Feeling extra buggy? It’s not your imagination! We have just survived the largest cicada invasion in more than a century. Now, thanks to climate change (what hasn’t that messed up?), we will be faced with record numbers of mosquitoes and ticks this summer. That means our chances of developing one of the miserable diseases carried by those pests will also increase considerably. 

But don’t worry, we’ve got you! Here’s a breakdown of how and when (and when not) to use the latest and greatest weapons against these disease-spreading creatures. But first some lore: 

How have changing weather patterns increased the mosquito and tick populations? 

 Rising global temperatures and changing precipitation patterns provide more favorable conditions for both ticks and mosquitoes. Milder winters mean fewer die-offs and a longer “season.” Warmer, wetter summers boost breeding and survival rates. Ticks are now being found in areas where they were previously uncommon. For example, in Canada, ticks are extending their reach at a rate of almost 30 miles per year into new regions. Rising temperatures extend the period when ticks are active, leading to more human-tick interactions. Oddly enough, increased urbanization has created more standing water breeding sites for mosquitoes — in containers, drains, and pothole ponds. 

What diseases are spread by mosquitoes and ticks? 

 Both mosquitoes and ticks are known to cause serious diseases in humans. Some, like Malaria, Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, Lyme Disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, are well known; others, less so. 

Diseases spread by mosquitoes include: 

• Malaria 

• Dengue Fever 

• Zika Virus 

• Chikungunya 

• West Nile Virus 

• Yellow Fever 

• Japanese Encephalitis 

Diseases spread by ticks include: 

• Lyme Disease 

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever 

• Anaplasmosis 

• Babesiosis 

• Ehrlichiosis 

• Tularemia 

• Powassan Virus Disease 

All of these diseases can be extremely serious, even life-threatening, especially in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. And we don’t need to describe the symptoms one disease at a time, because they are practically indistinguishable. If you’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors, in wooded or grassy areas, or near standing water, seek help if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, including two or more of the following: 

• Fever 

• Muscle aches 

• Nausea 

• Joint pain 

• Confusion 

• Fatigue 

• Chills 

• Headache 

• Abdominal pain 

• Excess bleeding 

• A rash … you get the idea. And the faster you get treated, the better off you are. 

Avoiding Breeding Grounds 

 You don’t need us to tell you if you are in an area rife with ticks and/or mosquitoes. The woods. Anywhere at dusk. Anywhere swampy. Anywhere you’ve seen a single mosquito (they never travel alone). But there are a few less obvious signs of potential peril: 

• Any container, large or small, that has collected standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes (including the kiddie pool). 

• Tall grass and leaf litter often house ticks. 

• If you find a tick on your pet, definitely check yourself and your family as well. 

• Any backyard tree can become a “mosquito tree” if eggs are laid there. Most exterminators will do a mosquito treatment for trees on your property, which is good for a few months of mosquito inhospitability. 

How to Choose the Right Repellent 

 This is the really big question. There are so many brands with different active ingredients available but little information about which ingredients should be used by whom and under which circumstances. Some are toxic to animals. Some are toxic to children. Others should never be applied directly to your skin. Not to worry, we have put together everything you need to know. 

Forget the brand. Just look for the active ingredient(s). These are the choices: 

• DEET 

• Picaridin 

• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE or PMD) 

• IR3535 

• Permethrin 

DEET 

DEET must have a great publicist because it is the best-known insect repellent despite its irritating drawbacks. It’s been around for more than eighty years and has been well-researched. So, aside from its corrosive qualities and its noxious smell, it will not likely turn out to have further negative effects.  

Pros: 

• Highly Effective: Provides long-lasting protection against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. 

• Widely Available: Found in many over-the-counter insect repellents. 

• Proven Track Record: Extensive research and use since its development in the 1940s. 

Cons: 

• Potential Skin Irritation: May cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. 

• Strong Odor: Some (many) people find the smell unpleasant. 

• Corrosive: Can damage plastic, rubber, some synthetic fabrics, and manicures. 

Dos: 

• Apply to Skin and Clothing: Use as directed, applying to exposed skin and clothing. 

• Wash Hands After Application: To avoid accidental ingestion or eye contact. 

Don’ts: 

• Avoid Over-Application: Use the minimum effective concentration for the needed duration. 

• Avoid contact with the mouth and eyes. 

Reapplication Interval: Every 4-8 hours. 

Notes: Higher concentrations (e.g., 30% or more) provide longer protection, while lower concentrations (e.g., 10-15%) may require more frequent reapplication. 

Picaridin 

Picaridin could be considered a friendlier, less famous challenger to DEET. It is as effective as DEET against mosquitoes and ticks, and hundreds of user reviews suggest that it is more effective against biting flies. It may also last longer and is less corrosive and irritating. This makes Picaridin an excellent alternative to DEET. 

Pros: 

• Highly Effective: Comparable to DEET in repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. 

• Less Irritating: Generally causes less skin irritation and is odorless. 

• Fabric Safe: Does not damage plastics or synthetic materials. 

Cons: 

• Less Research: Not as extensively studied as DEET, though still considered safe and effective. 

• Availability: It is not as widely available as DEET products, but still relatively easy to find. 

Dos: 

• Apply to Skin and Clothing: Follow the product instructions carefully. 

• Reapply as Needed: Depending on exposure time and activity level. 

Don’ts: 

• Avoid Eye Contact: Can cause damage if it gets into the eyes. 

• Keep away from skin, mouth, and food. 

Reapplication Interval: Every 6-8 hours. 

Notes: Typically, a 20% concentration offers about 8 hours of protection. Lower concentrations may need to be reapplied more frequently. 

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (sometimes “OLE” or “PMD” on product labels) 

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) may smell like citronella (most often used in insect-discouraging candles), but it is a completely different repellent. Both are natural and smell lemony, but they contain different active ingredients. OLE is more effective and longer lasting as a personal insect repellent. OLE isn’t as high-powered as DEET and Picaridin, but it works exceptionally well as a daily repellent for those outside, but not in very high-risk areas. There is even a summer cologne (Mrs. White’s Unstung Hero) made from OLE that is extremely popular in the United Kingdom. 

Pros: 

• Natural Option: Derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree, considered more natural. 

• Effective: Provides good protection against mosquitoes and ticks. 

• Pleasant Scent: Many people find the scent more pleasant than chemical repellents. 

Cons: 

• Not for Young Children: Not recommended for use on children under three years old. 

• Shorter Duration: May need to be reapplied more frequently than DEET or Picaridin. 

Dos: 

• Apply to Skin: Follow the instructions for application on exposed skin. 

• Reapply as Needed: Especially after swimming or sweating. 

Don’ts: 

• Avoid Use on Young Children: Not recommended for children under three years of age. 

• Keep away from the mouth and food. 

IR3535 

IR3535 is not quite as effective as DEET and Picaridin, nor is it nice-smelling and natural like OLE. So why even mention it? Because IR3535 is a team player that gets along with lots of other ingredients while retaining its power. So, if you see sunscreen or a moisturizer that is also an insect repellent, chances are it contains IR3535 and it works. 

Pros: 

• Effective: Works well against mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. 

• Gentle on Skin: Low potential for skin irritation. 

• Odorless: No strong smell 

• Works Well in Dual Action Products: You can find it in sunscreens, skin creams, and oils. 

Cons: 

• Shorter Duration: May require more frequent reapplication compared to DEET and Picaridin. 

• Limited Availability: Not as commonly found as DEET or Picaridin. 

Dos: 

• Apply Liberally: Ensure complete coverage on exposed skin. 

• Reapply as Needed: Especially after swimming or sweating. 

Don’ts: 

• Avoid Eye Contact: Like other repellents, can irritate eyes. 

• Keep away from the mouth and food. 

Reapplication Interval: Every 4-6 hours. 

Notes: Effectiveness can vary, and activities such as swimming or sweating may necessitate more frequent reapplication. 

Permethrin 

Permethrin belongs in a whole different category than the repellents described above. If you consider DEET, Picaridin, OLE, and IR3535 to be your bodyguards against disease-carrying (and other) insects, Permethrin would be more like an assassin. Permethrin doesn’t just repel insects, it kills them. It is so toxic that you don’t want it on your skin. But it provides extraordinary protection when applied to clothing, netting, and camping gear. If you have ever purchased a piece of insect-repellent clothing, you’ll find that it is full of Permethrin. One interesting note about Permethrin. It is used on the skin and scalp in an extremely diluted form to treat lice (1% shampoo) and scabies (5% cream). Those work, of course, because Permethrin kills insects. 

Pros: 

• Effective on Clothing: Highly effective at repelling and killing insects when applied to clothing, gear, and bed nets. 

• Long-lasting: Can remain effective through multiple washes (up to six weeks or six washes). 

Cons: 

• Not for Skin: Should not be applied directly to skin. 

• Toxic to Cats: Permethrin can be very harmful to cats, even in small doses, so avoid contact with them during application. If you happen to be using the diluted version for scabies or lice, you should still stay away from cats. 

Dos: 

• Apply to Clothing and Gear: Treat clothes, shoes, camping gear, and bed nets. 

• Allow to Dry: Ensure treated items are completely dry before use. 

Don’ts: 

• Do Not Apply to Skin: Only use on clothing and gear. 

• Avoid Contact with Cats: Keep treated items away from cats during application and drying. 

The Bottom Line on Protecting Yourself from Insect-Borne Disease 

1. Prepare for the worst. It’s going to be a buggy summer, and that trend is likely to continue in the years ahead. 
2. Figure out when you may be in a particularly busy breeding zone. 
3. Choose one or two insect repellants that are strong enough and tolerable enough to meet your needs. Products with Picaridin are a good alternative to those with DEET. 
4. If you are hiking, camping, or just outside at dusk, consider treating your clothes with Permethrin or purchasing pretreated clothes. Permethrin is a killer repellent (pun intended). 
5. Consider a milder repellent for regular use whenever you are outside. 
6. Find a sunscreen with IR3535 to do double duty. 
7. None of this is a substitute for checking yourself for ticks if you’ve been in tick-friendly areas. No repellent is 100% effective. 
8. Finally, know the symptoms of insect-borne diseases. Better to find out that you just have the flu, than to find out too late that you had a once-treatable, but now serious illness.