The best dual tick-and-mosquito repellent strategy is layered: permethrin-treated clothing for tick protection plus a 20 percent picaridin or 25 percent DEET topical for both ticks and mosquitoes on exposed skin. PMD (oil of lemon eucalyptus) is excellent against mosquitoes but has lighter peer-reviewed tick data, so for tick-heavy environments the synthetic CDC-recognized options have an edge.
This guide covers which active ingredients work against both pests, where ticks live, and the realistic protection strategy for hikers, families, and dog owners.
The reality: ticks and mosquitoes are different problems
Mosquitoes and ticks both bite, but they behave differently:
• fly to you. They are most active at dawn and dusk for most species (with Aedes aegypti being a daytime biter). Repellent on exposed skin keeps them from landing.
• wait. They quest on grass blades and brush, waiting to grab a passing host. They climb up. They prefer the warm, moist areas of your body (waistband, sock line, hairline, groin, armpits).
Protection strategy reflects this difference: mosquitoes need a topical on skin. Ticks need permethrin-treated clothing plus the topical.
Active ingredients that work against both
The CDC and EPA recognize four active ingredients for human use. Here is the head-to-head on both pests:
| Active | Mosquito efficacy | Tick efficacy | Plant-based | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEET 25-30% | Excellent | Excellent | No | Longest field track record |
| Picaridin 20% | Excellent | Strong | No | Best skin feel |
| PMD 8-30% | Strong | Moderate | Yes | Plant-based option; tick data thinner |
| IR3535 20% | Strong | Moderate | No | Less common in US retail |
| Permethrin (clothing only) | Excellent | Excellent | No | Clothing application, kills on contact |
For people in heavy-tick areas (Lyme-endemic states like Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota), the standard recommendation is:
• Permethrin-treated clothing
• Plus 20 percent picaridin or 25 percent DEET on exposed skin
For families wanting plant-based protection where mosquitoes are the bigger threat and ticks are a secondary concern, 8 percent PMD (Superbloc) works on mosquitoes and provides moderate tick deterrence, but it is not a substitute for permethrin in heavy-tick territory.
The 2-layer strategy for tick-and-mosquito country
Layer 1: Permethrin on clothing
Permethrin is the difference-maker for ticks. It is a synthetic insecticide applied to clothing (not skin) that kills ticks and mosquitoes on contact. The clothing stays active through about 6 washes.
Options:
• ExOfficio BugsAway, Insect Shield-treated garments
• Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent Clothing Spray ($15-20)
What to treat:
• Hiking pants (especially the lower legs)
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Hat
• Socks (critical for ticks)
• Boots and shoes (treat the canvas or fabric parts)
• Backpack
• Tent and bug net (optional)
Apply per the bottle directions. Let dry for at least 2 hours before wearing. Re-treat after about 6 washes.
Permethrin is not for skin application. Do not spray on bare skin.
Layer 2: Topical repellent on exposed skin
For the parts of you that are not in permethrin-treated clothing (face, neck, hands), apply a CDC-recognized topical:
• the default recommendation for tick territory. 8-12 hours of protection.
• the longest-track-record option. Damages plastic and fabric.
• plant-based alternative for the mosquito-heavy parts of your trip. Pair with permethrin clothing for tick coverage.
Tick hot spots in the United States
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the US, transmitted by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis in the east, Ixodes pacificus in the west).
CDC-documented Lyme-endemic regions:
• Northeast: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
• Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia
• Upper Midwest: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan
• Less common but documented: Northern California, Oregon, Washington
For travel to these states between April and October (peak tick activity), use the 2-layer permethrin-plus-topical strategy.
Other tick-borne illnesses by region:
• Southeast and Midwest
• Upper Midwest and Northeast
• Northeast (rare but serious)
• Lone Star tick, Southeast and Midwest
Children, families, and tick protection
For kids in tick territory:
• Permethrin-treated clothing is the foundation (clothing application, not skin)
• 20 percent picaridin allowed from 2 months per AAP
• 8 percent PMD (Superbloc) allowed from 6 months
• DEET up to 30 percent allowed from 2 months per AAP
After every hike or outdoor day in tick country:
1. every family member. Look in hairline, behind ears, neck, waistband, groin, armpits, behind knees.
2. of returning indoors (washes off unattached ticks).
3. (kills ticks on clothes).
4. if you have one (ticks ride in on pets).
If you find an attached tick, remove with fine-tipped tweezers grasping close to the skin. Pull straight out without twisting. Save the tick in a sealed bag if you develop symptoms within 30 days.
Common tick myths to skip
Myth: Burning a tick or covering with petroleum jelly makes it back out
Both can cause the tick to regurgitate into the bite, increasing infection risk. Use tweezers, pull straight out.
Myth: All ticks carry Lyme
Only blacklegged (deer) ticks carry Lyme, and only a fraction of those are infected. Most tick bites are not Lyme-transmitting, but all warrant attention.
Myth: A 24-hour attachment is needed for Lyme transmission
Studies suggest 24-36 hours of attachment for Lyme transmission, but shorter attachments have occasionally transmitted in lab conditions. Anaplasmosis and Powassan can transmit faster. Find and remove ticks promptly.
Myth: Essential oils repel ticks effectively
Cedarwood, peppermint, and other essential oils have brief deterrent effects under controlled lab conditions but do not pass the CDC efficacy bar for ticks. Use permethrin and CDC-recognized topicals for tick territory.
What to do if you find a tick on you
1. Remove with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to skin
2. Pull straight out, no twisting
3. Clean the bite area with soap and water or alcohol
4. Save the tick in a sealed bag (for identification if you develop symptoms)
5. Photograph the tick and the bite area
6. Mark your calendar (Lyme symptoms typically appear 3 to 30 days post-bite)
7. Watch for fever, rash (especially the bullseye rash of Lyme), joint pain
8. See a doctor if any symptoms develop
Many doctors will prescribe a single prophylactic dose of doxycycline for a known Ixodes bite in a Lyme-endemic area if removed within 72 hours.
Common questions about tick and mosquito repellent
Does the same repellent work for both ticks and mosquitoes?
DEET 25 percent and picaridin 20 percent are effective against both. PMD is strong against mosquitoes and moderate against ticks. Permethrin (on clothing) is excellent against both.
Can I use permethrin on my skin?
No. Permethrin is for clothing only. It is not absorbed through skin in significant amounts but is also not approved for skin application.
How long does permethrin-treated clothing last?
About 6 washes per home treatment. Factory-treated clothing (ExOfficio BugsAway, Insect Shield) lasts about 70 washes per the manufacturers.
Is plant-based repellent enough for tick territory?
PMD provides moderate tick deterrence. For Lyme-endemic areas, layer with permethrin-treated clothing. PMD alone is not the strongest option for heavy-tick environments.
What about lemon eucalyptus essential oil (the raw oil, not PMD)?
Raw lemon eucalyptus essential oil is not CDC-recognized. PMD is the refined, stabilized derivative that the CDC and EPA recognize. The two are different products despite the similar name.
Are there natural tick repellents that actually work?
For ticks, the most validated natural option is PMD. Permethrin is synthetic but applied to clothing rather than skin. Other essential oils (cedarwood, rosemary, peppermint) have brief lab effects but no field validation comparable to permethrin.
Should my dog wear tick prevention too?
Yes. Talk to your vet. Several oral and topical tick preventatives are available for dogs. Do not use human repellent on pets.
How Superbloc fits
Superbloc's 8 percent PMD is the plant-based option for mosquito protection. For people in Lyme-endemic tick territory, we recommend pairing Superbloc with permethrin-treated clothing for full coverage.
Browse:
• 8 percent PMD spray for mosquitoes, alcohol-free, safe from 6 months.
• 2 sprays plus 2 wipes packs for the family.
For heavy-tick environments, also pick up:
• Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent Clothing Spray (treat clothes 2 days before your trip)
• Fine-tipped tweezers for after-hike tick checks
Featured in goop and Harper's Bazaar.
Written by Tanya Lee, Founder, Superbloc. For Lyme-endemic areas, also consult your doctor about post-bite prophylaxis options.
