It's spring again and the kids are outside while I'm having an anxiety attack.....
I've been researching for the MOST effective tick repellents that won't harm young kids.
It seems that DEET DOES NOT repel ticks that well according to some reviews online
Treating clothes with Sawyer Permethrin Premium Insect spray seems to have FAVORABLE reviews, but for everyday use on clothing so they can play seems a little too much with the chemicals.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Pump Spray also have FAVORABLE reviews according to Amazon.
I've used "Skin so Soft" lotion in the past and haven't spotted any ticks, but just curious what others are using??
Has anyone heard of RUBBING FABRIC SOFTNER sheets on your skin to repel ticks....I don't see how this would work, but I read it!
Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :
Permethrin is the ONLY one I trust. Can only be applied to clothing, not skin. DEET doesn't do anything at all, nor does Skin So Soft (only for mosquitos).
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
ditto
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Permithrin would be the best. It lasts for 6 weeks or 6 washings. And some natural tick repellant on the skin. Don't know which one is best.
also, do everything you can to tick-proof your yard. There's a sticky on it that Wild Condor wrote about bite prevention.
I understand not wanting to use permethrin, but which is worse---getting bitten and then having to treat, etc.??
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i can't use the chemical stuff. avon's works for me.
Posted by texanmom3 (Member # 28840) on :
We use a product called "No Bites!" We cannot use chemicals, but have struggled to find a natural repellant that isn't so strong in smell. This product smells like vanilla and it has been working wonderfully this past year for our family. The family who owns this company is so sweet and we have found many of their products work well. They are high quality and we only recommend products that we have used for some time and that work. The company also ships priority mail and you get your oils super fast! https://www.heritageessentialoils.com/No_Bites_.html Posted by sillia (Member # 23994) on :
Cedar oil on skin--Last year I bought this product: "Best Yet!" by www.cedarcide.com For use on people you get the little metal spray bottles that are refillable.
I have been spraying this on my skin whenever I go out, and then wear Permethrin-treated clothing. I can't say if the cedar repels ticks (they claim it does), however by using this faithfully every time I did not get even one single chigger bite last year, which says something. Chiggers are a menace here and in the past they will happily bite even if your clothes are treated with permetrin--they are so small they don't even notice your clothes! So, I don't think chiggers spread disease but preventing their bites removes a lot of suffering from the itching, and gives me hope that maybe ticks won't like the smell either.
p.s. Somebody in Massachusetts told me they use this Cedarcide stuff on their yard with "good results" but I don't know how to know if it really works...I'm a little hesitant to start spraying my whole place with it.
Posted by AnnaOD20 (Member # 29942) on :
I am very interested in this thread. I am going to be so much more diligent this spring/summer/fall w/ myself and young boys.
Looks like there are lots of options. Any research based articles that say which are the best/healthiest options?
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I recommend checking out the tick repellents listed at www.homs.com
They're made from a wild tomato plant and supposed to be good for skin, clothing and environment.
Has anyone here used them - ie, BiteBlocker, BioUD, etc?
also sold more diluted as Orange Guard in healthfood and hardware stores. It's from oranges - it's how the fruit keeps bugs away.
Put a little bit in a spray bottle, fill up with water and spray on clothing, immediate environment and lightly rub/mist on dog/cat fur. Use other essential oils for skin.
It's also a great cleaner - gets rid of mold, odors, stains.
Posted by sillia (Member # 23994) on :
quote:Originally posted by AnnaOD20: Looks like there are lots of options. Any research based articles that say which are the best/healthiest options?
I agree, it would be nice to see some research. I'd also like to see some comparisons that show which ones actually do deter ticks. Many claim to, but do they?
Posted by jenn (Member # 21687) on :
Permithrin on clohting....
Are you using this for kids clothing?
I understand that Permithrin KILLS ticks on contact, and NOT to be used on skin. BUT, Is it safe to use for kids clothing everyday while playing outside??
Or is this just used for Camping, hiking, etc....
I've seen Many, Many homemade recipes for Herbal repellents online and have NO idea or proof that they work, such as:
Citrus Pepperment sulphur lavender garlic Rose Geranium/Olive Oil
Anyone?? Since it herb's I can't find research to back it up if it works??
My only arsenal this season is "Tick Tubes" in the yard, DE sprinkled on the grass, Avon's "Skin so soft" for the kids.
**Repel eucalyptus on Amazon has very favorable reviews....looking into that as well