10 Best Tick Repellent For Kids 2025 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.

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.

Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent is a kid-friendly solution designed to repel mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, fleas, and other biting insects. It features 7% DEET as the active ingredient, which is effective in providing protection against insects, including those that may carry harmful viruses like Zika and West Nile. The liquid formulation comes in a 6 fl oz pump spray that offers a 360-degree application, making it easy to use at any angle, even upside down. This can be a convenient feature for parents applying the repellent on active kids.

The product also contains aloe and vitamin E, which can help soften the skin and reduce irritation, making it more suitable for sensitive skin. The fresh scent ensures that it doesn't leave a chemically or unpleasant smell, which can be a plus for kids who are picky about scents. With a 7% DEET concentration, the duration of protection may be shorter compared to products with higher concentrations, meaning you might need to reapply it more frequently, especially during long outdoor activities. The formulation is noted for not being oily or greasy, which enhances comfort during use.

The 12-pack offering makes it economical for families who spend a lot of time outdoors.