10 Best Tick Repellents 2025 in the United States

The Repel 100 Insect Repellent is a powerful option for those needing robust protection against ticks and other biting insects. Its main strength lies in its active ingredient, DEET, with a concentration of 98.11%, which is highly effective in severe insect conditions. This high level of DEET ensures the repellent provides up to 10 hours of protection, making it suitable for long outdoor activities without frequent reapplication.

The product's compact, travel-size pump spray design is convenient for carrying during various outdoor adventures, adding to its practicality. However, the strong DEET concentration might be too intense for some users, especially children, or for those with sensitive skin. The repellent is unscented, which is a plus for those who dislike the typical chemical smell of insect repellents.

Despite its effectiveness, users should exercise caution when applying it to children and follow the guidelines for safe use. The pack of six 1-ounce bottles offers good value, ensuring you have plenty of repellent for multiple outings.

The Sawyer Products SP565 Premium Insect Repellent is an effective option for those seeking long-lasting protection against ticks and other pests. It uses 20% Picaridin as its active ingredient, which is known for its effectiveness in repelling various insects, including ticks that can carry diseases like Lyme and encephalitis. This repellent offers up to 14 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes, making it suitable for extended outdoor activities.

The lotion form is easy to apply and dries quickly, without leaving a greasy residue, which enhances comfort during use. Additionally, it's fragrance-free and odorless, making it pleasant to wear and safe for use on clothing and gear without causing damage. It's suitable for all age groups, ensuring that the entire family can use it safely.

However, the 1-quart lotion pump dispenser might be bulky for travel and storage compared to smaller, more portable options. While it is very effective in deterring a wide range of pests, it might require reapplication to maintain protection against flies and gnats after about 8 hours. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this repellent is recommended by sources like WireCutter/New York Times.

Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent offers a powerful solution for repelling ticks and other biting insects with its maximum strength 100% DEET formula. This high DEET content delivers up to 10 hours of reliable protection, making it well-suited for extended outdoor activities such as hiking or camping. The spray is both alcohol-free and fragrance-free, which helps avoid common irritants and smells, although the strong DEET itself has a sharp scent.

Packaged in a small, travel-friendly 1.25-ounce pump spray bottle, the repellent is convenient for on-the-go application but may require carrying multiple bottles for longer trips. It is appropriate for use by both adults and children, providing versatility for family outings. Users should follow application guidelines carefully to prevent skin irritation, particularly in young children, given the high concentration of DEET.

The no-additive formula and proven durability in harsh New Hampshire conditions emphasize the product's effectiveness and reliability. Those seeking a milder or natural alternative might find this formula too strong, and the small bottle size might not suffice for extended outings without reapplication. This repellent suits individuals who want strong, long-lasting protection in a compact format and are comfortable with high-concentration DEET products.