Silhouettes of a brown tick on the left and a white mosquito centered on a dark green circle on the right, against a light background.

Your Guide to Mosquito & Tick Defense: DEET vs. Picaridin vs. Permethrin

Nothing ruins a Minnesota summer picnic faster than a swarm of mosquitoes—or the surprise of a hidden tick. Between our state’s “favorite” biters and tick-rich woodlands, Minnesotans face a real battle every year. If you’re tired of dousing yourself in mystery sprays or worried about chemicals on your skin, you’re not alone. In this guide, you’ll learn the differences between DEET, picaridin, and permethrin, so you can confidently choose the right protection for your skin and your gear—and still enjoy the great outdoors.

How Insect Repellents Work

Most skin-applied repellents (DEET, picaridin) don’t kill bugs—they deter them. Mosquitoes and ticks sense us via our scent, breath, and heat; repellents mask or “jam” those signals. For example, DEET scrambles mosquitoes’ odor receptors so they can’t home in on you.

Permethrin, by contrast, is a contact insecticide: when insects land on treated fabric, they’re repelled or killed on contact. That’s why permethrin is for clothing and gear, not skin.

DEET: The Long-Standing Classic

How it works: DEET blocks insects’ scent receptors, making you “invisible.”

Strength & duration:
- 10% → ~2 hours protection
- 20–30% → 4–6 hours (up to 8 hours in some studies)
Pros:
- Gold-standard, 70+ years of use
- Proven against mosquitoes and ticks (including Lyme-carrying species)
- Generally considered safe for kids and pregnant women when used as directed
Cons:
- Can feel oily and has a distinct odor
- May damage plastics, synthetic fabrics, watches, and gear
- Rare cases of skin irritation
Pro tip: Apply a thin, even layer only to exposed skin. Never spray on cuts or near eyes. Wash off with soap and water once indoors.

Picaridin: The Gentle Alternative

How it works: Similar to DEET in function—confuses insects’ scent detection.

Strength & duration:
- 10 % → ~4–6 hours
- 20 % → 8–12 hours
Pros:
- Odorless, non-greasy, and colorless
- Won’t damage plastics or fabrics
- Great for kids and sensitive skin (less irritation than DEET)
Cons:
- Can feel oily and has a distinct odor
- May damage plastics, synthetic fabrics, watches, and gear
- Rare cases of skin irritation
Pro tip: Apply a thin, even layer only to exposed skin. Never spray on cuts or near eyes. Wash off with soap and water once indoors.

Permethrin: Gear & Garment Treatment

How it works: Applied to fabric, kills or repels insects on contact.

Best uses: Treat socks, pants, boots, tents, and outdoor gear—not for skin.

Pros:
- Long-lasting (up to 6 weeks or 6 washes on home-treated gear; factory-treated lasts ~70 washes)
- Kills ticks and mosquitoes on contact—ideal for tick-heavy trails
- Odorless and doesn’t degrade fabric once dry
Cons:
- Must be applied in advance and fully dry (2–4 hours)
- Liquid form is toxic—avoid skin contact and treat outdoors
- Only protects treated fabric; exposed skin still needs topical repellent
Pro tip: Apply a thin, even layer only to exposed skin. Never spray on cuts or near eyes. Wash off with soap and water once indoors.

Safety & Skin Tips

Patch-test new repellents on your inner forearm if you have sensitive skin.
Apply only to intact skin—avoid cuts, scrapes, and eyes.
Follow label instructions—use age-appropriate strengths and reapply as directed.
Layer wisely: sunscreen first, repellent second.
Use just enough—a light, even coating is all you need.
Wash off indoors with soap and water to remove residue and prevent irritation.
Watch for reactions: if a rash or burning occurs, wash off and consider seeing your dermatologist.

Quick-Reference Chart

Active	Application	Mosquito Protection	Tick Prevention	Duration	Notes
DEET	Skin or gear	Excellent	Excellent	2-8 hours	May damage plastics; oily; odor
Picaridin	Skin or gear	Excellent	Excellent	4-12 hours	Odorless; non-greasy; skin-friendly
Permethrin	Clothing / gear	Excellent	Excellent	6 weeks or 6 washes	Kills on contact; must treat & dry fabric ahead

Scenic Dermatology’s Take

Whether you’re chasing autumn colors or spring trout, Minnesota’s bugs don’t take a day off—and neither should your protection. At Scenic Dermatology in Chaska, our board-certified team recommends permethrin-treated clothing plus picaridin or DEET on exposed skin for a double layer of defense. If you ever develop a repellent-related rash or need expert help with insect bites or bite reactions, call us at (952) 520-5000 for an appointment! Enjoy the outdoors—mosquito- and tick-free!