Prevention is Key to Staying Tick-Free!


Author: Paula Jackson Jones
Published:  03/30/2017


Springtime is upon us and as the temps warm up beyond 35 degrees, people are seeing ticks. WHY? Researchers have discovered that ticks have an antifreeze-like protein in their bodies that prevents their tissues from freezing, which is why they are not dying off over the winter. Instead, they are hibernating and lying in wait for warmer temps and their next meal source.

Preventing a tick encounter can be quite easy but it takes discipline. Treating your skin and clothing before you leave the house cuts down on any potential risk. But there is confusion on what to use and how to use it. Repellents are a personal preference but you must use it properly for it to work.  I have had many conversations recently with people who were raised using DEET.  So, I am going to start there this week:

DEET vs PERMETHRIN

DEET (N, N-Diethyy-m-toluamide), developed by the US Army in 1946, has been a longtime, popular repellent used to deter and repel against mosquitoes and other insects such as biting flies, gnats and chiggers. It works by forming a vapor barrier at the skin surface that deters mosquitoes from landing and biting. DEET interferes with neurons and receptors on the mosquito’s antennae and mouth-parts that detect chemicals such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide. The longevity of products containing DEET depends on the percentage of DEET they contain.  Some family friendly products only contain 7% DEET and last up to 2 hours. OFF Deep Woods Sportsmen contains 98.25% DEET and can last up to 10 hours. DEET should not be applied to synthetic fabrics such as rayon or to plastics, because it can cause damage.

And while this is good information for repelling pesky mosquitoes and gnats ~ DEET does not kill or disable ticks.


PERMETHRIN is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that act like natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin can affect insects if they eat it or touch it. Permethrin affects the nervous system in insects, causing muscle spasms, paralysis and death. 

Permethrin kills ticks on contact.

Permethrin is strictly for clothing and outerwear/outer gear only. You can find it at most hardware stores, it’s affordable and easy to use.  You spray on clothing/outwear/ outer gear and allow it to fully dry overnight. Once dried, it is safe to touch as the permethrin adheres to the fabric and lasts through 7-10 washings. Many companies are selling products now that are infused with a heavier concentration of permethrin for up to 100 washings and you can also send your clothing away to be treated.



Next week, I will talk about natural and organic options for your skin to repel ticks that are family friendly and safe for the environment.

~ Paula

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