10 Best Tick Repellent For Kids 2026 in the United States

Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent is a powerful option with its maximum strength 100% DEET formula, offering up to 10 hours of protection against ticks and other biting insects. This makes it highly effective for long outdoor activities, providing reliable coverage. The spray is alcohol-free and fragrance-free, reducing the chance of irritation, but since it contains a very high concentration of DEET, extra caution is recommended when using it on children's sensitive skin.

The product comes in a convenient, lightweight pump spray that makes applying quick and simple, which is helpful for both kids and adults. However, the small bottle size (1.25 fl oz per spray bottle, sold as a 2-pack with a total of 6.8 fl oz) means it may require refilling or carrying multiple bottles for extended trips. While the formulation is designed to be durable, there is no specific mention of water resistance, so its effectiveness might decrease with heavy sweating or swimming.

This repellent is suited for families seeking strong, long-lasting protection during outdoor adventures but should be used carefully on young children due to the high DEET concentration.

Murphy's Naturals Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray uses oil of lemon eucalyptus as its natural active ingredient, which is known to effectively repel ticks and mosquitoes without using harsh chemicals like DEET. This makes it a good choice for kids and adults who prefer plant-based protection. The spray formulation is easy to apply and has a pleasant lemon scent, which some might like better than traditional bug sprays. It’s free from synthetic dyes, fragrances, and chemicals that can damage outdoor gear, which is a nice bonus for families who want to be eco-friendly.

The product provides long-lasting protection, but you might need to reapply if you’re outdoors for many hours. While it’s generally gentle, anyone with very sensitive skin should test it on a small area first, as natural oils can sometimes cause mild irritation. Since water resistance is not specified, reapplication might be necessary after swimming or heavy sweating. The packaging is convenient with a pump spray, making it simple for both kids and adults to use.

This repellent is well suited for families seeking a natural, DEET-free option that works well for everyday outdoor activities; however, those needing heavy-duty or water-resistant protection might want to consider products with additional features.

The Ranger Ready Repellents Permethrin Spray is designed to be applied to clothing and gear, not directly on skin, which makes it a good option for protecting kids during outdoor activities without exposing their skin to chemicals. It contains 0.5% permethrin, an effective insecticide that kills and repels ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects on contact. The spray is unscented and quick-drying, so it won’t leave an unpleasant smell or damage clothes and gear, which is a plus for kids’ comfort and parents’ convenience.

One bottle covers enough for about seven full outfits, making it easy to treat clothes before outdoor trips. The product lasts through approximately five washes or around 40 days of sun exposure, providing relatively long-lasting protection. Since it’s meant for clothing only, it’s gentle on skin sensitivity, reducing the risk of irritation. However, it isn’t a spray you apply directly to a child’s skin, so you might need an additional skin-safe repellent if skin protection is needed. Also, while it holds up against some washings and sun, frequent laundering or heavy sweating may reduce effectiveness over time.

This permethrin spray functions effectively for keeping kids safe from ticks and bugs when applied to their outdoor clothing and gear, especially for families spending a lot of time hiking or camping.