The U.S. Navy’s Naval Research Laboratory is investigating a newly developed bug repellent designed to address a growing tick threat. Multiple outlets report that the lab’s work has produced a solution described as a “gummy bear” bug repellent, reflecting the material’s application or form rather than any change in the underlying purpose of the technology. According to these accounts, the repellent is at an early stage beyond development and is now awaiting additional investment to support further progress, including potential testing and development. The reporting indicates that the Navy lab is pursuing interest and resources that would allow the repellent to move forward from its current status toward broader evaluation or deployment. While the outlets focus on the laboratory’s investigation and next steps, they do not provide details on performance results, target tick species, or timelines for field use. Overall, the story centers on continued Navy interest in improving protective measures against ticks using a repellent concept developed at the Naval Research Laboratory, with funding identified as a key factor for what comes next.