Organic Tick Repellents

Susanna Cellucci

Susanna Cellucci

Updated Oct 1, 2026

During the summer, we need to protect ourselves from bugs such as mosquitoes and ticks.

Not all ticks carry Lyme disease: Only specific species transmit it:

Ticks climb onto people when people brush against them, especially outside in tall grass or on rocks and logs. Pets that go outdoors can also pick up ticks and bring them inside where they can bite people.

Conventional Tick Repellents 

Avoid conventional tick repellents made with toxic ingredients harmful to you and nature. They usuually are full of toxic chemicals such as DEET that are unsafe for us with their collateral toxic effects, and the environment, in fact, puts at risk other creatures such as honeybees and aquatic life.

  • ❌ DEET: common name for N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide. Most of all conventional insect repellents contain DEET. This a chemical was created during the Second World War. Used by the U.S. Army in jungle warfare. It is reported fatalities related to DEET and serious harm to children. An active ingredient linked to skin blisters, seizures, memory loss, headaches, stiffness in joints, shortness of breath, and skin irritation, it has been detected in groundwater, surface water, and drinking water. 
  • ❌ IR3535: is an EPA-registered, synthetic biopesticide.
  • ❌ Cyfluthrin: linked to neurotoxicity, muscle trembling, and behavior changes. 
  • ❌ Permethrin: is a synthetic pesticide. also toxic to aquatic life, bees, and fish. Permethrin is a neurotoxin which acts on sodium ion channels, promoting repeated nerve impulses. Effects of early life permethrin exposure on spatial working memory.
  • ❌ Pyrethroids: are an insecticide linked to dermatitis and asthma-like reactions, nausea, burning sensations, loss of coordination, and endocrine disruption. The majority of the chemicals within this class are toxic to aquatic life and fish as well. May result in seizures.

Greenwashing Tick Repellents

Avoid greenwashing bug repellents made by brands that pretend to be organic, safer and effective when they are not. They will use their marketing tricks to convince you to buy their products. 

  • ❌ Picaridin: also known as icaridin, is a widely used, synthetic insect repellent. Eye Irritation, Skin Sensitivity
  • ❌ Bug spray with sunscreen protection: as the mixture may increase your skin’s absorption of the chemicals.

Organic and Natural Tick Repellents 

Protect yourself by avoiding tall grass, brush, and leaf litter where ticks thrive; stick to trail centers. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks or boots, and treat clothing/gear with tick repellents. For your yard, keep grass short, create woodchip barriers, and check pets daily since they can carry ticks indoors.

 

  • 🌿 Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil: A natural pest repellent with a citrusy scent that also discourages ticks and gnats. Also listed on labels as Cymbopogon citratus or schoenanthus oil, lemongrass oil is another great natural alternative. Repels ticks; used in human sprays. 
  • 🌿 Organic Clove Essential Oil: Offers powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, providing additional protection against skin irritations.  100% kills fleas/ticks at 4-16%; lab-tested.
  • 🌿Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus: For adults and kids over 3. EPA-approved; 5+ hours vs. ticks/mosquitoes. 
  • 🌿 Organic Peppermint Essential Oil: moderate, short-term repellency against ticks. Its refreshing menthol aroma deters mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects.
  • 🌿 Organic Lavender Essential Oil: Effective against ticks/pulgas; skin-safe. Soothes and calms irritated skin while repelling moths, ticks, and gnats.
  • 🌿 Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Repels ticks; in EPA alternatives. Its strong, camphoraceous scent repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
  • 🌿 Organic Geranium Rose Essential Oil: Discourages ticks and gnats while leaving a pleasant, floral aroma.

 

USDA Certification Seal, logo

 

🌿 Natural, non-toxic, DEET-free, Alcohol-free. Kids-safe, family protection from ticks without toxic effects on other creatures such as honeybees and aquatic life. And they work!

Here you will find all-natural tick body and yard repellents made with plant-based, organic, responsibly sourced ingredients, vegan, cruelty-free, and family-owned. USDA Certified Organic tick repellent, spray, lotion and wipes.

 

  • ✅ USDA Certified Organic
  • ✅ Indoor-outdoor
  • ✅ DEET-free
  • ✅ Permethrin-free
  • ✅ Plastic-free
  • ✅ Kids-safe
  • ✅ Cruelty-free

​The Best Organic Tick Repellent Brands 

My number one organic bug repellent brand recommendations are:

 

 

 

Shop with my links to support my research!💖

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Poofy Organics Logo

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Bubble & Bee Organic Skincare

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3 Moms Organics Logo