. These products have been found to work effectively in repelling ticks, but one must use them as advised on the label.

Is there an effective tick repellent for humans?

Well, there are many tick repellents that people can use. DEET and permethrin appear to be the most effective repellents; however, others include picaridin, IR3535, and lemon eucalyptus oil.

What keeps ticks off of you?

Some ways to avoid ticks include wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, tucking pants into socks, and using tick repellent. People should also not take shortcuts through grass higher than the knee or through wooded areas since they are habitats for ticks.

What do ticks hate most?

It is a known fact that ticks are repelled by citrus scent and therefore using a citrus-based repellent will help in avoiding ticks. They also hate the smell of garlic, so adding garlic foods to your diet may go a long way in keeping the ticks at bay.

Can permethrin be used as a tick repellent?

Yes, permethrin is effective in repelling ticks and can be used to treat the necessary items for this purpose. It is typically applied to clothes, shoes, and gear and has been found to be effective against ticks.

What are the best natural tick repellents for humans?

Several natural repellents for ticks that affect humans are cedarwood, lavender and lemongrass oils. Other remedies include raw garlic, apple cider vinegar, and diatomaceous earth. However, it is worth noting that natural repellents may not work as effectively as chemical ones and should, therefore, be used carefully.

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