Ticks are small blood-sucking parasites that can cause a wide range of health problems in dogs and cats. Bites from these pests can lead to pain and irritation. They can also put your pet at risk of serious diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Tick sprays are designed to repel ticks and prevent them from biting your furry friend. Some tick sprays can be used directly on your pet. Others can be sprayed around your home or yard to eliminate ticks.
We researched dozens of tick sprays to identify the best of the best, based on factors including active ingredients, efficacy, affordability, and Amazon reviews. We then narrowed down our search to 5 of the top-rated tick sprays on the market today.
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs repels mosquitoes and kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks. The effective tick spray offers fast-acting and long-lasting protection in a convenient trigger spray bottle.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Tick Sprays
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Tick Spray Overall | Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs | 4.3 |
| Best Natural Tick Spray | Wondercide Natural Ready to Use Yard Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Tick Spray | Vet's Best Flea and Tick Home Spray | 4.0 |
| Best Flea and Tick Yard Spray | Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray | 4.1 |
| Best Flea and Tick Home Spray | Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Home Spray | 4.0 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Tick Spray Overall: Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs is a convenient and reliable tick spray for pets that repels mosquitoes and kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks. The tick spray is suitable for use on dogs and puppies 10 weeks and older, and cats and kittens 12 weeks and older.
This tick spray contains an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), which kills the flea eggs, larvae, and pupae hiding on your pet, and in your home. It also kills the Deer tick which may transmit Lyme Disease. Reviewers say this tick spray is fast-acting, effective, and easy to use.
Adams Plus Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs Key Features:
- Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks
- Repels mosquitoes
- Contains Insect Growth Regulator
- Fast-acting and easy to use
Best Natural Tick Spray: Wondercide Natural Ready to Use Yard Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray
Wondercide Natural Ready to Use Yard Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray is a naturally-derived pest repellant spray that protects your pets and family. The convenient spray kills a wide range of insects, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches.
The natural tick spray is suitable for use in your home or yard. It’s safe for cats, dogs, and people of all ages, with no wait time for drying or reentry into sprayed areas and environments. This product can be used to treat up to 5,000 square feet. It’s free from harsh chemicals and is made in the USA from sustainable, plant-based ingredients.
Wondercide Natural Ready to Use Yard Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray Key Features:
- Kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects
- Natural and powerful formula
- Safe for cats, dogs, and people
- Contains no harsh chemicals
Best Budget Tick Spray: Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray
Looking for a safe and effective tick spray that won’t break the bank? Check out Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray. The plant-based tick spray is made with essential oils that are selected for their potent pest-fighting properties. It’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and effectively eliminates fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes.
This tick spray applies easily to dog bedding, crates, furniture, blankets, carpets, outdoor surfaces, and more. It’s also gentle enough to be applied directly on dogs and puppies 12 weeks or older. Reviewers of this tick spray are impressed with how quickly and efficiently it eliminates pests.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray Key Features:
- Made with natural, plant-based ingredients
- Kills fleas, ticks, and other pests
- Can be used directly on dogs
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Best Flea and Tick Yard Spray: Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray is an easy-to-use flea, tick, and mosquito spray that’s specially designed for outdoor use. The tick spray includes a ready-to-use hose attachment for a quick and easy application on turf, lawns, kennels, patios, and other outside surfaces. It’s made from all-natural ingredients that are known to effectively eliminate parasites.
This flea and tick spray is ideal for active infestations or routine mosquito, flea, and tick control. Each 32-ounce bottle can be used to treat up to 5,000 square feet. Several reviewers of this product say it is very effective at eliminating ticks. Others comment that it works fast and is easy to use.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray Key Features:
- Made with certified natural oils
- Includes ready-to-use hose attachment
- Designed for outdoor use
- Can treat up to 5,000 square feet
Best Flea and Tick Home Spray: Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Home Spray
Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Home Spray is proven to kill on contact, repel, and prevent 98-100% of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. The naturally-derived tick spray is designed for indoor use, and offers a safe alternative to pest collars, pills, chewables, and drops.
This flea and tick home spray is safe for dogs and cats of all ages and is gentle enough to be used directly on pets. The 3-in-1 plant-based solution has a fresh lemongrass scent and is completely free from harsh chemicals. To use, simply spritz your pet before or after outings or spray directly onto carpets, furniture, bedding, or flooring.
Wondercide Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Home Spray Key Features:
- Ideal for indoor use
- Can be used directly on pets
- Fresh lemongrass scent
- Free from harsh chemicals
Who Should Buy a Tick Spray
A tick spray is an essential item for any pet parent who spends time outdoors with their pet in areas where ticks may be prevalent. Populations of ticks are typically found in wooded or grassy areas. Adult ticks are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November. However, they can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.
Tick sprays are designed to repel ticks and prevent them from biting your dog. This means that treating your pet with a tick spray can protect them against serious diseases caused by tick bites, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonellosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you’re looking for a product that’s specially designed to protect your pet against fleas, we recommend checking out our review of the best flea medicine for dogs.
Important Features to Consider
A tick spray should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when choosing a tick spray to protect your pet:
- Active ingredients. Choose a tick spray that contains active ingredients that are proven to repel and/or kill ticks. Some tick sprays contain natural pest-fighting ingredients like essential oils. Others are made with chemical pesticides such as permethrin. Both can be effective at eliminating ticks, but natural ticks sprays are generally considered safer.
- Protection against other parasites. Some tick sprays are designed to protect your pet against ticks only. Others also protect against fleas, mosquitoes, and other biting parasites. These products are a great option if you’re looking for a single product to protect your dog against a variety of pests.
- For indoor or outdoor use. Consider whether you’ll be using the spray indoors or outdoors. Some tick sprays are designed to be used indoors, while others are formulated for outdoor use. If you’re unsure which is right for you, choose a product that’s designed for use both indoors or outdoors.
- Price. When deciding on a tick spray, consider how much you are willing to pay. Tick sprays vary in price from $2 to $35+. It’s worth signing up for manufacturer’s newsletters to receive money-off coupons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tick spray and how does it work?
A tick spray is a product that’s designed to repel ticks. Some tick sprays also kill ticks on contact. Tick sprays contain active ingredients such as essential oils or chemical pesticides. These ingredients effectively repel or kill ticks and prevent them from biting your pet.
What instantly kills ticks?
Medicated sprays or shampoos that contain chemical pesticides like permethrin are designed to kill ticks on contact. Household items such as rubbing alcohol and cedar oil can also kill ticks instantly.
How do you repel ticks on humans?
Products that contain chemicals like DEET and permethrin can be used to repel ticks on humans. Essential oils such as peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and cedar oil are also effective tick repellants.
What time of year are ticks the worst?
Adult ticks are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November. However, they can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.
Other Tick Sprays We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other tick sprays. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best tick sprays list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Natural Tick Sprays
mdxconcepts Zuba Dog’s Flea and Tick Control Spray
This natural tick spray repels and kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks. It is also effective against mosquitoes. The spray contains a synergistic blend of essential oils, including rosemary oil and lemongrass oil.
Key Features:
- Made with organically sourced essential oils
- Repels and kills stubborn pests
- Refreshing peppermint scent
- Easy and convenient application
Cost: $16
Nantucket Spider Natural Insect Repellent for Dogs
This DEET-free natural tick spray is made with essential oils. It’s targeted to repel flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
Key Features:
- DEET-free and soy-free formula
- Made with natural essential oils
- Lockable trigger spray
- Nitrogen added for freshness
Cost: $14
Natural Chemistry Natural Flea & Tick Spray
This natural flea and tick spray for dogs is made with powerful all-natural ingredients, including cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, and clove oil.
Key Features:
- Kills and repels fleas and ticks
- All-natural active ingredients
- Effective on black flies and mosquitoes
- Residual effect for up to 7 days
Cost: $11
TropiClean Natural Flea & Tick Spray
This natural flea and tick spray contains a combination of natural essential oils that effectively kill up to 99% of fleas, ticks, larvae, and eggs.
Key Features:
- Contains EPA-approved natural essential oils
- Designed for use on dogs and bedding
- Maximum strength formula
- Effective and long-lasting
Cost: $11
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Easy Spray
This natural tick spray kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks by contact. It contains certified natural essential oils and plant-based ingredients, including peppermint oil and eugenol.
Key Features:
- No harsh chemicals
- Essential oils and plant-based ingredients
- 360-degree continuous spray
- Made in the USA
Cost: $9
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray for Cats
This flea and tick home spray is formulated with cats in mind. It’s made with steam-distilled essential oils that are known for their potent pest-fighting properties.
Key Features:
- Total home defense
- Certified natural oils
- Proven effective
- Formulated for cats
Cost: $10
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray Refill
This value refill of natural tick spray easily refills 3 regular 32-ounce bottles of Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray. Reviewers say this product is great value for money.
Key Features:
- Value refill pack
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Total home defense
- Proven effective against pests
Cost: $28
YAYA ORGANICS Dog Whisperer Tick + Flea Repellent
This maximum strength repellent works naturally and effectively to keep ticks and fleas off of your dog. It’s non-irritating, non-greasy, and has a pleasant herbal scent.
Key Features:
- Maximum strength formula
- Easy application
- Non-irritating and non-greasy
- All-natural formula
Cost: $11
YAYA ORGANICS Tick Ban All Natural Extra Strength Tick Repellent
This all-natural tick repellent is made with DEET-free ingredients that effectively keep ticks at bay. Reviewers say this tick spray is effective and easy to use.
Key Features:
- DEET-FREE non-toxic formula
- Lab-tested and proven effective
- Repels ticks and fleas
- Fresh herbal scent
Cost: $11
X-Out Anti-Flea and Tick Spray
This versatile plant-based tick spray is designed for use on fabrics, mattresses, carpets, rugs, and other furniture. It kills adult fleas, ticks, eggs, and larvae on contact.
Key Features:
- Natural plant-based formula
- Safe and effective
- Refreshing botanical scent
Flea and Tick Yard Sprays
This flea and tick yard spray is designed for use on lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers. It effectively kills adult fleas, ticks, ants, and mosquitoes.
Key Features:
- Treats up to 5,000 square feet
- Up to 4 weeks control
- Kills most common pests
- Convenient hose attachment
Flea and Tick Home Sprays
This flea and tick home spray also kills bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, and other common pests. It contains an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to kill flea eggs and larvae for up to 28 days.
Key Features:
- Kills up to 28 different pests
- Long-lasting and fast-acting protection
- Non-staining and fragrance-free
- Contains Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Cost: $10
A single can of this effective flea and tick home spray can be used to treat 2,000 square feet. It kills fleas, ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae in your home.
Key Features:
- One treatment lasts 7 months
- A single can covers 2,000 square feet
- Breaks the flea life cycle
- Convenient and easy to use
Cost: $12
Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea & Tick Home Spray
This odor-eliminating flea and tick home spray kills fleas, brown dog ticks, flea eggs, and flea larvae for up to 7 months. Reviewers say the spray is effective and well priced.
Key Features:
- Odor eliminating
- Prevents re-infestation
- Clean fresh scent
- Ideal for indoor use
Cost: $2.50
PETARMOR Home and Carpet Spray for Fleas and Ticks
A long-lasting and fast-acting flea and tick home spray that kills ticks, fleas, dust mites, and lice. This spray prevents re-infestation for up to 7 months.
Key Features:
- Contains a pet odor eliminator
- Effective against pests
- Long-lasting control
Cost: $9
SENTRY HOME Flea and Tick Home and Carpet Spray
This flea and tick home and carpet spray kills fleas, ticks, roaches, ants, and lice. It also contains a pet odor eliminator to keep your home smelling fresh.
Key Features:
- Long-lasting protection
- Controls pet odor
- Kills common pests
- 16-ounce aerosol can
Other Tick Sprays
Adams Flea and Tick Spray for Cats and Dogs
This spray is suitable for dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. It kills ticks and breaks the flea life cycle for up to 2 months.
Key Features:
- Formulated for cats and dogs
- Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, and ticks
- Contains 3 powerful active ingredients
- Safe and effective formula
Cost: $11
This tick spray provides fast-acting and long-lasting waterproof treatment and control of fleas, ticks, and chewing lice. Reviewers say the product is affordable and effective.
Key Features:
- Fast-acting and long-lasting
- Waterproof formula
- For dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens
Cost: $28
Hartz UltraGuard Flea & Tick Dog Spray
A fast-acting, water-based spray for dogs that eliminates fleas and ticks. This product is suitable for dogs and puppies aged 12 weeks and older.
Key Features:
- Formulated for dogs
- Water-based formula
- Fast-acting and effective
- Eliminates fleas and ticks
Cost: $2
Zodiac Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs, Puppies, Cats, and Kittens
This fast-acting tick spray kills and repels fleas, ticks, lice, mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. Reviewers say the spray works well when used regularly.
Key Features:
- Fast-acting formula
- Kills and repels common parasites
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Kills flea eggs for up to 2 months
Cost: $9
