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6 Best Tick Repellents to Kill Ticks Fast

The Camping List Review Team
Written By The Camping List Review Team
Last updated: Jan 22, 2025, 03:07 AM
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When you’re five, the world is a big, mysterious place. That’s how it felt the day I found “a thing” on my leg.

A woman spraying tick repellent on her leg as she sits on a camping chair.

When I was five, my grandparents babysat me while my parents went out to dinner. When my parents returned, I stood up and struggled to walk. “Shame, look; her leg is asleep,” my grandma said. I wanted to speak up but stayed quiet, scared to mention the big black tick latched on my leg. I was just a kid and knew nothing about tick paralysis, a rare condition that could have been much worse.

After that, everything is a blur. I don’t remember what happened to the tick, and I never told my parents. Looking back, I see how important it is to protect ourselves from ticks, especially outdoors. That’s why choosing the right tick repellent matters. After careful consideration, we voted the REPEL Tick Repellent best overall out of six repellents.

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Our Top Picks

6 Best Tick Repellents of 2025

REPEL Tick Repellent

Best Overall
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Guess the star rating of our first repellent? 4.6 stars—with 74 percent of customers giving it 5 stars. The REPEL Tick Repellent stands out as the best overall. Why? It’s perfect for those who want long-lasting protection without any overwhelming scent. The unscented aerosol spray, which comes in a 6.5 fluid-ounce bottle, contains 15 percent picaridin as its active ingredient. Most importantly, it provides up to 10 hours of defense against ticks and mosquitoes.

 
 
 
 
 

Moreover, you can apply it directly to your skin, and it feels light and clean, never greasy. Plus, it’s safe for your clothing. It won’t damage fabrics like cotton, wool, nylon, or spandex. Compared to the runner-up, the Sawyer Products Tick Repellent, which is great for treating clothing and gear, this pick offers the added convenience of being effective on both skin and clothing, making it ideal if you want one product to cover all bases.

Why It’s Your Best Defense
  • 4.6-star rating from happy customers
  • Contains 15% picaridin, trusted for strong, reliable defense
  • Provides 10 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes
  • Unscented formula feels light on your skin
  • Works on both skin and clothing
What to Note
  • Unscented (could be precisely what you’re after!)

Sawyer Products Tick Repellent

Runner-Up
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What if you could spray your kids’ clothes with a tick repellent that lasts through six washings and reduces the likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times? The Sawyer Products Tick Repellent is our runner-up. Before you go on a camping trip, you can spray everyone’s clothes and gear. Even if the clothes are washed over the weeks, the repellent will bond to the fabric, repelling ticks for up to six weeks or through six washings, whichever comes first. Moreover, the repellent’s power lies in its ability to not just repel but also kill ticks on contact. As a bonus, it’s effective against more than 55 kinds of insects—from ticks and mosquitoes to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more.

Sawyer Training - Permethrin Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear, and Tents

Compared to the best overall, this repellent is not meant for direct application on your skin. It pairs well with the Sawyer Products Topical Tick Repellent for the skin.

Why It’s a Strong Defense
  • Lasts up to 6 weeks on clothing and gear
  • Kills ticks on contact for added protection
  • Bonds to fabric without damaging it
  • Effective against more than 55 insects, including Lyme-carrying ticks
  • Odorless after drying, so it won’t interfere with your activities
What to Note
  • Not for use directly on the skin (pairs with Sawyer Products Topical Tick Repellent)

Yaya Organics Tick Repellent

Most Natural
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The Yaya Organics Tick Repellent is your go-to if you prefer an all-natural, DEET-free option that’s safe for the whole family, even pets. This 16-ounce spray bottle is packed with plant-based ingredients, like cedarwood, peppermint, and rosemary oils, which not only repel ticks but also leave a fresh, herbal scent. Unlike the best overall and the runner-up, which rely on picaridin and permethrin, this tick repellent takes a more natural approach while still offering effective protection.

However, if you’re planning an intense outdoor adventure or need something that lasts for days on end, this tick repellent might not hold up as well as the best overall or the runner-up. It’s great for shorter outings like a day hike, a picnic, or a backyard BBQ. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a gentle tick repellent, especially for use around children and pets, this pick is a fantastic choice.

Why It’s a Strong Defense
  • 66% of happy customers give it a 5-star rating
  • All-natural with no DEET, safe for kids and pets
  • Plant-based oils effectively repel ticks
  • Safe for skin and gear with natural ingredients
  • Comes in a generous 16-ounce spray bottle, ideal for family use
What to Note
  • Herbal scent might not appeal to everyone (but ticks hate it!)

Murphy’s Naturals Tick Repellent

Best for Travel
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The Murphy’s Naturals Tick Repellent is a solid choice for those who prefer plant-based repellents and a light, fresh scent. This 4-ounce pump spray is made with 30 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus, offering up to 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes and 4 hours against ticks. It’s a great option for shorter outings where you need moderate protection.

Compared to the best overall, which offers 10 hours of tick defense, and the runner-up, which lasts up to six weeks on gear, this pick only packs a 4-hour punch. However, it’s a fantastic choice if you’re sensitive to stronger chemicals or heading out for a few hours. It’s also more affordable than some higher-end options, making it a good pick for those who want natural protection at a lower price point. Just keep in mind, you might need to reapply more often, especially if you’re outdoors for an extended period.

Why It’s a Strong Defense
  • 67% of customers give it a 5-star rating
  • Made with 30% lemon eucalyptus, natural yet powerful
  • Provides 6 hours of mosquito protection and 4 hours of tick defense
  • Safe for both skin and gear
  • Fresh lemon scent with no harsh chemicals
What to Note
  • Lasts 4 hours for tick protection

Ben’s Tick Repellent

Maximum Protection
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The Ben’s Tick Repellent is perfect for those who need maximum strength and extended protection. This 6-ounce spray offers a 20 percent picaridin formula, giving you up to 12 hours of tick defense. It’s made for those who spend long hours outdoors, whether in deep woods or just around your backyard. Moreover, it’s perfect when you need something that lasts from morning till night without needing to reapply.

While the best overall and runner-up are excellent, this pick offers an even longer duration of protection. Ultimately, the repellent focuses on maximum strength, so if you’re someone who needs that extra layer of defense for a full day outdoors, this tick repellent is a strong contender.

Why It’s a Strong Defense
  • 4.5-star rating
  • Provides 12 hours of protection with 20% picaridin
  • Safe for skin, clothes, and gear
  • Strong formula, ideal for long days outdoors
  • Recommended by the CDC for trusted protection
What to Note
  • More expensive than the best overall, but provides 12-hour protection

Ranger Ready Tick Repellent

Best Set
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The Ranger Ready Tick Repellent is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a powerful combo of protection for both your body and your gear. This pack includes two 8-ounce bottles—one with 20 percent picaridin for your skin and the other with 0.5 percent permethrin for your clothing and gear. This combination ensures that ticks are repelled from both your skin and the clothing you’re wearing.

Compared to the best overall and runner-up, this repellent offers a dual approach, which is particularly useful if you’re heading into tick-heavy areas for multiple days. However, it does require more effort—separately spraying your skin and clothes. So, if you’re looking for simplicity, REPEL’s all-in-one protection might be more appealing. That said, if you’re gearing up for an extended outdoor excursion and want thorough protection, this brand’s combo repellent is also an outstanding choice.

Why It’s a Strong Defense
  • Combo bottles protect both skin and gear
  • Contains 20% picaridin for up to 12 hours of protection
  • Permethrin formula lasts up to 40 days on clothing
  • Safe for pets and can be used on dogs and horses
  • Scent-free, perfect for sensitive users
What to Note
  • Requires separate applications for skin and clothing, yet is a popular choice

Choosing the Best Tick Repellent: A User's Guide

You Could be Camping, Completely Unaware That a Tick Has Latched Onto You

The real danger with ticks is their stealth. By the time you discover a tick latched onto you, the damage may already be done. Ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease and other serious infections.  No one wants to come back from a fun weekend in the woods with the potential health risks that come with tick bites. So, what’s the best way to protect yourself? The answer is simple: REPEL Tick Repellent.

Before you head out, spray it on yourself, your boots, clothing, and camping gear, and you’ll create a barrier that ticks won’t want to cross. And the best part? It works for hours, so you can explore trails, enjoy your campfire, and relax without worrying about what might be crawling up your leg.

My Personal Picks

1. REPEL Tick Repellent

Best overall tick repellent for all-day protection on both skin and clothing

A man sprays a black backpack with REPEL Tick Repellent, ensuring protection against ticks while he's outdoors.

Image courtesy of REPEL

Why Choose It?

  • Formulated with 15% picaridin for reliable tick and mosquito defense
  • Provides up to 10 hours of protection, perfect for all-day outdoor activities
  • Safe for both skin and clothing
  • 4.6-star rating, with 74% of customers giving it 5 stars
  • Voted “best overall” for its effectiveness and convenience

2. Sawyer Products Tick Repellent

Best tick repellent for long-term protection on clothing and gear

A man sprays a shoe with Sawyer Products Tick Repellent, providing protection against ticks for his outdoor adventure.

Image courtesy of Sawyer Products

Why Choose It?

  • Lasts up to 6 weeks on treated clothing and gear, making it ideal for long trips
  • Kills ticks on contact, offering an added layer of protection
  • Effective against more than 55 types of insects, including ticks and mosquitoes
  • 4.6-star rating, with 77% of customers giving it 5 stars
  • Voted “runner-up” for its superior clothing protection

What You Need to Consider When Choosing a Tick Repellent

When choosing the right tick repellent, there are many things to consider. I remember my own childhood experience with a tick all too well, and it taught me the importance of being prepared.

1. Active Ingredients

The active ingredient is what makes a tick repellent effective. Some of the most trusted ingredients include DEET, picaridin, and permethrin. For instance, the REPEL Tick Repellent uses 15 percent picaridin, known for its strong, reliable defense against ticks and mosquitoes. I love that it’s unscented and feels light on the skin—no greasy residue! It’s perfect if you’re looking for something that works well on both skin and clothing.

On the other hand, if you’re more concerned about long-lasting protection on your gear and clothing, the Sawyer Products Tick Repellent, with its permethrin-based formula, might be your go-to. This stuff is powerful—it bonds to fabric, providing protection that lasts up to six weeks or through six washings.

2. Application Method

Consider how you plan to use the repellent. Are you looking for something you can spray directly on your skin? Or do you need a product that works better on clothing and gear? Personally, I like having the flexibility of applying the REPEL Tick Repellent both on my skin and clothing. It’s convenient when you don’t want to carry multiple products.

3. Duration of Protection

How long do you need the protection to last? This is a big one. REPEL offers up to 10 hours of protection, which is great for a day hike or a short outdoor outing. But if you’re planning something longer, like a weekend camping trip, Sawyer’s six-week protection on clothing and gear is tough to beat.

4. Safety and Suitability

Think about who will be using the repellent. For family outings, you want something safe for everyone, including kids.

5. Multi-Purpose Use

Finally, consider whether you want your tick repellent to do double duty. REPEL handles both ticks and mosquitoes, which is perfect for all-around protection. Likewise, if you’re dealing with many pests, Sawyer’s repellent is effective against over 55 different insects.

Moreover, as I always say, when you’re camping, you need three essentials: tick repellent, bug spray, and a comfortable sleeping pad.

Tick Repellent FAQs

Are ticks deadly?

Ticks can be deadly because they can transmit diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can cause severe complications if not treated. While not all tick bites lead to death, some tick-borne diseases can be fatal without prompt medical attention. It's important to take precautions to avoid tick bites and seek treatment if bitten.

Which tick repellent has the highest star rating from customers?

Based on the information provided, the REPEL Tick Repellent has the highest star rating from customers, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,100 reviews.

What is the first thing you should do if you find a tick attached to your skin?

If you find a tick attached to you, you should remove it as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause parts of it to break off and remain in the skin. After removal, clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic.

When would you choose the Sawyer Products Tick Repellent, the runner-up, over the REPEL Tick Repellent?

You would choose the Sawyer Products Tick Repellent, the runner-up, over REPEL if you need long-term protection for your clothing and gear rather than direct application to your skin. The Sawyer repellent bonds to fabric and lasts up to six weeks or through six washings, making it ideal for camping trips. While REPEL can be used on both skin and clothing, Sawyer is particularly effective for those who want to keep their family tick-free while camping outdoors.

Which tick repellent is also effective against mosquitoes and flies?

The REPEL Tick Repellent is also effective against mosquitoes and flies. It provides up to 10 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitoes. Moreover, this repellent can be applied to both skin and clothing.

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