Safe Tick Repellents

Using tick repellent is important to help prevent contracting illnesses spread by ticks, such as Lyme disease. Tick repellent is put on skin, clothing or other areas to discourage ticks from crawling on that area and is usually safe when used as directed.

The Facts

• DEET is the most common ingredients in tick repellents, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health. Products containing DEET can be used safely on skin and are available in concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 percent DEET. For most adults, 10 to 25 percent DEET is adequate, according to the Illinois Department of Health.

DEET and Children

• DEET is also considered a safe tick repellent for children when used as directed. Experts say it is safe to use DEET in low concentrations on infants older than 2 months, according to the Illinois Department of Health. Parents should apply it to their own hands and then rub on children, avoiding mouth and eyes. Children shouldn't be allowed to apply repellent to themselves.

Natural Tick Repellents

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention categorizes oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 as biopesticides derived from natural ingredients. These products are considered safe tick repellents but are not recommended for children younger than 3 years.