Sawyer’s Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent adds a powerful layer of protection to clothing, gear, and tents. Unlike topical sprays intended for direct skin application, this spray is meant for fabric and will bond to fabric fibers to repel and kill ticks and mosquitoes on contact.

This tick-repellent spray delivers maximum-strength protection with a 100% DEET formula that repels ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects for up to 10 hours. The alcohol-free spray is tough on bugs but suitable for both adults and children when used as directed, making it a reliable choice for hiking, camping, or travel. Before I had a dog, this was the bug spray I swore by.

Thermacell Tick Control Tubes offer a hands-off, no-spray approach to reducing tick populations right where they thrive. Using permethrin-treated cotton, the system works with nature by allowing mice to carry the treatment into their nests, killing ticks that may carry Lyme disease at the source. Designed for seasonal placement around gardens, wooded edges, and backyards, this product is safe for homes with both pets and children.

Wondercide’s Ready-to-Use Yard Spray offers a plant-based approach to tick prevention, using natural essential oils to kill, repel, and prevent ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Designed for easy hose attachment, it quickly treats lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces without harsh chemicals. Safe for use around pets, kids, and plants when used as directed, it provides an effective alternative to conventional pesticides.

For a plant-based alternative to chemical bug sprays, this spray from Murphy’s Naturals uses oil of lemon eucalyptus to create a protective barrier against ticks and mosquitoes. The DEET-free formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for use on skin and gear, with a fresh, natural scent. I use this regularly when hitting the trails because it’s safe around pets.

These unique tick-repellent stickers offer a kid-friendly, no-spray solution for tick prevention, using essential oils like peppermint and cedarwood to help keep pests at bay. Designed to stick easily to clothing, backpacks, or gear, each patch delivers up to 8 hours of protection without direct skin contact. With colorful designs and a chemical-free formula, they provide a simple, low-maintenance option for families looking to add an extra layer of defense during outdoor play.

Dog owners should always check with their veterinarians before starting a new flea and tick prevention method, but my vet recommends the Seresto collar. Designed to provide up to eight months of continuous coverage, it releases active ingredients imidacloprid and lumethrin gradually to kill and repel pests on contact. My Australian Shepherd wears one of these all spring and summer long, and it does a good job of preventing ticks from latching on.

Insect Shield Lightweight Hiking Socks combine everyday comfort with built-in tick protection, using permethrin bonded directly to the fabric. They provide long-lasting defense without the need for sprays or reapplication. Lightweight, breathable, and cushioned for all-day wear, these socks offer a simple, low-maintenance way to add an extra layer of protection during hikes, yard work, or outdoor adventures.

Sure, I use a lint roller to get my fluffy dog’s hair off my clothes, but most people don’t know that using a lint roller directly on their dog’s fur after outside time in tick season can be a quick and easy way to remove any bugs. It’s also a good idea to swipe your own clothes and gear with one of these after spending time outside during tick season, just to be sure you’re not bringing any unwanted bugs into your home.

The hardest place to find a tick is on your own scalp, especially if you have a lot of hair, as I do. That’s why I always try to wear a hat every time I hit the trails. This one isn’t treated with any insect repellent, so I spray Murphy’s Natural on the top, tie my hair into a low bun, and let the protection do its job.