Oil of lemon eucalyptus vs Permethrin

The same eleven questions, side by side, each answer in the agency's words. No verdict from us: we sell a product built on one of these actives, so the agencies do the talking.

Oil of lemon eucalyptusOLE, refined Corymbia citriodora oil

Permethrina synthetic pyrethroid insecticide

Per EPA's tool

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Registered; 13 products in EPA's tool; 6 h mosquitoes, 6 h ticks.

Permethrin

Registered since 1979; CDC says fabric only, never skin; Not in EPA’s tool.

What is it, and where does it come from?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Made from lemon eucalyptus leaves, a label says; NPIC calls it man-made, based on a naturally occurring chemical.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Oil of lemon eucalyptus comes from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, according to the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, and EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists it as an active that contains PMD but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical. NPIC's fact sheet calls it a man-made ingredient based on a chemical that occurs in nature, and says products may list it by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol.

The active ingredient in Mosi-guardTM Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025, EPA notification letter January 06, 2026

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are based off of chemicals that occur in nature but are man-made ingredients. Because they are related to substances found in nature, they are both considered to be biopesticides . Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) may also be listed on products by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Permethrin

A synthetic pyrethroid that NPIC says acts like natural chrysanthemum extracts, registered by EPA as an insecticide.

Source and detail: EPA, NPIC

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family; NPIC's permethrin fact sheet says pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. EPA's Repellent-Treated Clothing page describes it as a broad spectrum, non-systemic, synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, registered as an insecticide for a variety of settings, and says that when used to pre-treat clothing it is an insect repellent.

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower.
NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet

Permethrin is a broad spectrum, non-systemic, synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that targets adults and larvae of many species of biting, chewing, scaling, soil, and flying invertebrates. Permethrin is registered by the EPA as an insecticide for use in a variety of settings. When used to pre-treat clothing, it is an insect repellent.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

How does EPA treat it?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Registered: EPA lists 6 products under it, and CDC names it among EPA-registered actives for travelers.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, US EPA

Registered: EPA's skin-applied ingredients page counts 6 products under oil of lemon eucalyptus, listed separately from PMD, and CDC's Travelers' Health page names it among the EPA-registered actives it tells travelers to use.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

p-Menthane-3,8-diol (pmd) -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Permethrin

Registered since 1979, EPA says; on clothing by the military since 1990, factory-treated consumer clothing since 2003.

Source and detail: EPA

Registered since 1979, per EPA's Repellent-Treated Clothing page, which says permethrin was first registered in 1990 as a repellent on clothing by the military and that factory-treated consumer clothing was first registered in 2003. EPA's sentence is "The only insect repellent currently used for factory treatment of clothing is permethrin."

Permethrin has been registered since 1979. It was first registered in 1990 for use as a repellent on clothing by the military. At about the same time, we also approved permethrin as a spray for use on clothing and gear by consumers, as well as for commercial factory treatment of clothing and various types of gear. In 2003, we first registered consumer-oriented, permethrin factory-treated clothing products.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

The only insect repellent currently used for factory treatment of clothing is permethrin.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

What strengths are registered, and does strength change protection?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

30 and 40 percent: a label states 30 percent, and EPA's tool lists a 40 percent pump spray.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

30 and 40 percent are the strengths on the record: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 states oil of lemon eucalyptus at 30.0 percent, with a footnote giving its p-menthane-3,8-diol content as approximately 65 percent, and EPA's search tool lists a 40 percent pump spray under EPA Reg. No. 305-57. NPIC says higher concentration repellents may protect for longer but are not better at keeping insects away.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* ………………………………………………….. 30.0% Other Ingredients …………………………………………………………… 70.0%
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

*Approx. 65% p-menthane-3,8-diol
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 40 | United Industries Corp. | 305-57
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Higher concentration repellents may protect people for longer. However, they are not better at keeping insects away. 5,6,7 Repellents with less than 10% of an active ingredient may only offer protection for short periods of time (1-2 hours).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Permethrin

Permethrin at 0.5% on clothing repels and kills ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes, CDC says; labels list 0.50%.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA stamped label

CDC's Yellow Book says that at a concentration of 0.5 percent, permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes and other biting and nuisance arthropods. The accepted label for a permethrin clothing treatment, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, gives its active ingredient as permethrin 0.50 percent, and the accepted hang-tag label for factory-treated apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, gives permethrin at 0.52 percent.

At a concentration of 0.5%, permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, and other biting and nuisance arthropods.
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Permethrin*……..……. 0.50%
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

Permethrin 0.52%
EPA stamped label, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, dated May 15, 2017

How long does EPA say it protects?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

EPA's tool lists 6 hours for mosquitoes and 6 for ticks at 30 and 40 percent.

Source and detail: US EPA

6 hours for mosquitoes and 6 hours for ticks: EPA's search tool lists Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent (EPA Reg. No. 84878-1, 30 percent) and Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray (EPA Reg. No. 305-57, 40 percent) at 6 and 6. EPA says those times were approved for product labels from technical information the company provided, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 30 | Citrefine International LTD | 84878-1
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 40 | United Industries Corp. | 305-57
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the safety of the product and its effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks. While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Permethrin

Labels say six weeks or six washes when you treat clothing, 70, 50 or 25 washings when factory-treated.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA stamped label

The accepted label for a 0.5 percent permethrin clothing treatment, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, says protection lasts a minimum of six weeks, with retreatment after six weeks or the sixth laundering; the hang-tag for factory-treated apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, says repellency remains effective for a bracketed 70, 50 or 25 washings. CDC's Yellow Book says treated materials retain repellency after repeated launderings but should be retreated per the label.

This product contains an active ingredient, which actually binds to the fabric being treated, providing residual protection, which lasts a minimum of six weeks [42 days], and holds up through several machine washings. Follow standard laundering procedures. Clothing should be retreated after six weeks [42 days] or after the sixth laundering to maintain adequate protection.
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

REPELLENCY REMAINS EFFECTIVE FOR [70][50][25] WASHINGS
EPA stamped label, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, dated May 15, 2017

Permethrin-treated materials retain repellency or insecticidal activity after repeated launderings but should be retreated as described on the product label to provide continued protection. Clothing treated before purchase is labeled for efficacy through many launderings.
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Permethrin*……..……. 0.50%
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

Which pests do accepted labels name, and what does CDC say those pests carry?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

A label names mosquitoes and ticks.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes and ticks. The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 gives the direction to repel mosquitoes and ticks, apply to exposed skin and clothing. No CDC statement about what these pests carry was read for this active.

To repel [insects] [mosquitoes and ticks], apply to exposed skin and clothing.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

Permethrin

Labels name mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, mites, ants, flies and midges.

Source and detail: EPA stamped label

The accepted label for a 0.5 percent permethrin clothing treatment, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, says it repels and kills mosquitoes, chiggers, mites and ticks, in the label's words "including Ticks which carry Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever." The accepted hang-tag label for factory-treated apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, claims that it repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges.

To repel & kill mosquitoes, chiggers, mites and ticks, including Ticks which carry Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

REPELS MOSQUITOES, TICKS, ANTS, FLIES, CHIGGERS, AND MIDGES
EPA stamped label, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, dated May 15, 2017

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Permethrin*……..……. 0.50%
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

What do the agencies say about children?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

CDC says not under 3; EPA says some sole-active products at 30 percent or less lack that restriction.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

CDC says not to use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old. EPA's repellent-use page says some oil of lemon eucalyptus labels carry that restriction, while certain products with it as sole active at 30 percent or less have none for use under three. The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 also permits a state-specific claim that the product is not registered by California for use on children under the age of three.

Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

According to the product labels, some oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under the age of three . There are no restrictions for use on children under three years of age for certain insect repellent products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus as their sole active ingredient at concentrations of 30% or less.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

75. [This product is] not registered by the State of California for use on children under the age of three
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

Permethrin

No minimum age stated; EPA's 2009 review called treated clothing unlikely to pose significant hazard, toddlers included.

Source and detail: EPA

No CDC, EPA or label source we read states a minimum age for wearing permethrin-treated clothing. The closest agency statement is EPA's: its 2009 revised exposure and risk assessment evaluated multiple exposure scenarios for permethrin factory-treated clothing, including toddlers wearing or mouthing the clothing, and all scenarios showed the clothing is unlikely to pose any significant immediate or long-term hazard to people wearing it.

Our 2009 revised exposure and risk assessment evaluated multiple exposure scenarios for permethrin factory-treated clothing, including toddlers wearing or mouthing the clothing, and military personnel who wear permethrin-treated uniforms on a daily basis. All exposure scenarios showed that permethrin factory-treated clothing is unlikely to pose any significant immediate or long-term hazard to people wearing the clothing.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

What do CDC and WHO say about pregnancy?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

CDC lists it for pregnant and breastfeeding women; NPIC reports no effects on fetal development in rats.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, NPIC

CDC's Travelers' Health page names oil of lemon eucalyptus among the EPA-registered actives it lists, and says that when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are "proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women." NPIC reports that pregnant rats given large doses of oil of lemon eucalyptus on their skin showed only slight changes in weight gain and no effects on fetal development.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If also using sunscreen, always apply insect repellent after sunscreen. DEET Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US) IR3535 Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) Para-menthane-diol (PMD) 2-undecanone
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

Oil of lemon eucalyptus : Only slight changes in weight gain were observed during pregnancy in rats with large doses of the ingredient put on their skin. There were no effects on fetal development.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Permethrin

EPA says no evidence of reproductive or developmental effects to mother or child; no CDC statement found.

Source and detail: EPA

EPA's Repellent-Treated Clothing page says that, based on its review of scientific studies, there is no evidence of reproductive or developmental effects to mother or child following exposure to permethrin. No CDC or WHO page we read makes a permethrin-specific pregnancy statement.

Based on our review of scientific studies, there is no evidence of reproductive or developmental effects to mother or child following exposure to permethrin.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

What do NPIC and EPA report about absorption and toxicity?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

NPIC says it can cause significant eye damage and has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies.

Source and detail: NPIC

NPIC's fact sheet says oil of lemon eucalyptus can cause significant eye damage, that washing the eyes after exposure can reduce the risk of long-term harm, and that it has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies. Rats fed the ingredient had trouble walking, changes in breathing and lethargy. NPIC reports that when a repellent is applied to skin, about 3 to 19 percent may be absorbed.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus : Oil of lemon eucalyptus can cause significant eye damage. Washing eyes after an exposure can reduce the risks of long-term harm. It has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies. Rats fed oil of lemon eucalyptus had trouble walking. They also had changes in their breathing and were lethargic.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

When a repellent is applied to skin, about 3-19% may be absorbed into the body.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Permethrin

EPA says treated clothing gives low exposure and skin absorbs it poorly; NPIC says it may irritate skin.

Source and detail: EPA, NPIC

EPA's Repellent-Treated Clothing page says the amount of permethrin allowed in clothing is very low, that human exposure from wearing permethrin factory-treated clothing is low, and that available data show permethrin is poorly absorbed through the skin. NPIC says people who get permethrin on their skin may have irritation or tingling, burning and itching at that spot, and in the eyes it can cause redness, pain or burning.

The amount of permethrin allowed in clothing is very low, and scientific studies indicate that human exposure resulting from wearing permethrin factory-treated clothing also is low. Available data show that permethrin is poorly absorbed through the skin.
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing

When people get permethrin on their skin, they may have irritation or tingling, burning and itching at that spot. If permethrin gets in the eyes it can cause redness, pain or burning.
NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

A label claims it will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 permits the claim that the product will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding. Its optional marketing language, also accepted, says it will not harm fishing line, camping gear, watch crystals or a tackle box.

14. Will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

You can use Mosi-guardTM Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent with confidence knowing it will not harm your fishing line, camping gear, watch crystals or tackle box.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

Permethrin

CDC says never on skin, only clothing, nets and fabrics; a label adds tents, sleeping bags and backpacks.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA stamped label

CDC's Yellow Book says permethrin should never be applied to skin, only to clothing, nets or other fabrics as the label directs. The label for a 0.5 percent permethrin treatment, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, lists netting, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, hammocks and camping chairs, with no treating inside a sleeping bag and only the exterior surfaces of a tent sprayed; the hang-tag for factory-treated apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, says dry cleaning removes the active ingredient.

Permethrin should never be applied to the skin but only to clothing, mosquito nets, or other fabrics as directed on the product label.
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

GEAR: MOSQUITO NETTING, NETS, TENTS, CANOPIES, SCREEN ENCLOSURES, SLEEPING BAGS, BACKPACKS, GROUNDCLOTHS, HAMMOCKS AND CAMPING CHAIRS: Do not treat inside of sleeping bag. Spray exterior surfaces of tent only.
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

DRYCLEANING REMOVES ACTIVE INGREDIENT- DO NOT DRY CLEAN
EPA stamped label, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, dated May 15, 2017

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Permethrin*……..……. 0.50%
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015

What do the agencies say about pets?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Only EPA's general rule applies: nothing on pets unless the label says so.

Source and detail: EPA, US EPA

EPA's page on using insect repellents says not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals, an instruction that covers every repellent rather than this active alone. The same page adds that most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. Most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.
EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Permethrin

NPIC says cats are more sensitive than dogs or people because they break it down slowly.

Source and detail: NPIC

NPIC says permethrin is more toxic to insects than to people and dogs, and that cats are more sensitive than dogs or people because their bodies take a long time to break it down. NPIC's technical fact sheet describes a report of 11 cats intentionally treated with products containing 45 to 65 percent permethrin: all 11 were hospitalized, with muscle tremors, seizures, incoordination and agitation, and four died.

Permethrin is more toxic to insects than it is to people and dogs. This is because insects can't break it down as quickly as people and dogs. Cats are more sensitive to permethrin than dogs or people because it takes their bodies a long time to break it down.
NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet

A report of 11 cats intentionally treated with products containing 45-65% permethrin described adverse effects including muscle tremors, seizures, incoordination and agitation after exposure. Of the 11 cats that were treated, all were hospitalized, and four died after the exposure.
NPIC, Permethrin Technical Fact Sheet (archived)

Which studies are on the record?

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

No named human efficacy trial on record; the only duration is EPA's tool figure of 6 hours.

Source and detail: US EPA

No named human efficacy trial of an oil of lemon eucalyptus formulation is among the agency sources read for this active. The one duration on the record is EPA's search tool figure of 6 hours, which EPA says has been approved for product labels on the basis of technical information the company provided, from a database EPA says was last updated in June 2019.

Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 30 | Citrefine International LTD | 84878-1
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Permethrin

One trial found 3.36 times fewer tick bites on subjects wearing permethrin-treated outfits than untreated ones.

Source and detail: Miller NJ

Miller 2011 (Journal of Medical Entomology) found that subjects wearing outfits treated with permethrin received 3.36 times fewer tick bites than subjects wearing untreated outfits, with no statistically significant difference between commercial permethrin treatment and the do-at-home application method. In the same study, 97.6 percent of nymphs attached to subjects in untreated outfits were alive, against 22.6 percent on subjects in repellent-treated outfits.

Subjects wearing outfits treated with permethrin received 3.36 times fewer tick bites than subjects wearing untreated outfits. No statistically significant differences in number of tick bites were detected between commercial permethrin treatment (19.33%) and the do-at-home permethrin application method (24.67%).
Miller NJ, Rainone EE, Dyer MC, Gonzalez ML, Mather TN. Tick bite protection with permethrin-treated summer-weight clothing. J Med Entomol. 2011 Mar;48(2):327-33. PMID 21485369

On subjects wearing untreated outfits, 97.6% of attached nymphs were alive, whereas significantly fewer (22.6%) attached nymphs were alive on subjects wearing repellent-treated outfits.
Miller NJ, et al. J Med Entomol. 2011 Mar;48(2):327-33. PMID 21485369

Sources on this page.

14 sources. Every quote was fetched on or before 2026-09-22 and is stored with the page. Last reviewed 2026-09-22. All ten actives.

US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025, EPA notification letter January 06, 2026. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/084878-00002-20260106.pdf
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PermGen.html
EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/repellent-treated-clothing
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19). https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods.html
EPA stamped label, CIC Residual Insecticide No. 1, EPA Reg. No. 50404-3, accepted October 6, 2015. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/050404-00003-20151006.pdf
EPA stamped label, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel, EPA Reg. No. 74843-2, dated May 15, 2017. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/074843-00002-20170515.pdf
NPIC, Permethrin Technical Fact Sheet (archived). https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Permtech.html
Miller NJ, Rainone EE, Dyer MC, Gonzalez ML, Mather TN. Tick bite protection with permethrin-treated summer-weight clothing. J Med Entomol. 2011 Mar;48(2):327-33. PMID 21485369. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21485369/