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Tick repellent.

Which active ingredients EPA lists for ticks, the hours EPA’s tool shows, and what goes on clothing rather than skin. 201 skin-applied products are listed for ticks in EPA’s tool; they are below by active, with the hours where the tool gives one.

Every line below is the agencies’ own wording or a figure from EPA’s repellent search tool as listed on 2026-08-18; open any source for the exact quote. No verdict from us: we sell a product built on one of these actives.

DEET Skin-applied active

DEET, the active ingredient in many repellents, was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, EPA says.

Source and detail: EPA

DEET, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is the active ingredient in many repellent products; EPA's DEET page says it was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and registered for the general public in 1957, and that an estimated one-third of the U.S. population uses it every year. What people get wrong is the mechanism: EPA says that rather than killing biting bugs, DEET works by making it hard for them to smell us.

DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many repellent products. It is widely used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. Every year, an estimated one-third of the U.S. population use DEET to protect them from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, the Zika virus or malaria and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

EPA, DEET (epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet), fetched 2026-09-22

DEET is designed for direct application to people's skin to repel insects. Rather than killing them, DEET works by making it hard for these biting bugs to smell us. After it was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, DEET was registered for use by the general public in 1957. Approximately 120 products containing DEET are currently registered with EPA by about 30 different companies.

EPA, DEET (epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet), fetched 2026-09-22
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 505 products in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool2 to 12 h mosquitoes, 2 to 10 h ticks
Youngest ageNo age limit (EPA, CDC)

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA says 2 to 12 hours for mosquitoes and 2 to 10 for ticks, depending on the percentage.

Source and detail: EPA, U.S. EPA

EPA's DEET page says studies in its database indicate DEET repels ticks for about two to ten hours and mosquitoes from two to twelve hours, depending on the percentage of DEET in the product. In EPA's repellent search tool, Ben's 100 Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 56575-7, at 98.11 percent DEET, lists 10 hours for mosquitoes and 10 for ticks. EPA says protection times vary because testing conditions differ, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

Studies in EPA's database indicate that DEET repels ticks for about two to ten hours, and mosquitoes from two to twelve hours depending on the percentage of DEET in the product.

EPA, DEET (epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet), fetched 2026-09-22

Ben's 100 Insect Repellent | 10 | 10 | DEET | 98.11 | Tender Corp. | 56575-7

EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for DEET, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

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.

EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.

U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

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

A 15% label names mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, biting flies, ticks, chiggers and fleas.

Source and detail: EPA notification label

The accepted label for a 15 percent DEET aerosol, EPA Reg. No. 4822-380, claims protection from mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, biting flies, ticks, chiggers and fleas. On ticks, the label's exact wording is "including ticks that may cause Lyme disease."

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION from Mosquitoes, Gnats, No-See-Ums, Biting Flies, Ticks (including ticks that may cause Lyme disease), Chiggers and Fleas

EPA notification label, OFF! Insect Repellent II, EPA Reg. No. 4822-380, 15% DEET aerosol, November 13, 2009

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

NPIC says it can damage certain plastics, rubber, vinyl and synthetics; a label spares nylon, cotton and wool.

Source and detail: EPA amended reregistration label, NPIC

NPIC's DEET technical fact sheet calls DEET a plasticizer that can damage certain rubber, plastic, vinyl or elastic materials, including contact lenses, eyeglass frames and lenses, watch crystals, combs, painted and varnished surfaces, and certain synthetic or treated fabrics. The accepted label for a 10 percent DEET product, EPA Reg. No. 121-53, says it will not damage nylon, cotton or wool.

DEET is a plasticizer and can damage certain rubber, plastic, vinyl, or elastic materials such as contact lenses, eyeglass frames and lenses, watch crystals, combs, painted and varnished surfaces, and certain synthetic or treated fabrics.

NPIC, DEET Technical Fact Sheet (archived)

Will not damage nylon, cotton, or wool.

EPA amended reregistration label, Cutter Insect Repellent #10GE, EPA Reg. No. 121-53, 10% DEET, March 18, 2009

Picaridin Skin-applied active

Picaridin is a human-made compound from the 1980s, NPIC says, made to resemble piperine from black pepper plants.

Source and detail: NPIC

NPIC says picaridin was first made in the 1980s, was widely used as a repellent in Europe and Australia, and has only been available in the United States since 2005. What people get wrong is the origin: NPIC says picaridin is a human-made, synthetic compound, made to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the plants used to produce black pepper.

Picaridin repels insects, ticks and chiggers. It is a human-made (synthetic) compound first made in the 1980s. It was made to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the group of plants that are used to produce black pepper.

NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet

Picaridin has been widely used as an insect repellent in Europe and Australia, but has only been available in the United States since 2005.

NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 55 products in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool3 to 14 h mosquitoes, 5 to 14 h ticks
Youngest ageNo age limit (CDC)

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists one 20% lotion at 14 hours, a spray at 12, wipes at 8.

Source and detail: EPA, U.S. EPA

EPA's repellent search tool lists 20 percent picaridin products by form. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, EPA Reg. No. 39967-50-58188, lists 14 hours for mosquitoes and ticks; Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, lists 12 hours, and Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent Wipes, EPA Reg. No. 56575-14, lists 8. EPA says protection times vary because testing conditions differ, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion | 14 | 14 | Picaridin | 20 | Sawyer Products | 39967-50-58188

EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray | 12 | 12 | Picaridin | 20 | The PIC20 Group, LLC | 93221-1

EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent Wipes | 8 | 8 | Picaridin | 20 | Tender Corp. | 56575-14

EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

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.

EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.

U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

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

A 20% label names mosquitoes, ticks, biting, stable, black and sand flies, gnats, chiggers and Scottish biting midges.

Source and detail: EPA stamped master label

The master label for a 20 percent picaridin spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, claims 12 hour protection from ticks and mosquitoes and up to 8 hours against biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, sand flies and Scottish biting midges. The label's bracketed wording on disease is "mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue [Fever], and Zika [Virus] and ticks carrying Lyme disease and tick borne encephalitis."

[Long-lasting, 12 hour effective protection from ticks and mosquitoes including mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue [Fever], and Zika [Virus] and ticks carrying Lyme disease and tick borne encephalitis.] [Repels biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, sand flies, and Scottish biting midges for up to 8 hours.]

EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Picaridin ……………………………………………………………………….……20.00%

EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

Two labels claim no harm to plastics, fishing line, fabric and gear; no agency statement found.

Source and detail: EPA stamped label, EPA stamped master label

Two accepted 20 percent picaridin labels carry no-damage claims: EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, bracketed, "Won't Damage Fishing Lines, Plastics, or other Synthetic Materials"; EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, "Will [Does] not harm gear and equipment" and "Will [Does] not harm plastics and fabric."

[Won't Damage Fishing Lines, Plastics, or other Synthetic Materials]

EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

18. Will [Does] not harm gear and equipment

EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019

19. Will [Does] not harm plastics and fabric

EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019

Picaridin ……………………………………………………………………….……20.00%

EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

IR3535 Skin-applied active

IR3535 is a man-made repellent related to beta-alanine, which occurs naturally; it is not a plant oil.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book 2024, NPIC, U.S. EPA

IR3535 is a man-made repellent: EPA's January 2000 fact sheet describes it as structurally related to beta-alanine, which occurs naturally, and notes it had been used as a repellent in Europe for 20 years by then. CDC's Yellow Book files it with the biopesticide repellents, the ones derived from or synthetic versions of natural materials, rather than with DEET and picaridin, which EPA calls conventional. The mix-up to avoid is calling it a plant oil: NPIC's fact sheet says IR3535 is based on chemicals that occur in nature but is a man-made ingredient.

3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester is structurally related to β-alanine, which occurs naturally. The active ingredient is a liquid at room temperature. OPP Chemical Code: 113509 (CAS # 52304-36-6)

U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

IR3535 has been used as an insect repellent in Europe for 20 years with no substantial adverse effects. Toxicity tests show that the IR3535 is not harmful when ingested, inhaled, or used on skin.

U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

EPA characterizes the active ingredients DEET and picaridin as "conventional" repellents. The biopesticide repellents (OLE, PMD, IR3535, and 2-undecanone) are derived from, or are synthetic versions of, natural materials.

CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are based off of chemicals that occur in nature but are man-made ingredients.

NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 41 products in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool2 to 10 h mosquitoes, 2 to 12 h ticks
Youngest ageNo age limit (CDC)

How long does EPA say it protects?

One label says reapply after 12 hours for deer ticks, 8 for mosquitoes and 6 for gnats.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA, U.S. EPA accepted label

The accepted label for Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition (EPA Reg. No. 806-32, 19.7 percent) says reapply after 12 hours for deer ticks, 8 hours for mosquitoes and 6 hours for gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies and biting midges. EPA's search tool, whose database EPA says was last updated in June 2019, lists Superguard 3535 (EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, 20 percent) at 8 hours for mosquitoes, with no tick registration.

FOR PROTECTION from deer ticks reapply after 12 hours, and for mosquitoes reapply after 8 hours, and for gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges reapply after 6 hours.

U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018

| Superguard 3535 Insect Repellent (SPF 20) | 8 | X | IR3535 | 20 | Associated Registrations | 54287-20

U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for IR3535

Product Name Hourly Protection Time for Mosquitoes Hourly Protection Time for Ticks Active Ingredient(AI) AI% in Product Formula Company Name EPA Registration Number

U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone

An asterisk ( * ) indicates that EPA has technical information on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks and the company chose not to have a specific time associated with their product. * An " X " indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.

U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.

U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester* 19.7% OTHER INGREDIENTS: 80.3% TOTAL: 100.0%

U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018

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

EPA lists mosquitoes, deer ticks, body lice and biting flies; a label adds gnats, no-see-ums and sand flies.

Source and detail: CDC, U.S. EPA, U.S. EPA accepted label

EPA's 2000 fact sheet lists IR3535's target pests as mosquitoes, deer ticks, body lice and biting flies; the accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 806-32 claims repellency against deer ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies and biting midges. CDC says some U.S. ticks carry pathogens that can cause Lyme disease and Powassan virus, and that mosquitoes can spread pathogens through bites, naming West Nile virus, dengue and malaria.

o Use Sites: Human skin. o Target Pests: Mosquitoes, deer ticks, body lice, and biting flies.

U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000

Strong [repellency] [protection] against deer ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges

U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018

In the United States, some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease, including: * Alpha-gal syndrome * Anaplasmosis * Babesiosis * Bourbon virus * Colorado tick fever * Ehrlichiosis * Hard tick relapsing fever * Heartland virus * Lyme disease * Powassan virus * Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis * Rocky Mountain spotted fever * Soft tick relapsing fever * STARI * Tularemia

CDC, About Ticks and Tickborne Disease (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html)

Almost everyone has been bitten by a mosquito. Mosquitoes can spread pathogens (germs) through bites. A person who gets bitten by a mosquito and gets sick has a mosquito-borne disease like West Nile virus, dengue, or malaria.

CDC, About Mosquitoes (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/index.html)

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

Labels say keep it off plastics; one adds costume jewelry, leather, synthetic fibers and painted surfaces.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA accepted label

Two accepted labels say to keep it off plastics. EPA Reg. No. 806-32 says avoid contact with plastics, costume jewelry, leather and synthetic fibers, and that it may damage painted or varnished surfaces, including nail polish; EPA Reg. No. 54287-20 says the product contains alcohol and to avoid contact with plastics.

Avoid contact with plastics, costume jewelry, leather and synthetic fibers. May damage painted or varnished surfaces, including nail polish.

U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018

PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS: Flammable. Keep away from heat and open flame. Contains alcohol. Avoid contact with plastics.

U.S. EPA accepted label, Super Guard 3535 Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, December 17, 2015

Oil of lemon eucalyptus Skin-applied active

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an EPA-registered repellent active from lemon eucalyptus leaves that contains PMD.

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an EPA-registered repellent active that EPA's ingredients page lists with 6 products, noting it contains PMD but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical. An EPA-accepted label says the active is derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, and NPIC calls it a man-made ingredient based on a chemical that occurs in nature. The thing most often gotten wrong is the age rule: CDC says not under 3 years, while EPA says certain products with oil of lemon eucalyptus as sole active at 30 percent or less carry no under-three restriction.

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

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 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

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
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 13 products in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool6 h mosquitoes, 6 h ticks
Youngest ageNot under 3 (CDC); EPA exception

How long does EPA say it protects?

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

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

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

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

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

PMD Skin-applied active

PMD is an EPA-registered repellent active, found naturally in lemon eucalyptus and chemically synthesized for commercial use.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA

PMD, p-menthane-3,8-diol, occurs naturally in the lemon eucalyptus plant and is chemically synthesized for commercial use, according to EPA's fact sheet, which records its registration in March 2000. EPA's ingredients page says oil of lemon eucalyptus contains PMD but is regulated separately, and NPIC says oil of lemon eucalyptus may be listed on products by this chemical name. The thing most often gotten wrong is strength: a registered PMD product on EPA's tool is 10 percent at 2 hours, while oil of lemon eucalyptus products are 30 or 40 percent at 6 hours.

p-Menthane-3,8-diol occurs naturally in the lemon eucalyptus plant. The natural oil can be extracted from the eucalyptus leaves and twigs. For commercial use, the active ingredient is chemically synthesized.

US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

p-Menthane-3,8-diol was registered (licensed for sale) in March 2000. A consumer spray product was registered at the same time.

US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

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

OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent | 2 | 2 | p-Menthane-3,8-diol | 10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | 4822-515

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

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

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
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 8 products in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool2 h mosquitoes, 2 h ticks
Youngest ageNot under 3 years (CDC)

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 2 hours for mosquitoes and 2 for ticks at 10 percent.

Source and detail: US EPA

2 hours for mosquitoes and 2 hours for ticks: EPA's search tool lists a 10 percent p-menthane-3,8-diol product, EPA Reg. No. 4822-515, at 2 and 2. 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.

OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent | 2 | 2 | p-Menthane-3,8-diol | 10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | 4822-515

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

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

A label names mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 4822-528 permits the optional claim that the product repels mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks for up to 2 hours. EPA's fact sheet describes PMD products as applied to human skin and clothing to repel insects such as mosquitoes.

Repels (mosquitoes) (,black flies, gnats, no-see-ums and ticks) (up to 2 hours)

US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, optional marketing language, dated 1/31/14

p- Menthane-3,8-diol is a biochemical pesticide derived from eucalyptus plants. This active ingredient is used to make products that are applied to human skin and clothing for the purpose of repelling insects, such as mosquitoes.

US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

Spandex is the one material named: a label says do not apply on or around spandex.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

Spandex is the one material named: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 4822-528 instructs users not to apply the product on or around spandex. No agency statement about PMD and plastics or other gear was among the sources read.

Do not apply on or around spandex.

US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, 10% p-Menthane-3,8-diol liquid, dated 1/31/14

2-Undecanone Skin-applied active

2-Undecanone is a biopesticide repellent originally derived from wild tomato plants; EPA lists one registered skin product.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book 2024, U.S. EPA, Witting-Bissinger BE

2-Undecanone, chemical name methyl nonyl ketone, is the active in a repellent that a 2008 Journal of Medical Entomology paper describes as originally derived from wild tomato plants and registered by EPA in 2007 at 7.75 percent. CDC's Yellow Book files it with the biopesticide repellents, derived from or synthetic versions of natural materials. The thing to get right is its size: EPA's ingredients page lists it in exactly one registered skin-applied product, and the EPA chemical fact sheet on methyl nonyl ketone we found, from 1995, covers its use as a dog and cat repellent.

2-undecanone (chemical name: methyl nonyl ketone)

CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

In 2007, a new repellent, BioUD, with the active ingredient 7.75% 2-undecanone, originally derived from wild tomato (Lycopersicon hirsutum Dunal f. glabratum C. H. Müll) plants, was registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Witting-Bissinger BE, Stumpf CF, Donohue KV, Apperson CS, Roe RM. Novel arthropod repellent, BioUD, is an efficacious alternative to deet. J Med Entomol. 2008 Sep;45(5):891-8. PMID 18826032

EPA characterizes the active ingredients DEET and picaridin as "conventional" repellents. The biopesticide repellents (OLE, PMD, IR3535, and 2-undecanone) are derived from, or are synthetic versions of, natural materials.

CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture)

2-undecanone -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (or methyl nonyl ketone) (1 product)

U.S. EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Methyl nonyl ketone is a dog and cat repellent/training aid and iris borer deterrent. The pesticide is used in households, paths, patios, solid waste containers and on ornamental plants.

U.S. EPA, R.E.D. FACTS Methyl Nonyl Ketone, EPA-738-F-95-033, July 1995
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 1 product in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool5 h mosquitoes, 2 h ticks
Youngest ageNo age limit (CDC)

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 5 hours for mosquitoes, 2 for ticks; the label says up to 4.5 and 2.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA, U.S. EPA accepted label

EPA's repellent search tool, whose database EPA says was last updated in June 2019, lists Bio-UD-8 Spray (EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, 7.75 percent) at 5 hours for mosquitoes and 2 hours for ticks. The product's 2009 accepted label says it repels mosquitoes for up to 4.5 hours and ticks that may transmit Lyme disease for up to 2 hours, and says for best results to spray skin every 4.5 hours.

| BIO-UD-8 Spray | 5 | 2 | 2-undecanone | 7.75 | HOMS LLC | 82669-2

U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone

Product Name Hourly Protection Time for Mosquitoes Hourly Protection Time for Ticks Active Ingredient(AI) AI% in Product Formula Company Name EPA Registration Number

U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.

U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Repels mosquitoes for up to 4.5 hours Repels mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus for

U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Repels ticks that may transmit Lyme Disease for up to 2 hours

U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Shake well before using. This bottle is. designed to spray upside down. For best results spray skin every 4.5 hours.

U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

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

The label names mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropods.

Source and detail: CDC, U.S. EPA accepted label

The accepted label for Bio-UD-8 Spray (EPA Reg. No. 82669-2) says it repels ticks and other arthropods, mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile virus, and ticks that may transmit Lyme disease. CDC says mosquitoes can spread pathogens through bites, naming West Nile virus, dengue and malaria, and counts Lyme disease among the diseases caused by pathogens some U.S. ticks carry.

Repels ticks and other arthropods

U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Protection for up to 4.5 hours from Repels ticks and other arthropods mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus

U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Repels ticks that may transmit Lyme Disease for up to 2 hours

U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Almost everyone has been bitten by a mosquito. Mosquitoes can spread pathogens (germs) through bites. A person who gets bitten by a mosquito and gets sick has a mosquito-borne disease like West Nile virus, dengue, or malaria.

CDC, About Mosquitoes (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/index.html)

In the United States, some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease, including: * Alpha-gal syndrome * Anaplasmosis * Babesiosis * Bourbon virus * Colorado tick fever * Ehrlichiosis * Hard tick relapsing fever * Heartland virus * Lyme disease * Powassan virus * Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis * Rocky Mountain spotted fever * Soft tick relapsing fever * STARI * Tularemia

CDC, About Ticks and Tickborne Disease (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html)

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

The label carries no plastics or materials warning; no agency statement found.

Source and detail: U.S. EPA accepted label

The accepted label for Bio-UD-8 Spray (EPA Reg. No. 82669-2) that we read carries no plastics or materials warning. Its one line on gear is an optional claim that the product can be applied on skin and clothing, and no agency page we read says whether 2-undecanone damages plastics.

Optional Label Claims: - Can be applied on skin & clothing

U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009

Catnip oil Skin-applied active

Catnip oil is an EPA-registered repellent active, a refined oil of Nepeta cataria from the mint family.

Source and detail: Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Catnip oil, refined oil of Nepeta cataria, is an EPA-registered repellent active from a member of the mint family, with 4 products on EPA's ingredients page and a technical grade registration granted December 5, 2008. Feaster and colleagues report that the essential oil of catmint contains nepetalactones. The thing most often gotten wrong is to hand the study results for hydrogenated derivatives at 10 percent to the 15 percent consumer products, which carry their own label figure: up to 7 hours against mosquitoes and blackflies.

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)

US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

The active ingredient is a refined, multi-component extract of Oil Nepeta cataria which is a member of the mint family of plants (Labiatae).

US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

On December 5, 2008, the Agency granted the registration for a technical grade Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria product, containing 100% by weight active ingredient. The product mentioned above, is the only registered biochemical pesticide product containing Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria as an active ingredient.

US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

The essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L., contains nepetalactones, that, on hydrogenation, yield the corresponding dihydronepetalactone (DHN) diastereomers.

Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Both DHN 1 and DHN 2 at 10% (wt:vol) conferred complete protection from bites for significant periods of time (3.5 and 5 h, respectively), with DHN2 conferring protection statistically equivalent to DEET.

Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15.0% Other Ingredients 85.0%

US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017

Repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours.

US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 4 products in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool7 h mosquitoes; ticks not listed
Youngest ageNo minimum age stated

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 7 hours for mosquitoes and no tick registration.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

7 hours for mosquitoes, no tick registration: EPA's search tool lists a 15 percent lotion, EPA Reg. No. 71654-23, at 7 hours for mosquitoes and an X for ticks, which the tool's legend defines as not registered for tick protection. EPA says those times were approved for labels from company data, from a database last updated in June 2019. The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says reapply after 4 to 6 hours or as needed; EPA's 2008 fact sheet says reapplication after six hours will be necessary.

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Reapply after 4 -6 hours (or as needed).

US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

For the active ingredient to be effective, reapplication after six hours will be necessary.

US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

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

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

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

A label names mosquitoes and blackflies; EPA's tool shows no tick registration.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes and blackflies. The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says the product repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours, and EPA's 2008 fact sheet says the active is intended for a skin-applied repellent to repel black flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects. EPA's search tool shows an X in the tick column for the 15 percent lotion, meaning not registered for protection from ticks.

Repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours.

US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Target pests: The technical grade Hydrogenated Catmint Oil (HCO) is intended for use in the manufacture of a dermal applied insect repellent for direct application to human skin to repel black flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects.

US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

A label claims it won't harm plastics, and says do not get it on clothing.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 permits the optional marketing claim that the product won't harm plastics, and the same label says do not get the product on clothing. No agency test of catnip oil on plastics, fabrics or gear was among the sources read.

Won't harm plastics

US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, optional marketing language, 03/10/2017

Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Do not get in eyes or on clothing.

US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Citronella Skin-applied active

Oil of citronella is a volatile oil steam-distilled from two grasses, found in both registered and exempt products.

Source and detail: Lindsay LR et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12(2 Pt 1):293-4. PMID 8827606, NPIC, US EPA

Oil of citronella is a volatile oil steam-distilled from two Cymbopogon grasses, per EPA's 1997 fact sheet, and NPIC says it was first registered in the United States in 1948. It sits on both sides of EPA's line: EPA counts 3 registered products and notes it is also used in unregistered products that meet the exemption requirements. The thing most often gotten wrong is to read candle results as skin results; the registered skin products carry 1 hour and 2 to 3 hours on EPA's tool, and the 1996 field trial on the record tested candles and incense.

Oil of citronella is the volatile oil obtained from the steam distillation of freshly cut or partially dried grasses, (Cymbopogon nardus (Rendal) and Cymbopogon winterianus (Jowitt).

US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997

Oil of citronella was first registered in the United States in 1948. It is currently on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) list of minimum risk pesticides

NPIC, Citronella General Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed March 2013

Oil of citronella (3 registered products; also used in unregistered products that meet the requirements for exemption from registration)

US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Bug Block Sunscreen and Insect Repellent (SPF) | 1 | 1 | Citronella | 4.2 | W.F. Young Ince | 1543-14

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Buzz Away Insect Repellent | 2-3 | X | Citronella Oil | 5 | Quantum Inc. | 66551-4

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Although significantly fewer bites were received by subjects at positions with citronella candles and incense than at nontreated locations, the overall reduction in bites provided by the citronella candles and incense was only 42.3 and 24.2%, respectively.

Lindsay LR et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12(2 Pt 1):293-4. PMID 8827606

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
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered; 3 products in EPA's tool
Protection, per EPA’s tool1 to 3 h mosquitoes, 1 h ticks
Youngest ageUnder 6 months, physician only (label)

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 1 hour for mosquitoes and ticks, or 2 to 3 hours for mosquitoes only.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

One to three hours: EPA's search tool lists Bug Block Sunscreen and Insect Repellent (EPA Reg. No. 1543-14, 4.2 percent) at 1 hour for mosquitoes and 1 for ticks, and Buzz Away Insect Repellent (EPA Reg. No. 66551-4, 5 percent) at 2 to 3 hours for mosquitoes, X for ticks (not registered for tick protection). The 66551-4 label says apply every 2 to 3 hours or more often as needed. EPA says those times were approved for labels from company data, from a database last updated in June 2019.

Bug Block Sunscreen and Insect Repellent (SPF) | 1 | 1 | Citronella | 4.2 | W.F. Young Ince | 1543-14

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Buzz Away Insect Repellent | 2-3 | X | Citronella Oil | 5 | Quantum Inc. | 66551-4

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

For best results, apply to skin every 2-3 hours or more often as needed.

US EPA accepted label, Buzz Away, EPA Reg. No. 66551-4, Quantum Inc., accepted 10/30/2017

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

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

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

Labels name mosquitoes, gnats, blackflies and no-see-ums.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes, gnats, blackflies and no-see-ums: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 66551-4 reads REPELS: MOSQUITOES, GNATS, BLACKFLIES AND NO-SEE-UMS. The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 1543-14 says the product repels mosquitoes while providing sun protection, and EPA's 1997 fact sheet describes the registered human use as repelling adult gnats and adult mosquitoes from body, hair, clothing and footwear.

REPELS: MOSQUITOES, GNATS, BLACKFLIES AND NO-SEE-UMS

US EPA accepted label, Buzz Away, EPA Reg. No. 66551-4, Quantum Inc., accepted 10/30/2017

Indications: Repels mosquitoes while providing (15) (30) times your natural protection from sunburn.

US EPA accepted label, Bug Block Sunscreen & Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 1543-14, W.F. Young, stamped 2002

for human applications (body, hair, clothing, and footwear while being worn) to repel gnats (adult) and mosquitoes (adult).

US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

No agency statement found.

Source and detail: US EPA

No agency statement about citronella and plastics, fabrics or gear was among the sources read. EPA's 1997 fact sheet lists clothing and footwear while being worn among the registered human application sites, without any statement about effects on those materials.

for human applications (body, hair, clothing, and footwear while being worn) to repel gnats (adult) and mosquitoes (adult).

US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997

Other plant oils Exempt from registration

Plant oils sold as repellents without registration under EPA's minimum-risk exemption; examples include cedar, geranium, peppermint and soybean.

Source and detail: Maia MF, NPIC, US EPA

These are the plant oils sold as repellents without EPA registration under the minimum-risk exemption: EPA names citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil and soybean oil as examples, and NPIC adds that no EPA-registered repellent contains lemongrass, rosemary, thyme, garlic or geraniol oils as active ingredients. EPA says it exempted them after determining the ingredients posed minimal risk to human health at the percentages found in products on the market, and it says that products made from them have not been evaluated for effectiveness. The thing most often gotten wrong is to read the exemption as an endorsement; EPA says it does not review exempted products, and Maia and Moore's 2011 review calls the common perception of plant-based products as lower-risk than synthetic ones sometimes a misconception.

Examples of ingredients used in unregistered repellents are: Citronella oil. Cedar oil. Geranium oil. Peppermint and peppermint oil. Soybean oil.

US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

Some of these other repellents may be minimum risk pesticides and may not have to be registered with the EPA. There are no EPA-registered repellents that contain garlic oil, rosemary, lemongrass, thyme, or geraniol oils as active ingredients.

NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Because EPA has determined that certain "minimum risk pesticides" pose little to no risk to human health or the environment, EPA has exempted them from the requirement that they be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

US EPA, Minimum Risk Pesticides Exempted from FIFRA Registration, last updated August 31, 2026

In the 1990s, EPA evaluated the active ingredients in these unregistered products for safety . We determined that the active ingredients posed minimal risk to human health in the percentages found in products on the market. Based on this minimal risk determination, we decided that products made from these ingredients should be exempt from registration. Note that products made from these ingredients have not been evaluated for effectiveness .

US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

Because EPA does not review exempted products, this type of statement is misleading.

US EPA, Conditions for Minimum Risk Pesticides, Condition 6, last updated August 31, 2026

Recently, commercial repellent products containing plant-based ingredients have gained increasing popularity among consumers, as these are commonly perceived as "safe" in comparison to long-established synthetic repellents although this is sometimes a misconception.

Maia MF, Moore SJ. Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing. Malar J. 2011;10 Suppl 1:S11. PMID 21411012
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusExempt, not registered
Protection, per EPA’s toolNot in EPA’s tool
Youngest ageNo agency statement

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA publishes no protection time; it says these products have not been evaluated for effectiveness.

Source and detail: US EPA

EPA publishes no protection time for these oils: its page on regulation of skin-applied repellents says products made from these ingredients have not been evaluated for effectiveness, and that repellents without an EPA registration number have not been evaluated by EPA, which cannot advise consumers about their effectiveness. EPA's search tool includes only skin-applied repellents registered by EPA; no unregistered products are listed.

In the 1990s, EPA evaluated the active ingredients in these unregistered products for safety . We determined that the active ingredients posed minimal risk to human health in the percentages found in products on the market. Based on this minimal risk determination, we decided that products made from these ingredients should be exempt from registration. Note that products made from these ingredients have not been evaluated for effectiveness .

US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

Repellents that do not bear an EPA registration number have not been evaluated by EPA, and EPA cannot advise consumers about the effectiveness of these products.

US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

The results from the search tool include only skin-applied repellent products registered by EPA. No unregistered products are listed.

US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

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

EPA says an exempt label may name the pest but not link it to any specific disease.

Source and detail: US EPA

An exempt label may name the pest but not a disease: EPA's conditions page says minimum risk labels may not claim to control insects in a way linking them with any specific disease, and EPA's 1997 citronella fact sheet gives ticks that carry Lyme disease as a claim an exempt product must not bear. EPA also lists Repels all insects as a claim implying a misleading range of effectiveness.

Minimum risk pesticide labels may not bear claims to control rodent, insect or microbial pests in a way that links the pests with any specific disease. The label claim may only be for the pest, as a pest, and not as a disease vector.

US EPA, Conditions for Minimum Risk Pesticides, Condition 4, last updated August 31, 2026

The product must not bear claims either to control or mitigate microorganisms that pose a threat to human health, including but not limited to, disease transmitting bacteria or viruses, or claims to control insects, rodents carrying specific diseases, including, but not limited to, ticks that carry Lyme disease.

US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997

Statements about the effectiveness of the product as a pesticide or device. Examples: "Kills all insects" "Kills many insects" "Repels all insects" These label claims may imply a misleading range of effectiveness.

US EPA, Conditions for Minimum Risk Pesticides, Condition 6, last updated August 31, 2026

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

No agency statement found.

Source and detail: US EPA

No agency statement about the exempt oils and plastics, fabrics or gear was among the sources read. EPA says repellents that do not bear an EPA registration number have not been evaluated by EPA, and that it cannot advise consumers about the effectiveness of those products.

Repellents that do not bear an EPA registration number have not been evaluated by EPA, and EPA cannot advise consumers about the effectiveness of these products.

US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026

Permethrin Clothing and gear treatment

Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that EPA calls a repellent when used to pre-treat clothing.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA, NPIC

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family; NPIC says pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower, and EPA says when used to pre-treat clothing it is an insect repellent. What people get wrong is where it goes: CDC's Yellow Book says permethrin should never be applied to the skin but only to clothing, mosquito nets or other fabrics as the product label directs.

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

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)
Status, hours, age, and three questions
EPA statusRegistered since 1979; CDC says fabric only, never skin
Protection, per EPA’s toolNot in EPA’s tool
Youngest ageNo age floor stated

How long does EPA say it protects?

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?

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

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

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

Products EPA’s tool lists for ticks, by active ingredient.

Every skin-applied product in EPA’s repellent search tool listed for ticks, with the tick protection time where the tool gives one. Alphabetical within each active; a product with a comparison page here is linked.

DEET 91 products

Show the 26 with a page here

65 more products are listed under DEET without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

Picaridin 45 products

Show the 23 with a page here

22 more products are listed under Picaridin without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

IR3535 39 products

Show the 23 with a page here

16 more products are listed under IR3535 without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus 10 products

None of the 10 have a comparison page here yet. Search the full database.

PMD 8 products

Show the 3 with a page here

5 more products are listed under PMD without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

2-Undecanone 1 product

Show it

Catnip oil 4 products

Show them

Citronella 3 products

Show the 2 with a page here

1 more product is listed under Citronella without a page here, most of them the same registered formula sold under another name. Search the full database.

From the Journal.

Lyme disease preventionHow to remove a tickTick identification guideWhen is tick season?Permethrin and picaridin, the two-layer systemInsect repellent for hiking

Where we sit. Longsleeve is a 20% picaridin lotion, EPA Reg. No. 101457-1, sold by Hour 72, Inc. It is not in the EPA repellent search tool listing that the record above is built from: EPA says that database was last updated in June 2019, and this product was registered in December 2025, so the 55 picaridin products counted in the row belong to other companies. The DEET row comes first on this page, the "Pick two" view opens on DEET, and the shortcut pairs split evenly. If you want our ingredient list, it is on the ingredients page; the label is on the product page.

Sources on this page.

44 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.

  1. EPA, DEET (epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet), fetched 2026-09-22. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet
  2. EPA notification label, OFF! Insect Repellent II, EPA Reg. No. 4822-380, 15% DEET aerosol, November 13, 2009. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/004822-00380-20091113.pdf
  3. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for DEET, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm
  4. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
  5. NPIC, DEET Technical Fact Sheet (archived). https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/DEETtech.html
  6. EPA amended reregistration label, Cutter Insect Repellent #10GE, EPA Reg. No. 121-53, 10% DEET, March 18, 2009. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000121-00053-20090318.pdf
  7. NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html
  8. EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/093221-00001-20180109.pdf
  9. EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00022-20190717.pdf
  10. U.S. EPA, 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester (IR3535) (113509) Fact Sheet, January 2000. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-113509_01-Jan-00.pdf
  11. CDC Yellow Book 2024, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture). https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods
  12. NPIC, Insect Repellents General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html
  13. U.S. EPA accepted label, Avon Skin-So-Soft SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 Expedition Insect Repellent SPF 30, EPA Reg. No. 806-32, January 23, 2018. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000806-00032-20180123.pdf
  14. CDC, About Ticks and Tickborne Disease (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html). https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html
  15. CDC, About Mosquitoes (Wayback Machine capture of cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/index.html). https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/index.html
  16. U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for IR3535. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm?Rangetime=&hidSelected=1&ProductName=&Ingredient=IR3535&Company=null&Registration=
  17. U.S. EPA, Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness search results for 2-undecanone. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm?Rangetime=&hidSelected=1&ProductName=&Ingredient=2-undecanone&Company=null&Registration=
  18. U.S. EPA accepted label, Super Guard 3535 Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-20, December 17, 2015. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00020-20151217.pdf
  19. US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients
  20. CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
  21. 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
  22. US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively
  23. US EPA, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (011550) Fact Sheet, April 2000. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-011550_01-Apr-00.pdf
  24. US EPA accepted label, Claire-1 / OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent I, EPA Reg. No. 4822-528, optional marketing language, dated 1/31/14. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/004822-00528-20140211.pdf
  25. Witting-Bissinger BE, Stumpf CF, Donohue KV, Apperson CS, Roe RM. Novel arthropod repellent, BioUD, is an efficacious alternative to deet. J Med Entomol. 2008 Sep;45(5):891-8. PMID 18826032. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18826032/
  26. U.S. EPA, R.E.D. FACTS Methyl Nonyl Ketone, EPA-738-F-95-033, July 1995. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-044102_1-Jul-95.pdf
  27. U.S. EPA accepted label, Bio-UD-8 Spray, EPA Reg. No. 82669-2, January 8, 2009. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/082669-00002-20090108.pdf
  28. US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-004801_29-Dec-08.pdf
  29. Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19645285/
  30. US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000352-00905-20170310.pdf
  31. US EPA, R.E.D. FACTS, Oil of Citronella, EPA-738-F-97-002, February 1997. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-021901_1-Feb-97.pdf
  32. NPIC, Citronella General Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed March 2013. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/citronellagen.html
  33. Lindsay LR et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12(2 Pt 1):293-4. PMID 8827606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8827606/
  34. US EPA accepted label, Buzz Away, EPA Reg. No. 66551-4, Quantum Inc., accepted 10/30/2017. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/066551-00004-20171030.pdf
  35. US EPA accepted label, Bug Block Sunscreen & Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 1543-14, W.F. Young, stamped 2002. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/001543-00014-20020805.pdf
  36. US EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated June 25, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/regulation-skin-applied-repellents
  37. US EPA, Minimum Risk Pesticides Exempted from FIFRA Registration, last updated August 31, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides
  38. US EPA, Conditions for Minimum Risk Pesticides, Condition 6, last updated August 31, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides/conditions-minimum-risk-pesticides
  39. Maia MF, Moore SJ. Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing. Malar J. 2011;10 Suppl 1:S11. PMID 21411012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21411012/
  40. NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PermGen.html
  41. EPA, Repellent-Treated Clothing. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/repellent-treated-clothing
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. 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