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.

Sawyer Products SP5442 Picaridin Insect Repellent is an effective choice for those seeking long-lasting protection from a variety of pests. The active ingredient, 20% Picaridin, is more effective at repelling biting flies compared to DEET and offers up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers. This makes it particularly suitable for outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and fishing, as well as everyday use at parks or sporting events.

The non-greasy, fragrance-free formula is user-friendly, drying quickly without damaging plastics or synthetic materials, thus it can be applied safely on skin, clothing, and gear without concern for residue or damage. It's suitable for use on the whole family, providing peace of mind in protecting against diseases like Lyme, West Nile, and Zika viruses.

However, it is worth noting that it might require reapplication for extended outdoor sessions or extremely high pest areas. The convenience of an aerosol application method ensures even coverage, though some users may prefer a pump spray. This product is reliable, though users should still consider pairing it with additional gear-specific repellents for maximum protection.