Consumer Reports Ranks Top Tick Repellents for 2026
• Consumer Reports (CR), a trusted independent product review organization, has released its rankings for the best tick repellents of
• Topping the list is Ben's 30 Tick and Insect Repellent Wipes, followed by Ben's 30 Tick and Insect Repellent Pump Spray Wilderness Formula and Off Sportsmen Deep Woods Insect Repellent III. The report highlights the effectiveness of DEET, a chemical developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, as the active ingredient in these products. DEET is widely recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for its ability to repel ticks and mosquitoes. CR conducted rigorous lab tests, simulating outdoor conditions, to evaluate the repellents' performance against mosquitoes, with confidence that similar results apply to ticks. Ben's 30 Wipes, containing 30% DEET, earned high marks for repelling both pests, though it showed average performance in terms of material damage, such as staining nail polish and car paint.
Why It's Important?
Ticks are a significant health concern, as they can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, which affected over 89,000 people in 2023 according to the CDC. Outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers and campers, are at higher risk of tick exposure during summer months. Effective repellents, such as those ranked by Consumer Reports, can reduce the likelihood of tick bites and associated illnesses. However, users should be cautious about potential material damage caused by DEET-based products, as noted in the report.
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