What actually works to repel ticks, according to experts
The Boston Globe • • health
Key Points:
- Experts recommend wearing permethrin-treated clothing, especially socks and shoes, to kill ticks on contact and reduce the risk of bites, as nymphal ticks live close to the ground and adults climb from knee height.
- DEET and Picaridin-based repellents applied to skin are effective against ticks but require frequent reapplication, while natural or organic repellents generally lack efficacy.
- Regular tick checks, wearing light-colored clothing, and minimizing exposed skin by tucking in clothes help prevent ticks from attaching and transmitting diseases like Lyme disease.
- Lawn treatments with synthetic pyrethroid insecticides can temporarily reduce ticks but are limited in effectiveness due to ticks migrating from untreated areas; maintaining sunny, dry lawns can naturally repel ticks.
- Pets can bring ticks indoors, so topical tick treatments are recommended over oral chews, and pet owners should check animals for ticks before entering the home; permethrin is safe for dogs but toxic to cats.