In a sentence - ticks are tiny blood-sucking insects that spread dangerous diseases in both humans and pets, especially, dogs. Attracted to the woody, grassy areas, they are always hungry for blood. They are notorious for spreading diseases like Lyme disease, Babesiois, Rocky Mountain Fever, and more. In the case of a tick infestation, even spotting a couple of ticks in your house is bad.
These days the inclination towards natural repellents to get rid of pests is growing. But are they any good? Let’s explore.
Why Choose Natural Tick Repellents?
Conventional tick repellents are good when it comes to resisting ticks, however, with prolonged use, they can cause side effects like skin irritation, rashes, and even redness. On the contrary, natural repellents are better for the skin as they are empty of all the chemicals. These natural repellents are also just as effective as the conventional ones.
Top Natural Tick Repellents from Plants
1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
This oil is one of the most famous natural insect repellents out there. The most important component, PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), has been scientifically proven to effectively resist ticks and other insects. It’s also an oil that provides long-lasting protection. It’s a great alternative for those who want a DEET-free option.
2. Rose Geranium Oil
This oil is a favorite among pet owners for protecting dogs from ticks. It’s effective, gentle on the skin, and has a pleasant floral fragrance—the oil works by blocking the tick’s sense of smell to detect a human being or a dog.
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil deters ticks as well as helps soothe insect bites. Its pleasant fragrance blocks the human scent, making it difficult for ticks to detect you. Other than repelling ticks, lavender oil has soothing and antibacterial properties. This makes it an excellent choice for the prevention and treatment of rashes and bumps.
4. Neem Oil
Neem oil, derived from the seeds of the Azadirachta indica tree, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries in many countries. Its powerful components, including azadirachtin, make it a natural pesticide and insect repellent. Neem oil is highly effective in repelling ticks and other biting insects, making it an ideal option for outdoor enthusiasts.
DIY Tick Repellent Spray Recipe
Create your natural tick repellent using the following recipe:
Ingredients:
10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil
10 drops of lavender oil
10 drops of rose geranium oil
2 tablespoons of witch hazel
1/4 cup of water
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
Shake well before each use.
Spray the mixture onto the skin, clothing, and shoes before going outdoors.
This blend combines the most potent tick-repelling essential oils for long-lasting protection.
Safety Considerations
Plant-based repellents are safer than all the artificial repellents that you get in marketplaces. However, these natural repellents must be used in moderation and should be diluted with carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, some oils may not be suitable for children or young pets. Make sure to check the safety guidelines of the oil before using it on your child or pet or consult a pediatrician or a vet respectively.
What to do if you continue to encounter ticks even after using natural oils? In such cases, it's best to contact a professional tick control service. Sometimes, oils and other methods don’t work on ticks due to unexplained reasons. You should immediately contact RidAway to safeguard your family and pets after you encounter more than a couple of ticks even after using oils. RidAway is EPA-approved, state-licensed, and industry-certified, and uses biologically friendly pesticides that leave your home safe to return to.
For a quick solution to an urgent intrusion, RidAway is ready to come to your rescue.
