Ticks are small parasitic organisms that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas and can attach themselves to clothing or skin when brushing up against vegetation. Ticks are concerning because they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others. When spending time outdoors in tick habitat, it’s important to take precautions against tick bites by using insect repellents. Certain sprays can be applied to clothing to help prevent ticks from latching on in the first place.
Use permethrin spray
Permethrin is an insecticide that is highly effective at repelling and killing ticks. It can be sprayed directly onto clothing, shoes, tents, backpacks, and other gear. Permethrin binds tightly to fabric fibers, so it lasts through several washings. It is not safe to apply permethrin directly to skin, so spraying clothes beforehand provides long-lasting protection against ticks. Here are some key points about using permethrin clothing spray:
- Look for products containing 0.5% permethrin or other concentrations recommended for use on clothing.
- Apply outdoors in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in spray.
- Spray clothing until damp and allow it to dry completely before wearing.
- Reapply every 6 weeks for optimum effectiveness.
- Do not spray onto skin and avoid contact until dry.
Research shows that permethrin continues working through about 6 wash cycles if using a regular laundry detergent. Some specialized permethrin products advertise even longer-lasting protection. Permethrin binds extremely well to fabric fibers, so it does not easily sweat off or wash out.
Use natural tick repellent sprays
For a non-chemical option, certain plant-based essential oils can also be used to make natural tick repellent sprays. These can be applied to clothing for protection. Some of the most effective natural ingredients include:
- Eucalyptus oil – Has strong repellent properties against ticks and insects. Mix with water and witch hazel in a spray bottle.
- Citronella oil – This popular mosquito repellent also deters ticks. Available as an essential oil to mix in spray.
- Peppermint oil – Repels spiders, ticks, and other pests. Use a few drops per bottle in a water/witch hazel spray.
- Rose geranium oil – Oil from this aromatic plant can repel ticks as well as mosquitoes and fleas.
- Lemongrass oil – Has a pleasant lemon scent and insect-repelling abilities.
These natural oil repellents are safe to apply to clothes, tents, backpacks, etc. Follow instructions for mixing with water and witch hazel. Reapply every few hours when outdoors. Research shows that oil repellents tend to lose effectiveness after about 1-2 hours while permethrin lasts for weeks and through laundering.
Use DEET repellent sprays carefully
DEET is a chemical insect repellent ingredient effective against ticks. It can be sprayed onto clothing for protection. However, DEET is designed to repel rather than kill ticks. It also has potential safety risks if overapplied or used improperly. When using DEET sprays, keep these precautions in mind:
- Apply only to clothing, not directly onto skin.
- Do not use concentrations above 30% DEET.
- Avoid eyes, mouth, cuts, wounds. Do not inhale or ingest.
- Wash treated clothing before rewearing.
- Do not spray under clothing or apply over large areas of skin.
- Use gloves when handling sprayed items.
- Do not use on pets or children under 3 years old.
DEET can be irritating when overapplied and toxic if swallowed. It is not recommended for infants or small children. Follow all label directions carefully. Compared to permethrin and natural repellents, DEET may need more frequent reapplication when outdoors.
Other precautions against ticks
In addition to sprays, here are some other tips for preventing tick exposure:
- Wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts when in tick habitat.
- Tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants to keep ticks on outside of clothing.
- Wear closed toe shoes and boots rather than sandals.
- Avoid brushing against tall grass and undergrowth.
- Walk in center of trails when hiking.
- Keep grass mowed short around home.
- Do tick checks after being outdoors.
- Put clothes in dryer on hot cycle after exposure to kill any remaining ticks.
- Shower soon after coming indoors.
Layering protective clothing can add an additional barrier against ticks. Showering after being in tick-prone areas can wash off any loose ticks. Doing full body tick checks daily and after outdoor activity can help find any attached ticks before they have a chance to transmit disease.
How effective are clothing sprays?
Research shows that using repellent sprays on clothing provides significant protection against tick bites. In one study, wearing permethrin-treated clothes and DEET repellent on exposed skin reduced tick bites by 74% compared to untreated clothes and skin. Permethrin offered the greatest protection when applied to clothes and gear.
Another study tested different tick repellent products and found that permethrin-treated clothing resulted in 100% repellency even after multiple laundry cycles. Overall, published research suggests that proper use of sprays like permethrin offers close to 100% protection against ticks.
Summary of research findings
| Repellent | Effectiveness | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Permethrin on clothes | Close to 100% | Lasts through several washes |
| Natural oil sprays | Good short-term repellency | 1-2 hours protection |
| DEET sprays | Good repellency | Reapply every few hours |
Conclusion
Applying tick repellent sprays to your clothes and outdoor gear can greatly reduce the risk of tick bites and transmission of tick-borne diseases. Permethrin is the most effective and long-lasting clothing treatment option. Natural oil repellents and DEET sprays also help deter tick attachment but require more frequent reapplication. Be sure to always follow label directions and precautions when using tick repellent sprays.