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Best Natural Tick Repellents

  • By Karen
  • Last updated on

Ticks are one of the most dangerous biting insects since they live in places frequented by pets and humans and carry many detrimental diseases. Luckily there are a lot of different repellents that can help keep ticks away from yourself, your kids as well as pets. And you don’t even have to use a repellent containing DEET or other chemicals. Because some natural repellents are just as efficient at safeguarding you from ticks. So, in this article, let’s look at some of these repellents, find out which are the best, as well as learn more about natural tick repellents in general and how they work.

Ticks are one of the most dangerous biting insects since they live in places frequented by pets and humans and carry many detrimental diseases. Luckily there are a lot of different repellents that can help keep ticks away from yourself, your kids as well as pets. And you don’t even have to use a repellent containing DEET or other chemicals. Because some natural repellents are just as efficient at safeguarding you from ticks. So, in this article, let’s look at some of these repellents, find out which are the best, as well as learn more about natural tick repellents in general and how they work.

THE MOST POPULAR PICK

REPEL Plant-Based

Containing lemon eucalyptus oil this bug spray is one of the best natural and DEET-free tick repellent currently available.

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BEST TICK-SPECIFIC FORMULA

Yaya Tick Ban

With a formula that’s targeted specifically towards ticks and fleas this plant-based spray will help to successfully keep ticks away.

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BEST KID-FRIENDLY CHOICE

Skedattle Anti-Bug Spray

This repellent not only keeps away ticks but also smells great and is gentle enough to be used on kids and pets.

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1

REPEL Plant-Based

THE MOST POPULAR PICK
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • The smell might be too strong for people with a sensitive sense of smell.

Review

Repel is one of the numerous brands under the umbrella of Spectrum Brands which is a global company offering top quality consumer products. It is a leading company when it comes to household brands that provide everyday solutions that make our lives easier and more comfortable, like the REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent.

The pedigree and popularity of the manufacturer is a great proof of how good this product is, but there is much more to its effectiveness. For one it contains oil of lemon eucalyptus derived from the eucalyptus citriodora tree which is known for its potency against insects, especially mosquitoes.

It is presented in a plastic bottle with a pump-style spray. This plant-based natural tick killer will protect you for up to 6 hours with just one application. It is also known to repel mosquitoes that carry the Dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses. So, on your next outdoor expedition, you won’t need to worry about getting afflicted by those dangerous viruses.

Another great thing about this product is that you can spray it on your bedding and furniture just to make sure those pesky insects don’t lie in wait to ambush you. This product is also made available in different package quantities. Depending on how many you want, it is available in a single pack, a pack of 2, 4, and 6. So you can share with family and loved ones.

Now you can go out an explore the great outdoors without fear. With this plant-based, DEET-free insecticide, you are well protected against bites and the spray provides a cool feeling on your skin and has a nice smell.

This insect repellent is easy to use as you just need to spray evenly over open skin. The manufacturer also suggests that it can be applied to clothing as well. It is also advised that you do not spray directly on the face to prevent the content from getting into the eyes and mouth. Spray on your palms and then rub on the face is the best way to apply. Another warning from the manufacturer is not to spray more than twice a day.

2

Yaya Tick Ban

BEST TICK-SPECIFIC FORMULA
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • The herbal scent might not appeal to you if you are so into herbs.

Review

Yaya Organics is a company led by three women who are health-conscious and are committed to the safety of people and the environment. The company believes the quality of a product lies in its ingredients. This is why Yaya Organics strives to use only natural ingredients to make its products. Among which is the YAYA Tick Ban.

With the YAYA Organics Tick Repellent on hand, you can boldly step out and go adventure in the great outdoors. Get involved in whatever activities you want. From camping to horseback riding, angling, hunting, etc. Ticks would only see you, come close, become infuriated, and go look for another victim.

That is the power of this natural tick spray. It is made with 100% organic ingredients. The special blend of essential oils that make up this spray is the secret to its potency. Its non-toxic purity also makes it safe to use. You can even use it on children and pets too without fear.

This tick repellent is non-greasy, free of DEET and any other harsh chemicals, yet it will keep ticks and other bugs away effectively. It has more active ingredients than a host of other products which is why it is so powerful.

All you have to do is spray on your exposed skin, or even on clothing. Don’t worry, it will not leave residues nor will it damage your apparel. And better still, it will not leave you smelling weird. The combination of the essential oils in it gives it a nice herbal smell. So, ticks will like how you smell but can’t have a bite. Now, how is that for payback for all the bites you have endured.

The Tick Ban comes in two sizes. You can go for the 118 ml container (that you can easily fit in your bag) or the 473 ml (that you can use with friends and family). They both have the same great qualities: Biodegradable, non-toxic to the environment, plant-based, and most importantly, effective.

3

Skedattle Anti-Bug Spray

BEST KID-FRIENDLY CHOICE
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • There are some complaints about the constituent lemongrass oil attracting bees.

Review

Since inception, Mexitan, the company behind the Skedattle brand, has committed to manufacturing all-natural products ranging from sunscreens to insect repellents such as the Skedattle Natural Insect Repellent. All biodegradable and environmental-friendly.

Now you can go fishing, camping, hiking, climbing, lounging in the backyard, or whatever it is you want to do outdoors without bugs hanging around you. Skedattle, which has a blend of organic essential oils will help you keep them at bay.

It might have been a little better if the bites from these bugs were just it. The virus they carry and transmit through their bites is the bigger problem which gets people sick after an awesome time in the outdoors. With the Skedattle Natural Insect Repellent, you are as protected as a president.

It does not contain DEET or other harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation and burns. Its natural ingredients will not even kill the bugs, it will only keep them away from you. That is how environmentally responsible this product and you, the user, are.

The Skedattle insect repellent has been subjected to rigorous independent testing. One carried out by BassLab has proven this spray to be about 16 times more effective than repellents that contain DEET. Who says natural products don’t work?

The Skedattle spray is hypoallergenic as it will not trigger any allergies you might have. This makes it safe for you, the kids, and even pets. After spraying this on, you can go swimming all you want without fear of the product causing any reaction with the pool. That is how safe it is to use this product.

Now you have a ‘win-win-win’ situation. You can explore the outdoors all you want and have fun. You will not get devoured alive by insects. Finally, you will not expose yourself and the environment to the harm caused by dangerous chemicals.

It has a sweet-smelling fragrance, thanks to the Vanillin in it. Sitting on the patio, working in the garden, or just chilling in the backyard has never gotten safer with the Skedattle Natural Insect Repellent.

Other products to consider

4

BugMace

BEST FOR SAFARIS
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Highly flammable.

Review

Bug Mace, as a company, was established with the mind of creating high-quality products that are great for its users and won’t hurt the earth. It realized the best way to achieve that is by using science to create all-natural products that serve their purpose and are environmentally-safe. And as a result of that, it came up with organic insect repellents that actually works!

BugMace All Natural Mosquito & Insect Repellent is non-greasy and would dry up almost as it comes in contact with your skin. It protects you from bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects for hours. That way you don’t have to keep spraying on your skin all the time. One application will last you for long.

It is made of all-natural essential oils of thyme, clove, rosemary, etc. These active ingredients are undiluted which makes them more potent in serving as a protective barrier for your skin against bites. It is also mild on the skin as it does not contain any harsh chemicals. This makes it suitable for use on children and even pets.

Bug Mace insect repellent is DEET and gluten-free and has a pleasant lemon-vanilla smell so it doesn’t chase both insects and people away from you. This natural tick spray can be used on clothing too as it will not cause any stain. It is considered minimal risk which is why it has been exempted from registration with EPA.

This product is highly environmentally-safe as it does not contain animal by-products, is cruelty-free, and does not contain chemicals that can harm the environment. In the same vein, every purchase of this product you make is your contribution to environmental sustainability.

It is easy to use as you just need to spray directly on the body. Be sure not to spray directly when trying to apply to the face so it does not accidentally get into the eyes or the mouth.

In case of such incidence, it is advised to flush the eyes with plenty of water as it might cause irritation to the eyes. You should first apply to the palms before rubbing on the face. And kids should not be allowed to use it without supervision.

This 7-hour protection natural insecticide is available in 2, 4, and 8 fluid ounces containers. So, whichever size you opt for, you will still be getting maximum protection.

5

Herbal Armor

BEST FOR FAMILIES
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • If you are not into the herbal smell, you might not like its smell.

Review

All Terrain, as a company, was inspired by a hiking trip to Costa Rica. The hiker was carrying a DEET-based repellent which accidentally leaked in his backpack and melted the plastic of the pack. This prompted the hiker to develop a natural insect repellent that is free of DEET. This is how the All Terrain DEET-free Herbal Armor repellent.

All Terrain is a company committed to disproving the notion that natural-based ingredients do not work as well as their chemical-based counterparts. What better way to disprove the notion other than its own products.

That is the type of confidence All Terrain has in its products. They are developed to fully protect you from insect bites, whether you are exploring the outdoors or you just want to lounge in the backyard with your family. The company aims to promote human health through its products and also keep the environment protected.

You are now free to go hiking, trekking, camping, and whatever activities you want to do in the outdoors without the fear of being eaten alive. You can also relax in your backyard to enjoy the scenery and take in some fresh air without being harassed by insects on your own property. The All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent Spray is here to protect you.

The non-toxic content of the plastic bottle is simply applied on exposed skin by spraying it on. And just like that, you get 4-hour protection from insect bites and whatever virus they are trading. This Herbal Armor insect repellent is GMO-free and contains organic active ingredients like oils of soybean, peppermint, citronella, cedar, lemongrass, and geranium.

Each type of oil serves its own purpose of repelling different insects. Its organic components make it safe to use on kids and people with sensitive skin. It has also been tested not to trigger allergies nor cause skin irritation. In short, this essential oil bug spray can be declared safe.

The manufacturer states that it should be well shaken before use, and it can even be applied to clothing, equipment, or furniture. It is also water and sweat resistant; sweating or splashes of water on your body does not reduce its efficacy.

Buying this product alone automatically makes you environmentally responsible as the product is cruelty-free, biodegradable, does not harm the environment, does not contain any harmful ingredients, nor does it contain any animal by-product.

6

Tick Tock Repellent

BEST PET-FRIENDLY PICK
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Its effects might not last if you get sweaty or go swimming.

Review

Tick Tock Naturals was founded out of fear. The eventual founder was bitten by a tick which led to her getting sick with Lyme Disease. After she healed, she became afraid to walk on the grass. As a proactive person that she is and with a background in biochemistry, she developed a natural formula, the Tick Tock Naturals Organic Insect Repellent, to help keep ticks at bay.

Her formula was peer reviewed in the John Hopkins University and Harvard Medical School in 2017. It was proven that the selected essential oils in Tick Tock Naturals are highly effective at repelling ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and spiders.

The scientific backing of two top institutions is proof of the potency of the Tick Tock Naturals Organic Insect Repellent. Tick Tock Naturals has a mission to prevent vector diseases whenever possible, which is why it created a powerful repellent that keeps disease-carrying insects away. It is also aware of the dangers of exposing the skin to harsh chemicals which is why its formula is all-natural.

This product can be used both indoors and outdoors and provides adequate protection from those pesky infectious insects, some of which can co-inhabit the host and at the same time infect it. This type of situation makes the disease quite difficult to cure.

These insects are not only active during the summer. Most of them do not even slow down during winter until the temperature drops to about 20oF. So, this natural bug spray would come in handy whenever and wherever those pests are active.

What is great about this product is not just the fact that it is purely natural (A lot of other variants are). The Tick Tock Organic Repellent is one of the few organic tick sprays that is grapeseed-oil based. This oil makes it non-greasy and will not leave a sticky feeling on your skin like some soybean oil-based types.

The grape seed oil that serves as the base carrier of this repellent will not evaporate like water-based and alcohol-based ones. This directly translates to the spray lasting longer and remaining effective on your skin for much longer. This also makes it more economical than its competition as you will not need to reapply too often.

This repellent is highly environment-friendly. It is 100% natural, yet effective which is why it is recommended safe to use on children and pets.

If all these aren’t proof enough that this product is great, how about the fact that it was endorsed in Lyme Memoir “Bite Me” by Ally Hilfiger, in the Town & Country Magazine and Good Housekeeping. They all declared it a safe and effective product.

7

Tick Guard

THE BOTANICAL OPTION
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • The smell might be a bit too strong for some people.

Review

Botanical Solutions was founded in 1998 with the aim of offering superior quality insect repellents that are free of harsh chemicals. And although chemical-free, its organic alternatives, like the Botanical Solutions Tick Guard Repellent Spray, are still as effective as repellents made with harsh chemicals, so it makes every bit of sense to opt for these natural and safe products.

This is an attribute of companies that truly care about the welfare of their customers. This is one of the reasons it is so loved and patronized nationwide. Botanical Solutions is a company that continues to research and develop more potent and effective products.

It consistently produces quality products because it relies on feedback from its distributors, sales officers, and most importantly the end users. When companies do that, there is no surprise that they continue churning out products that exceed customer satisfaction. And this is why Botanical Solutions remains successful and relevant.

The Botanical Solutions Tick Guard Repellant Spray is completely safe to use for adults and pets. Protecting yourself and family against tick bites reduces the risk of falling ill to Lyme Disease. Being DEET-free and not having any harmful chemicals in it, you also reduce the risk of the potential damage those chemical-based variants can cause.

Its ingredients do not include any harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the skin. It is important to note that it is not advised to spray directly on your dog’s head so the spray does not accidentally get into any of its orifices. You can just spray a bit on your palm and then rub it on your dog. This is how it should be applied to the human face too.

It has a good smell that only repels ticks and not humans. Even dogs do not seem to have much of a problem with it. This insect repellent can also be applied directly to clothing. It is known not to leave residues nor cause discoloration.

If you have been looking for a non-toxic, natural and organic blend of essential oils to keep ticks at bay, here is a good product that can do that for you. It will remain effective for hours, so you won’t have to keep spraying all the time.

8

Bee Naturals Repellent

MOST UNIQUE BLEND
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Doesn’t kill the pesky ticks; it just repels them.

Review

Bee Naturals was established by Barbara Chappuis, a nurse who was looking for something to protect her hands from all the harmful substances they were exposed to in the hospital. And after research on natural ingredients, she eventually came up with a formula that was providing the results she wanted. So began Bee Naturals, what now is also the manufacturer of their Natural Insect Repellent.

It’s formulated from ten different organic essential oils that not only protect you from insect bites but also provide some therapeutic functions.

This all-natural bug spray is non-toxic and will not harm you in any way. Unlike the chemical-based variants, applying this won’t have you smelling like you came out of a chemical reaction. Rather you will be left with a perfumed fragrance made of the concentrated essence of plants and herbs.

Whether you are going out hunting, fishing, camping, or just playing out in the backyard with the kids; you just need to spray on this sweet-smelling insect repellent on your exposed skin and your clothing. This will keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs away.

One application can give up to 3 hours of protection. The manufacturer says it is okay to apply as many times as you wish. This is further proof that this product can do no harm to your skin.

It is important to be careful when applying on children. Be sure not to apply on their hands as they might get the product into their eyes and mouths where it should not be. Shake the bottle well before use for maximum benefit. This product only repels insects, it does not kill them. Also note that this product, even though potent, does not offer protection from bees. So DO NOT use for that purpose.

Natural tick repellents – what are they?

When you consider the population of bugs, the itch you get from their bites, and the danger they pose to human health, mere going outside can seem scary. But since some of the most exciting activities happen outside, we still dare to take the risk.

Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests believe it’s feasting time whenever they see us and our beloved pets. These daring scavengers start dining as soon as they can make contact. Some insects bite, do their thing and leave, while others, like the tick, find a favorable spot and try to start a colony.

It’s easy for humans to spot a leeching tick and pull it out. But our pets tend to be more accommodating and end up bringing these insects home with them.

This is where natural tick repellents come in. They offer protection against tick infestation and prevent you from getting infected by a tick-borne disease. There are products that claim to be natural tick killers but they contain strong chemicals that might not be safe for kids or even adults. This is why many people go for natural tick repellent for humans. These types are safe for users as well as the environment.

How do these natural tick sprays work?

Some of the best natural tick repellents come in natural tick sprays and some are presented as an essential oil tick repellent. They all basically work the same way. You just have to apply it to the skin and watch those nuisances avoid you like the plague.

They are made with organic ingredients that contain substances that ticks and other insects cannot stand. So, while the natural tick repellent is on your body, ticks will keep away. And if they can’t perch on your skin, they can’t suck your blood and infect you with the diseases they carry.

What ingredients are they made of?

Nature has been quite generous to us humans. There are a lot of plants in nature that naturally have defenses against intruders. These defense systems help keep destructive pests away. It is in that same vein humans have devised means of keeping insects away from our bodies.

Some of the natural ingredients in our list of organic tick repellents are lemon eucalyptus oil, cinnamon, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, and others. These active ingredients are often mixed with other substances to make them last longer, smell better, and even nourish the skin.

Different tick repellent types

Like many other products, there are different types of tick repellents. But since we’re talking about natural repellents in this article, we will limit the types to tick repellents to natural ones.

Ticks afflict our beloved pets more than they do humans. Those pesky little insects seem to know that they can hide longer on animals than on humans. That’s why there are natural tick repellents for humans. As well as repellents that are more suited to dogs, cats, and any other pet you might have.

As we noted earlier, these natural tick controls come in containers you can spray on or as oils you can rub on the skin. The types suitable for animals are sometimes even made in the form of a shampoo. And there are even repellents that can be used both by humans and applied on pets.

What to consider when choosing which tick repellent to buy

Even though we are discussing organic tick repellents, you can’t just grab the first one off the self and use it. The most obvious aspect to look out for when it comes to choosing a tick repellent is if it is a natural tick repellent that’s meant for people or just for pets.

Another thing to consider is the active ingredients that the repellent contain. It just might happen that you are allergic to one of the ingredients that your all-natural tick repellent is made of.

Remember!

Read the label of the tick repellent you're thinking of buying thoroughly and check if it doesn't contain any ingredients that you're allergic to. You don’t want the fear of ticks to cause skin irritation, or worse yet, to land you in a hospital.

Not all of these repellents are suitable for kids of certain ages, this is another reason to pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s best that you go for a natural tick repellent that’s specifically made for kids if you are getting one for your little ones.

You can also consider the application method that suits your preferences. Would you prefer a natural tick spray or those essential oil insect repellents that you have to rub on your skin as a lotion? The choice is yours!

The dos and don’ts of natural tick repellent

By using a natural product, you can be proud of yourself for not contributing to the destruction of our environment. At least in your own little way. Since many natural product manufacturers harvest the organic ingredients they use in their products in a sustainable way.

It is great to use natural products as opposed to their synthetic counterparts. However, the fact that a tick repellent is natural is not enough for you to automatically consider it the better option. Some so-called natural tick repellents do make false claims.

Some would claim to ward off ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes but in reality, they are only potent enough for ticks. So, on your next camping trip, you would notice that ticks are kept at bay but you are still not having fun because mosquitoes and fleas are having a feast.

Therefore it is best to go for a tick repellent that is known to ward off more than just ticks. One that will also be efficient against other common pests like mosquitoes, flies, etc.

Like we noted earlier, be sure to read through the manufacturer’s instructions. There are some natural tick repellents that are not advisable to use on the parts of your skin that would get covered by clothing.

Another common misconception about natural tick repellents is that you can apply it as much as you want. After all, it only makes sense to think that the more you apply, the more effective the repellent will be. This is rarely true with a natural tick repellent. All you need do is apply enough to cover the exposed parts of your skin. Look at it this way, if your happens to be irritated by the product, using less will be easier on you and your skin.

Finally, if you are using the spray-type repellent, it is better not to spray it directly on the face. First, spray the repellent on your palms, and only then rub in onto your face. Also avoid it getting into your ears, mouth, nose, or the eyes. As that can cause irritation and unpleasant sensations.

Conclusion

Have you’ve been looking for an extensive review of the best natural tick repellent products? Well, now, you have it! Because in this article, we have listed our top natural tick repellent picks. As well as provided you with a guide on how to chose the best tick repellent for your needs. All the products mentioned in this post are natural, while also performing well as tick repellents. It is now up to you to decide which one of these sprays you think is best for your situation. And remember, this is your chance to get back at those pesky insects. Let them know you’re not food. Show them who’s boss by using one of these natural tick repellent sprays!

Karen

Karen

Main editor

Expert in mosquito control and the main website editor at InsectCop.net. Karen started InsectCop to help people get rid of mosquitoes. But now she gives advice an all things pest control.

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