Tick ​​Sprays for Adults and Children: Choosing and Using The Right Way

With the arrival of summer's warmth comes a time for relaxation and dacha chores, and with them comes the problem of protecting yourself from tick bites. Everyone knows about the potential dangers associated with these bloodsucking insects, but the issue of preventing contact with these parasites always remains relevant.

Pros and cons of tick sprays

Ticks begin their activity in early spring, as soon as the air temperature warms up to +12^O-15^OS. The most active period for ticks is May and August (before the onset of frost). During hot periods, ticks become lethargic, preferring to seek shelter from the heat and humidity.

Ixodid tick on a human body

There are many different types of personal protective equipment against ticks. One popular option is sprays. This form of treatment is relatively new to the pharmaceutical industry, but has already proven itself. It is convenient due to its simplicity and ease of use. The terms "spray" and "aerosol" are not synonymous, but when it comes to tick protection, there is no fundamental difference between them.

Spray-based medications have a number of advantages:

1. Convenient and quick method of application.
2. Easy storage and transportation.
3. Uniform distribution of the product.
4. The sealed bottle prevents the spray from leaking and preventing air and moisture from getting inside.
5. Non-contact: the product is applied only to clothing (made from natural fabrics), which significantly reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.
6. Durability: the spray retains its properties for a long time, and lotion or cream applied to the skin is washed off with water, removed by sweating, and dries.

Sprays also have their disadvantages:

• Possibility of poisoning if spray particles enter the respiratory system, eyes and mouth when spraying.
• Possible allergic reaction to the drug (sprays and aerosols often have a strong, specific odor).
• Fire hazard. The spray contains flammable substances.
• Some of the medications are contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as for the babies themselves.

Types of sprays

Tick ​​sprays are divided into three groups:

• acaricidal,
• repellent,
• repellent-acaricidal, or insecticidal-repellent.

Let's take a closer look at each type of product.

Acaricidal spray

The acaricidal spray contains alphacypermethrin. This insecticide acts by contact and stomach action (i.e., it kills ticks upon ingestion and direct external contact). It causes paralysis of internal organs and limbs, after which the parasite dies. Acaricidal sprays and aerosols are applied exclusively to clothing, and before putting it on. The effectiveness of an acaricidal spray can last up to two weeks. In practice, this is unlikely. Firstly, during this period, clothing will likely become soiled and washed. It's also possible that items could get wet in the rain. Secondly, the danger from a tick bite is too great to test the protective properties of the product for this period; most people prefer to apply the spray more frequently.

Repellent spray

The unique feature of repellent sprays is that they do not contain poisons that kill ticks, but merely repel them. These products contain substances (most often diethyltoluamide), the scent of which irritates ticks' sense of smell and repels them from potential prey. A repellent spray, on the other hand, is applied to the skin rather than to clothing. Don't forget that you need to reapply the product after swimming or rain. After treatment, the body will emit an unpleasant odor, which will discourage ticks from attacking you.

Insecticide repellent spray

Insecticide-repellent sprays are a combination option that provides comprehensive protection against ticks. These products contain both diethyltoluamide and alphacypermethrin, so they not only repel but also act as a nerve agent. This type of spray is sprayed onto clothing. Products in this group contain an insecticide, but the dosage is extremely low for the human body. Furthermore, the sprays' effectiveness is reduced to 4–6 hours. After the treated areas are exposed to water (rain, washing, or bathing), the product loses its effectiveness, so it must be reapplied.

A respirator mask will protect your breathing from toxic particles while spraying.

The difference between a spray and an aerosol is that the product is applied using a mechanical pump. A single press of the spray valve releases a small amount of the product, thereby controlling the spray rate. Aerosols do not have a dispenser; when you press the spray head, the product is released by the pressure generated within the can.

Precautions when working with sprays and aerosols

When using tick sprays and aerosols, you should strictly follow several safety rules:

• Use the product only for its intended purpose.
• Avoid smoking while spraying.
• Protect your respiratory system and eyes while spraying. If the product comes into contact with your eyes or mouth, rinse the affected areas thoroughly with plenty of water. If you accidentally inhale the product, go outside and breathe deeply until the sensation subsides.
• Avoid placing open fire sources, hot objects and heating devices close to the spray or aerosol.
• Do not treat clothing on a person.
• Do not wear treated items until they are completely dry.
• Store clothing with the protective agent applied in an airtight polyethylene cover to preserve the properties of the product.
• Have an adult handle children's clothing. The same rule applies to pregnant and nursing women.
• One person should not spray the product onto the clothing of all family members or a group. The total time for one person to apply the product should not exceed 2 minutes.
• Do not open, puncture or throw into fire the empty container; dispose of it as household waste.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Following all safety precautions and using any tick repellent correctly does not eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction. If itching, sneezing, skin redness, rash, headache, or other allergy symptoms occur, return home, remove the treated clothing, and take a shower. Consult a doctor if necessary.

Popular brands of tick sprays

The market offers a wide variety of tick repellent sprays and aerosols. Let's look at the most popular brands and determine their effectiveness based on reviews from people who have tried them.

Taiga anti-tick

The manufacturer offers Taiga Anti-Kleshch in spray and aerosol forms. The product belongs to the acaricide group. The aerosol comes in 145 ml, while the spray comes in 125 and 50 ml. The manufacturer may change the bottle sizes and their design.

Taiga anti-tick spray is an acaricidal pest control product.

In addition to tick protection, the spray is designed to kill fleas, cockroaches, moths, flies, ants, bedbugs, wasps, butterflies, mosquitoes, and many other insects. It can be applied to camping gear such as tents, backpacks, tarps, and other textile items.

Treating your outdoor gear with tick repellent will increase your protection.

The composition of the Taiga anti-tick aerosol:

• isopropyl alcohol - 86%
• neonol - 0.75%
• alphacypermethrin - 0.17%
• ethyl cellosolve - 0.5%
• water
• preservative.

The composition of the spray is slightly different from the aerosol:

• nefras >30%
• butane/propane/isobutane mixture 30%
• isoparaffin <5%
• sorbitan oleate <5%
• alphacypermethrin - 0.2%
• imiprothrin 0.15%
• fragrance <5%.

As you can see, the concentration of the active ingredient in the spray is higher than in the aerosol. This is because the spray distributes the product more evenly, as it dispenses a measured amount. The manufacturer claims the protective effect lasts for 10 to 15 days. Additional applications are required if clothing gets wet in the rain or after washing.

Possible storage temperature from -5^O up to +30^OC. Do not heat the bottle to a temperature exceeding 40^OC. The shelf life is 4 years, after which the product must be disposed of, as it loses its effectiveness.

The manufacturer does not provide a clear prohibition or permission for the use of the product in relation to children and pregnant or lactating women.

This product is toxic to fish and bees, but slightly toxic to birds. Therefore, avoid spraying near aquariums or areas where bees are present (e.g., in an apiary).

Before you begin treating clothing and equipment, it is important to read the instructions on the back of the bottle. Taiga Anti-Tick Spray and Aerosol should be applied only to clothing; under no circumstances should this product be sprayed on skin or hair. To use the drug correctly, follow the recommendations:

1. Treatment should be carried out outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
2. Put on protective glasses and a mask.
3. All items to be processed must be hung up or laid out in an unfolded form.
4. If necessary, determine the wind direction and spray with the air flow.
5. Apply the product at a distance of 20–25 cm from the items being treated, with the hand holding the bottle extended forward.
6. Apply one spray to a 10 x 10 cm area with one press of the spray head (called a "spray"). This precision is not possible with an aerosol spray, as the flow rate is controlled by the user, not by a pump. It is recommended to spray an adult's shirt and trousers for no more than 2 minutes.
7. Particular attention should be paid to the areas of the hips, knees, shins, ankles and shoulders.
8. After completing the manipulations, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
9. Dry the clothes.
10. It is permissible to wear treated items directly over underwear.
11. Store clothes with the product applied in a package without access to air.
12. Repeat treatment after 10–15 days.

Reviews of Taiga Anti-Mite Spray

It's recommended to treat clothing every 10-15 days. Mine have been treated for six days now. After returning from walks, I check myself to make sure I haven't brought any ticks home. So far, so good. I definitely recommend using this product [Taiga Anti-Tick] or similar ones. Even if you've been vaccinated against encephalitis, since ticks can also transmit a number of other infections.

It doesn't require much use—a 125ml bottle lasts me a year, and I even have some left over [about Taiga Anti-Tick Spray]. It provides excellent protection against ticks—I've seen a tick jump off my pants more than once, so this product is perfect for mushroom pickers—I've tested it myself. Of course, when the temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius in the Rostov region, it's especially hot, and that's the biggest drawback of this product, in my opinion.

I don't recommend buying this product [about Taiga Anti-Tick Spray]. Although the ingredients list isopropyl alcohol and the product should dry very quickly, it actually takes a very long time to dry—more than two hours in the sun. And even afterward, it leaves burns on your skin, even on dry clothes. The burning sensation lasts for 10-12 hours, and the intense itching lingers for a long time afterward. My mother and children suffered the same way.

We treated our child's clothes with this product before going to the forest, but it didn't help—when we got home and took off his shirt, we saw a tick attached to his back! Considering it could be a tick that carries encephalitis, this isn't exactly good news for a mother. The effectiveness of this product is questionable: the instructions say it can also be used as protection against other blood-sucking insects, including mosquitoes. We took advantage of this, dousing ourselves with the product from head to toe. However, the mosquitoes literally tore us to pieces, ignoring the poison.

Gardex Extreme

Gardex Extreme is available as an aerosol and spray and is an acaricidal product that protects against ticks and many other insects thanks to its alphacypermethrin content. Gardex is sprayed exclusively on clothing before putting it on, and can also be used to treat camping equipment made from natural textile materials. There's a special spray for protecting children. According to the manufacturer, the product lasts up to two weeks after application.

Types of Gardex

Gardex spray has the following composition:

• Alphacypermethrin - 0.25%
• permethrin - 0.18%
• isopropyl alcohol
• fragrance.

The composition of the baby spray is slightly different:

• Alphacypermethrin (0.2%)
• N,N-diethyltoluamide (5.0%)
• ethyl alcohol
• fragrance
• hydrocarbon propellant.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use a baby spray, but an adult family member should apply it. A product designed for treating children's clothing can be used if the child is 2 years of age or older. Do not apply Gardex to skin or hair. The spray should not be used on synthetic fabrics or plastics, as they may be damaged by the product's components.

Tick ​​repellent spray can and should be used in conjunction with a mosquito repellent applied topically. This way, you and your loved ones will be more reliably protected from most bloodsuckers.

The container with the drug should be stored in a place protected from direct sunlight at a temperature not exceeding +50^OC. Keep out of reach of children. The product's shelf life is 3 years. Do not use Gardex after this expiration date.

Directions for use:

1. The application of the preparation should be carried out outdoors.
2. Protect your eyes and breathing with goggles and a mask (you can tie a slightly damp cloth over your nose and mouth).
3. Children and pets should be kept away.
4. Shake the can well before spraying.
5. Extend your hand with the bottle and apply the preparation generously to clothing and equipment from a distance of 20–25 cm.
6. Let the clothes dry thoroughly.
7. Wear over underwear.
8. After completing the manipulations, wash your hands with soap.
9. Repeat treatment is necessary after 2 weeks.

The effect of Gardex Extreme on ticks

Reviews of the product's effectiveness

After using [Gardex], I had a positive experience. For example, after the picnic, not a single mosquito bite was found on any of the participants. Not a single tick was found on their bodies either. The only downside is a rather strong chemical smell. Another downside is that this product is ineffective against bees and wasps. I recommend this product as an effective repellent for blood-sucking insects and ticks.

Before going outdoors, we always treat our clothes with insect repellent. We've tried many different products, but we haven't found anything better than Gardex Extreme for treating clothing.

We've been using this spray [Gardex] for several years now. We can't go out into the countryside or into the woods without it. It needs to be applied to clothing outdoors; the smell is strong, but tolerable. Clothing isn't covered with film or anything else, and the smell dissipates quickly. The spray lasts up to 5 days after application, but that's all we need.

Personally, I use Gardex spray. I treat not only my clothes, but also my legs, arms, and neck. Three years on, no problem.

Reftamide

Reftamide is an aerosol product produced in several series against specific parasites or several types of bloodsucking insects. It's possible the product may already be available as a spray. Some types of Reftamide can only be sprayed on clothing, while others can be used on exposed skin. The following varieties of this aerosol are effective against ticks:

• Reftamide anti-tick and taiga anti-tick
• Reftamide enhanced
• Reftamide maximum.

The aerosol's shelf life is shorter than other brands—36 months from the date of manufacture. Storage temperature range: -20°C^O up to +40^OStorage temperatures above this temperature pose a flammability hazard. Keep this product out of the reach of children.

Reftamide anti-tick and Reftamide anti-tick taiga

This acaricidal aerosol is designed to protect against ixodid ticks and contains the active ingredient alphacypermethrin. It is applied exclusively to clothing and equipment made of textile materials. The product remains effective for 10–15 days after application, after which re-treatment is recommended.

Reftamide aerosol should be used with caution, as it is an insectoacaricidal agent.

Aerosol composition:

• alphacypermethrin 0.2%
• glycerin less than 5%
• fragrance less than 5%
• butane/propane/isobutane mixture greater than 30%
• ethanol more than 30%.

Recommendations for use:

1. The treatment should be carried out outdoors, but in an area protected from gusts of wind.
2. Spraying the product indoors is permitted, provided there is good ventilation.
3. Hang or lay out the clothes.
4. Shake the can.
5. Spray the aerosol at a distance of 10–20 cm from clothing with an outstretched arm.
6. The total operating time should not exceed 2 minutes.
7. After processing, dry all items.
8. Wear over underwear.
9. After spraying, wash your hands immediately with soap.

The product is approved for use by pregnant women and children, provided that another person performs the treatment. People prone to allergies should use the product with caution.

Testing of the drug Reftamide anti-taiga tick

Reftamide enhanced

The product's name itself suggests that the aerosol has a more powerful effect on parasites. This is because, in addition to alphacypermethrin, it contains the insecticide imiprothrin, which causes immediate poisoning of bloodsuckers.

Reftamide aerosol has a vanilla aroma.

Composition of the drug:

• Alphacypermethrin 0.2%
• imiprothrin 0.15%
• fragrance <5%
• sorbitan oleate <5%
• isoparaffin <5%
• butane/propane/isobutane mixture >30%
• nefras >30%

The method of administration is the same as the previous series. The duration of action is 5 hours. This is much shorter than other medications, where the protective effect lasts for several days.

Reftamide Maximum

This type of aerosol belongs to the group of repellents. In addition to ticks, the manufacturer guarantees reliable protection against black flies, fleas, midges, mosquitoes, horse flies, and mosquitoes. The product contains DEET (diethyltoluamide), which repels bloodsuckers, thereby preventing their bites.

Product composition:

• N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) 28%
• butane/propane/isobutane mixture >30%
• denatured ethyl alcohol 15–30%
• propylene glycol <5%
• fragrance <5%.

The product provides protection on exposed skin for 4 hours and remains effective on clothing for up to 5 days if sealed in an airtight bag. After washing, the item should be re-treated. The product does not provide a 100% guarantee that the tick will retreat. It is better to strengthen your protection by additionally treating your clothes with an acaricide.

The drug Reftamide Maximum does not guarantee complete protection against tick attacks.

Directions for use of the drug:

1. Treatment should be carried out in open air or in a well-ventilated room.
2. Shake the bottle with the drug for 5-10 seconds.
3. Apply a small amount of aerosol to the palm of your hand and distribute over exposed areas of skin, avoiding rubbing.
4. Treat clothing until slightly damp. Maintain a distance of at least 20–25 cm between the product can and items during application.
5. It is necessary to treat more thoroughly the areas where ticks most often enter: thighs, knees, ankles, and hands.
6. After completing the procedure, wash your hands with soap.
7. After treatment, let the clothes dry and then wear them.

Reviews of drugs of this brand

This spray [Reftamide Enhanced] has one drawback: its scent lingers on clothes. Once you put it on, you have to wash your clothes, which are heavily permeated with the scent of vanilla, along with some other impurities. For me, that's the only drawback, but overall, I recommend it.

100% proven. I was in the taiga, in pine forests, in April, May, and June. I didn't remove a single tick. However, those who didn't use it removed 4-6 ticks. It's essential to thoroughly treat clothing. It works great and is inexpensive [about Reftamide Taiga aerosol].

...if you're heading out into nature (forest, river, lake, etc.), to the countryside, or to your dacha, I highly recommend taking Reftamide with you. It will protect you and your loved ones from midges, mosquitoes, and ticks. It can also be used on children with GREAT CAUTION, but BE VERY CAREFUL. It's best to apply a small amount to clothing first before dressing your child. I recommend Reftamide; it's a reliable, time-tested insect repellent.

I personally really like this product [Reftamide Enhanced]; I buy several cans every year. I use about a third of a can per person at a time. During our hikes, not a single tick was spotted anywhere near us. It seems they either try to stay away or simply die immediately.

OFF! Extreme

OFF! Extreme aerosol is a tick repellent. It is designed to protect against a wide range of blood-sucking insects, including ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, horseflies, and others.

OFF! Extreme aerosol does not guarantee complete protection against ticks, as this product does not kill the parasites, but only repels them.

Composition of the drug:

• diethyltoluamide 30%
• denatured alcohol
• emulsifier
• preservative
• fragrance
• water
• propellant.

The main substance, diethyltoluamide (DEET), emits an odor that is unpleasant for ticks, irritating their sensory receptors and stimulating them to retreat from humans. The aerosol can be applied to both clothing and exposed areas of the body. The manufacturer claims the aerosol maintains its protective properties against ticks for 5 days on textiles and up to 4 hours on skin. The product can be applied to the body no more than twice a day, and to clothing once every 3 days.

Rules for using the aerosol:

• Avoid smoking while spraying.
• Do not swallow or inhale the medicine.
• Apply to skin, avoiding rubbing.
• Treat clothing with a generous stream of spray from a distance of 15–20 cm.

The bottle doesn't indicate that clothing needs to be treated and dried before wearing. Since the aerosol can be applied directly to the body, it's likely safe to treat clothing after it's been worn. The drug should not be used by women during breastfeeding and pregnancy, and is also prohibited for children and people sensitive to chemicals. You should also avoid taking risks if there is visible damage to the skin: wounds, deep scratches, various rashes, etc.

The shelf life of the aerosol is 3 years, provided that it is stored at a temperature not exceeding +40^OKeep away from direct sunlight, open flames, and heating devices. Keep out of reach of children!

OFF! Extreme Reviews

The canister claimed [OFF! Extreme] provided protection against blood-sucking insects for over 4 hours (applied to skin), and when sprayed on clothing, it provided protection against mosquitoes for up to 30 days and ticks for up to 5 days. In reality, it worked differently for different people. For example, my husband's protection lasted about 2 hours, my son didn't get bitten for a long time, definitely 4-5 hours, and it provided the least protection for me—barely lasting an hour. Our friends had the same problem—for some, it provided protection for quite a long time, while for others, it provided only limited protection.

I've tried a lot of different products in my time, but I settled on OFF aerosol. Of all the sprays, ointments, and aerosols, I liked this one the most. Compared to other products, it provides the most reliable protection. Usually, after a trip to the forest, I'd pick off five or six ticks, but after using OFF, I didn't have a single one. The smell is certainly unpleasant, but what can you do?

The protection from bloodsuckers is reliable—no doubt about it! But at the same time, the product caused me a lot of discomfort, not to mention side effects. No matter how carefully I sprayed it, the aerosol would get into my nose and eyes, causing sneezing and tears. If I used the product several times a day (and its effectiveness is limited), it also irritated the skin on exposed areas. I also noticed that OFFa made my nail polish lose its shine and soften—and that's saying something!

Over the years, we've tried a ton of products and finally settled on OFF! Extreme repellent aerosol. A relative brought this truly miraculous product from Moscow six years ago, and we now buy it regularly. We use it for all our forest mushroom and berry picking, all our walks, and all our garden weeding. Insects truly don't bite. No more ticks, mosquitoes, horseflies, midges, or other bloodsuckers. The smell is a bit strong, but that's nothing compared to the itching from insect bites. I recommend it to everyone.

Moskitol

Mosquitall spray and aerosol are insecticide-repellent products designed to protect against ticks and other blood-sucking parasites. The product has a nerve-paralytic effect on ticks, primarily affecting their limbs and respiratory system. The repellent in the spray also acts as a deterrent to other parasites.

The manufacturer of Moskitoll spray often changes the external design of the bottle, read the name carefully

Composition of the drug:

• alphacypermethrin 0.23%
• DEET 15%
• isopropyl alcohol
• propylene glycol
• citric acid
• fragrance.

The manufacturer promises reliable protection against bloodsuckers for up to 15 days after treatment, if clothing is stored in a sealed plastic bag. However, most clothes are washed almost every time they return home, so be sure to reapply the product.

Packing clothes treated with any tick repellent in a vacuum bag is the ideal storage option.

Moskitoll can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children (no specific age limit is specified). However, these individuals should never spray the product themselves. Other family members or group members can assist with this. People prone to allergies or with damaged skin should use the product with caution.Any element of the composition may cause individual intolerance.

Instructions for use:

1. Mosquitol should not be applied to the skin, but only to clothing.
2. The drug can only be used outdoors: on the street, balcony, or loggia.
3. Spray the product onto items with an outstretched arm, keeping a distance of 20 cm.
4. After finishing work, hang the clothes and dry for 2 hours.
5. Wear over underwear.
6. After all manipulations, wash your hands with soap.
7. The product can be applied once a day.
8. The total spraying time should not exceed 2 minutes.

Treated clothing should be hung and dried outdoors only.

The product does not require special temperature conditions for storage (range from -30^O up to +30^OC), but it's important to keep it out of the reach of children and avoid heating the bottle. The expiration date is 4 years, after which the medication should not be used.

Reviews of Moskitoll

It turns out I'm now immune not only to ticks but also to mosquitoes. I need to treat my clothes outdoors and let them dry. It's impossible to do it indoors, as the extremely unpleasant odor (practically like dichlorvos) will suffocate you. It leaves no marks on clothing. The smell dissipates completely after a while. Thanks to Mosquitall spray, I've been exploring hard-to-reach places and haven't thought about anything but berries and mushrooms.

During our entire day outdoors, we weren't bitten by a single tick, and the mosquitoes were kept at bay. Overall, we're quite happy with the [Mosquitoll] product; it never let us down.

Now that I've bought Moskitol, I don't have any ticks on hand. I don't know if it works as a repellent. This aerosol definitely scares people with its chemical smell, which can give them a headache. We spray it on our clothes when we go outdoors. Just in case. And judging by the label, this product is toxic to more than just insects, so you have to be careful with it.

I did everything as written. The scent is certainly strong and would have definitely repelled me, but apparently it [Mosquitol] doesn't work very well on bloodsuckers. I went out into the countryside, fully protected, but the mosquitoes didn't know it and ate their fill... so I don't know what it kills and repels there, but I came back covered in mosquito bites, they were eating me right through the treated clothes. The bottle also says "Up to 15 days," which is what they meant by that; it doesn't even work for three hours...

Additional safety precautions when going into the forest

The aforementioned sprays and aerosols have received mostly positive reviews, making their use reasonable and even mandatory. However, it never hurts to take additional measures to protect against ticks. Those who regularly visit forested areas know that ticks dislike dampness. If you are planning a trip to the forest to pick mushrooms, berries, or engage in other practical activities, then the morning hours will be the best time of day. Heavy dew typically falls in the forest overnight. Grass and tree leaves become well-moistened, making it difficult for ticks to move and reducing the likelihood of an attack. The optimal time is before 11 a.m. Toward midday, the sun's rays begin to penetrate the tree canopy, drying the foliage, and ticks become active. Even in the hottest summer weather, the forest, sheltered by its dense branches, remains cool. This allows for more protective clothing. Tights, socks, a tightly tied scarf, a long-sleeved shirt, and a cape like a windbreaker or light jacket over it, as well as high-calf rubber boots will create additional difficulties for ticks on their way to the desired target. Upon returning home, undress and conduct a full visual inspection of your entire body to detect the possible presence of the parasite. Pay particular attention to your armpits, the area between your thighs, your scalp, and the area behind your ears.

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccination won't protect you from a bite. Therefore, whenever you go outdoors in the spring and summer, be sure to bring protective equipment for yourself and your loved ones. The choice of the specific product is always yours.