Frequently asked questions

Will BITEBACK actually stop the lone star tick?

The CDC's recommended tick repellents - DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD) - all repel the lone star tick. We use OLE/PMD at the CDC-recommended 30% concentration in BITEBACK Human, and a cedar-based blend in BITEBACK Pet. Both are designed for the lone-star-tick threat specifically. See the 2026 lone star tick range map ?

I've tried picaridin and DEET. What makes BITEBACK different?

BITEBACK Human is the only spray that gives you CDC-recommended tick efficacy and a plant-based active. OLE/PMD is the one botanical the CDC ranks alongside DEET and picaridin for tick prevention. So you don't have to choose between "works" and "clean." OLE/PMD vs Picaridin vs DEET - the full comparison ?

Is it safe for my kids?

BITEBACK Human is safe for children 3 years and older - that's the CDC age threshold for OLE/PMD. For kids under 3, talk to your pediatrician. Avoid spraying on hands of small children who put hands in their mouths. Full CDC and AAP guidance on tick repellents for kids ?

Can I really use the pet spray on my cat?

Yes. BITEBACK Pet uses cedar oil, lemongrass, and geraniol - not peppermint or citronella, which are toxic to cats due to their inability to metabolise certain phenols. Always patch-test on a small area first; discontinue if any irritation. For very young kittens (< 12 weeks), check with your vet first. Which tick spray ingredients are toxic to cats - full guide ?

How long does one application last?

Human: 6 hours of protection per application at 30% OLE/PMD (per EPA registration data). Reapply after heavy sweat or swimming.

Pet: 8 hours during peak exposure. Reapply if pet swims or after heavy rain.

How do I apply it?

On yourself: Spray onto exposed skin and clothing edges from about 6 inches away. Avoid eyes, lips, broken skin. Wash off with soap and water when you come back inside.

On a pet: Spray onto the coat from about 6 inches away. Avoid eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. Massage into fur with your hand. For cats: spray into your hand first, then wipe onto fur - many cats dislike the spray sound.

Will it ruin my watch strap or synthetic clothing?

No. OLE/PMD does not damage plastics or synthetic fabrics the way DEET does. Safe on Garmin straps, technical clothing, gaiters, etc.

How do I prevent Lyme disease?

Three-layer protocol: CDC-recommended skin repellent (OLE/PMD, DEET, or picaridin) + permethrin on clothing + full-body tick check within two hours of coming inside. No single layer does the job alone. Lyme disease prevention: the complete guide ?

Where do you ship?

Currently the contiguous United States. We're expanding to Canada, the UK, and the EU in Phase 2 (later this year).

How fast will my order arrive?

Orders typically arrive in 3-7 business days. We dispatch Monday through Friday. Tracking is emailed once your order leaves our fulfilment centre.

What's your return policy?

60-day Tick Season Guarantee. Try BITEBACK through a full peak tick window. If it doesn't keep ticks off you and your animals, send back what you didn't use for a full refund - no questions, no return shipping. Full details here.

Can I subscribe and save?

Subscriptions launch in Phase 2. For now, our 3-pack tier (Buy 3 Get 3 Free) gives you a full tick season at the lowest per-bottle price.

Is the spray bottle TSA-friendly?

Yes. The 50ml / 1.69 fl oz bottle is well under the 3.4 oz / 100ml carry-on liquids limit.

What's in the formula exactly?

BITEBACK Human: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (Citriodiol/PMD) 30%, peppermint oil 3%, water-isopropyl carrier with aloe vera and vitamin E (67%).

BITEBACK Pet: Cedar oil 7%, lemongrass oil 2%, geraniol 1%, water-based carrier with aloe vera, glycerin, polysorbate 20, and sodium benzoate (90%).

Both products qualify for EPA 25(b) minimum-risk-pesticide exemption.

I have another question

Email hello@bitebackdefense.com - we usually reply within 24 hours.