How To Repel Ticks Naturally: 6 Tips

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:49

Summer is arguably the best time of year to hike, eat in the park, and run the trails. While physical activity and exercise boost your tone and mood, be aware that outdoor activities carry risks - such as sunburn, heatstroke, and bites from disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes. and ticks. In this article, we are particularly talking about the latter whose number is increasing more and more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, read on to find out how to repel ticks in a natural and healthy way!

How to repel ticks without the use of harmful chemicals

Prevention is indeed the best way to avoid the itching and the devastating effects of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan encephalitis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. The risk of getting bitten by a tick may be higher on hot days, but depending on where you live, it can be a problem at any time of the year. Fortunately, there are natural repellents that you can protect your family and pets with.

The fear of those bloodsucking critters shouldn't keep you indoors all season long. If you take the right steps, such as choosing the right tick repellants and having a full body exam after being outdoors, you can minimize the chance of dealing with a tick bite.

Keep ticks away with essential oils

Indeed, many flavors that smell good to humans are very tick repellent. Lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, pink geranium, and citrus are proven to ward off little critters. So, we recommend that you use soaps and shampoos that are naturally scented with these ingredients.

Before you read on, you should know that these plant products are not recommended for cats. Regarding dogs, it is mandatory to dilute the solutions before applying to their skin or fur.

Then buy some essential oils and make your own bug spray. Simply start with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or olive oil, and add 12 drops of essential oil per fluid ounce to create a natural repellant that you can spray or rub onto your skin.

Cedar oil

Cedarwood oil is a non-toxic repellant against ticks and other insects. It can be sprayed directly on clothing and skin. It is safe for humans and pets. Besides, this essential oil not only repels irritating critters, but it kills them too. In the form of a spray it can be purchased online and in major cosmetic stores.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is known as an effective tick repellant and killer. Just combine 4 ounces of purified or distilled water in a small spray bottle with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Shake before use and spray on skin, wrists, pants and shoes. If diluted properly, the solution is safe for dogs.

Neem oil

Neem oil is used as a natural remedy for removing ticks. To use it, add a few drops in the palm of your hand and rub on the exposed skin. This oil can also be diluted and mixed with almond oil or other light oil. Once mixed, it is safe for dogs.

Diatomaceous earth as a tick repellent

Buy food grade diatomaceous earth from a farm or hardware store and scatter it around the areas you want to get rid of ticks - around the house, near the garden fence, etc. If you're not familiar with this white powder, it's made from the fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms called diatoms, and while it's completely safe for humans and animals, it's deadly to insects. Since this product is not a poison, ticks cannot become immune to it, so it remains effective year after year.

Warning: Diatomaceous earth will kill both bad bugs and good bugs, so it's best to limit its use to areas with known pest problems.

Nematodes kill pests in the soil

Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and kill problematic insects like ticks, ants, termites, larvae and other garden pests. They do not cause harm to humans, pets, earthworms, or beneficial insects like ladybugs. So, they are a great form of chemical free pest control. Moreover, they are easily available online. Just choose the right nematode for the job (S. Feltiae is the one that will take care of ticks) and welcome it to your garden.

How to repel ticks using garlic

We all know garlic has some great health benefits, and now we can add one more to the list. Regular consumption of garlic or garlic capsules reduces the risk of tick bites. This plant causes the body to excrete a very strong scent that many insects, including ticks, do not like at all. So, make this vegetable a regular part of your diet. It is quite easy to add it to your meals.

Caution: Feeding garlic to pets is not recommended - please talk to your vet.

Apple cider vinegar

How to repel ticks and enjoy sunny days without fear? Apple cider vinegar to the rescue once again! This wonderful natural remedy also helps repel ticks. The following solution can be sprayed on clothing and exposed skin, even patio furniture. Combine the following in a vaporizer:

• 2 cups of water
• 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of organic neem oil

Last smart tip to get rid of ticks

In fact, ticks do not like to cross paths lined with wood chips or gravel. Think of it like humans walking on glass - not pleasant. So create a gravel or wood chip buffer between lawns and wooded areas to prevent insects from entering your property.