There are numerous tick repellent products on the market.  There are pros and cons to each of them.  Here is information on the main ingredients and some specific products that have been shown to be effective, however TACA highly recommends that you research and choose a product that you feel best matches your personal preferences and values. 

DEET

containing repellents prevent both mosquito and tick bites. Health Canada recommends using a product containing no more than 10% DEET for children ≤12 years of age. However, products with a DEET concentration of ≤10% should not be used for exposures lasting longer than 1 h to 2 h because they may not be effective in preventing tick bites.  For children >12 years of age and adults, a repellent containing up to 30% DEET can be used as recommended on the product label.

​Although there is no evidence that DEET-free repellents are safer, many parents prefer them. Icaridin/picaridin has levels of efficacy similar to DEET in preventing mosquito and tick bites.

Picaridin/Icardin

This is a synthetic repellent modeled after a compound that occurs naturally in the black pepper plant. Icardin at 20% is proven as effective as Deet at 30% for up to 12 hours. Icardin doesn’t have the same hazardous or damaging effects that Deet has. It does not damage synthetic fibres or rubber like Deet does, so it is safe to use on rain gear, tents, and fabrics. Icardin also does not have the strong pungent smell of Deet.

Permethrin

Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is highly effective both as an insecticide and as a repellent. It can be sprayed on clothing, equipment and camping gear to repel and kill ticks, mosquitoes and other insects. Permethrin may retain its effect for up to two weeks or six washings. Treating all of your outer clothing and gear will give you weeks of protection. Combining permethrin treated clothing and a personal repellent spray with Icaridin or Deet on exposed skin gives you excellent protection.

Permethrin infused fabrics can retain the effects of the treatment for up to 70 washings. Currently in Canada there is only one approved brand of commercial permethrin treated clothing. It is the No Fly Zone line from Marks Work Warehouse. The No Fly Zone line includes a wide array of outdoor, casual, and work clothing.

https://www.marks.com/en/search-results.html?q=no+fly+zone

There are other brands of permethrin treated clothing currently awaiting approval for sale in Canada.

Unfortunately, permethrin is not currently available in Canada as a personal repellent, though it is approved for other applications. It is a common active ingredient in many repellent treatments for animals including dogs, cattle, and horses. Caution should be used as permethrin is toxic when wet to cats and fish.

Naturals

There are several different mixtures of essential oils that are marketed and can be used for repelling insects and arachnids, though most need frequent reapplication to be effective. Generally every 2 hours or less.

Other Resources

https://patch.com/new-york/southampton/natural-tick-solutions-for-your-yard?fbclid=IwAR3ofz4TEGzHuvkiThcpC2bo7JsDBNoMnBmmlI3tuoXWc3N5ifbqe0nP3W8

Some Suggested DEET free products and where to find them