Experts Back Sawyer 20% Picaridin for 12-Hour Family Tick Protection
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 16
Experts Back Sawyer 20% Picaridin for 12-Hour Family Tick Protection
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 16
Summary
Sawyer Products’ 20% Picaridin spray was recommended as a single family repellent, offering up to 12 hours of mosquito and tick protection for adults and children at least 6 months old.
Picaridin and DEET were described as similarly effective against ticks, but experts favored picaridin because it feels less oily and is less likely to stain clothing or damage plastics and synthetic fabrics.
EPA classifies picaridin as low acute toxicity, with possible inhalation and eye or skin irritation; the AAP advises adults to apply it for children and avoid contact with mouths and eyes.
Mimikai Mosquito & Tick Bug Spray was cited as a lower-toxicity alternative for children as young as 2, but it lasts only 8 hours against mosquitoes and 4 hours against ticks.
For babies—especially very young or premature infants—experts urged extra caution, emphasizing protective clothing, stroller netting and full-body tick checks as disease risks rise.