DIY Tick Repellent Sprays

If you'd rather not use DEET or Picaridin, especially on kids, essential oil sprays are a reasonable option. Some oils have actual research behind them. Just go in knowing you'll need to reapply more often than with commercial products.

The oils with the best evidence for tick repellency are cedarwood, geranium, lemongrass, and citronella. A 2019 study found that oregano and spearmint at a 5% dilution on clothing performed comparably to DEET. Garlic oil also appears on the CDC's list of natural options with some supporting data.

Four Recipes

• Recipe 1: Basic Skin SprayFor adults, exposed skin
• Recipe 2: Clothing SprayAlcohol-based, for fabric only
• Recipe 3: Witch Hazel SprayGentler, good for older kids
• Recipe 4: Dog-Safe SprayFor pets, vet-checked ingredients

Supplies You'll Need

Get glass spray bottles. Essential oils degrade plastic over time. Small 2 to 4 oz amber or blue glass bottles are cheap and easy to find online. The Polysorbate 20 or Solubol emulsifier used in several recipes is available on Amazon. Without it your spray will separate immediately and give uneven coverage.