If you’re thinking of a natural way to repel ticks, cedar oil might be the answer. Cedar oil is an effective tick repellent and a natural alternative to chemical-based repellents.
Let’s explore cedar oil, how it works as a tick repellent, and how to use it safely.
What Is Cedar Oil?
Cedar oil is derived from the cedar tree (Cedrus deodara). It has a distinct woodsy scent and is commonly used in various products, such as soaps, candles, air fresheners, etc.
Cedar oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is considered safe enough by the FDA to be used as a food preservative. It is also commonly used in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Today, cedar oil is still used for its pest-repelling capabilities. It is effective against many insects, including ants, bed bugs, moths, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. Thanks to its unique properties, cedar oil is a versatile and powerful tool for keeping your home pest-free.
What Should You Know Before Using Cedar Oil As A Tick Repellent?
Cedar oil can be used as a tick repellent if utilized correctly. Cedar oil is effective at repelling ticks, but there are a few things you need to know before using it.
- Cedar oil is native to North America. Cedar oil is extracted from the cedarwood tree through steam distillation.
- Cedar oil works as a tick repellent because it contains natural chemicals that are toxic to ticks. When applied to the skin, these chemicals will kill ticks that come in contact with them.
- To use cedar oil as a tick repellent, you must mix it with water. The ratio of cedar oil to water will vary depending on the brand of cedar oil. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label. After mixing the cedar oil and water, apply it to your skin using a cotton ball or swab. Reapply every few hours as needed.
- If you are using cedar oil for the first time, it is always a good idea to patch test it on a small skin area first to ensure you are not allergic to it.
- If using cedar oil on your pets, make sure to avoid their face, mouth, nose, and ears.
Cedar oil is an effective natural tick repellent, but it is important to use it correctly to avoid irritation. Be sure to comply with the instructions on the label and test it on a small area of skin before using it. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use immediately.
How Does Cedar Oil Work As A Tick Repellent?
Cedar oil kills insects by dehydrating them, emulsifying their body fats, interfering with their pheromones, neutralizing their bodily fluids, inhibiting their breathing, and dissolving their larvae.
- By dehydrating the insects, cedar oil causes them to lose water faster than they can take it in, leading to fatal thirst.
- Emulsifying the body fats of insects causes them to suffocate and die.
- Interfering with the pheromones of insects disrupts their mating and reproduction cycles, eventually leading to population decline.
- Neutralizing the bodily fluids of insects makes them more susceptible to disease and infection.
- Inhibiting insects’ breathing deprives them of oxygen, causing them to suffocate and die.
- Finally, dissolving the larvae of insects prevents them from maturing into adulthood, leading to population decline.
How To Use Cedar Oil As A Tick Repellent?
Cedar oil is safe to use on humans and animals. Cedar oil creates a barrier that ticks cannot cross when applied to the skin.
- Apply cedar oil to your skin using a cotton ball or Q-tip. Add a few drops of cedar oil to your favorite lotion or shampoo. Be sure to avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- If using cedar oil on your pets, avoid their eyes and face. For best results, reapply cedar oil every few hours. For severe infestations, contact a pest control professional.
- Cedar oil can also be added to laundry detergent or used as a mist to repel ticks from clothing. In addition, you can use cedar oil to treat surfaces in your home that may be infested with ticks.
- To treat your property, dilute the cedar oil with water and pour it into a hose-end sprayer. Then, screw the sprayer onto your hose and turn on the water. Aim the spray at areas where you have seen pests, flower beds, shrubs, or standing water.
- You can also spray cedar oil directly onto concrete driveways or patios. In most cases, one oil application will be enough to get rid of the pests, but it is fine to reapply the spray once a month if you see them return. If treating a large area, you may need to refill the hose-end sprayer to treat it all.
How Do You Make Insect Repellent Using Cedar Oil?
If you’re considering a natural way to keep insects at bay, try making your cedar insect repellent.
1. Spray For Your Skin And Clothes
Mix cedar essential oil with witch hazel in a spray bottle and apply it to your clothes and skin before heading outside. The strong scent of cedar will repel mosquitoes and ticks, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy the great outdoors. Just shake the bottle before each use and reapply as needed.
To make a cedar oil-repellent:
- Mix cedar essential oil with witch hazel.
- Fill a 240 ml spray bottle half full of witch hazel.
- Pour 10 mL (2 tsp) carrier oil, such as olive oil, and 30 mL (2 tbsp) neem oil together.
- Add 50 drops of cedarwood oil and screw the lid on.
- Shake the bottle vigorously to dilute the oil safely.
Before going outside, spray the repellent on your clothes and skin. The cedar aroma will repel mosquitoes and ticks. Remember to shake the bottle well before each use and reapply as needed.
2. Spray For Your Garden
Many gardeners use cedar oil to repel pests and diseases from their plants – mix cedar oil with water in a hose-end sprayer applicator.
A general rule of thumb is to use 1 part cedar oil to 100 parts water. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific product since the ratio might be slightly different. Hence, you will need 770 mL of water for 3.8 L of cedar oil. This amount is sufficient to treat 5,000 square feet of garden. You can purchase cedar oil at most garden centers or online.
With regular applications, you should see a reduction in the number of pests in your garden in no time.
A word of caution: You can safely spray cedar oil on most plants, but use caution on certain trees. These include Japanese maples, amur maples, black walnuts, and hickories. The oil can also dull the color of evergreens like blue spruces. If you spray citrus trees, it is best to do it in spring or early summer. If you wait until August or September, the spray may slow the ripening process.
3. If You Get Bitten
If you identify ticks on your body, removing it as soon as possible is important. Use cedar oil or any of the essential oils. Just spray some oil on the tick and wait 30 seconds. It will get detached naturally and you can remove it. Pulling ticks off by force may leave the tick head embedded in the skin leading to complexities.
Wash the tick bite area with antiseptic and keep it clean. You can send the tick for testing if you want to know if it is infected by Lyme disease. If you experience any symptoms after being bitten by a tick, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Is It Safe to Use Cedar Oil On Pets and Humans?
Yes, cedar oil is safe for both pets and people. It is a widely misunderstood topic, as there is much conflicting information on the internet. However, experts agree that as long as the cedar oil is pure and properly diluted, it is safe for pets, especially cats.
Cats are more sensitive by nature, so using only the highest-quality, purest cedar oil is essential.
Safety Tips For Animals And Humans
Though cedar oil is a natural repellent for ticks, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Dilute the cedar oil with water or carrier oil before applying it to your skin. Undiluted cedar oil can irritate.
- Don’t use cedar oil on open wounds.
- If you’re using cedar oil on your pets, make sure to avoid their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cedar oil is generally safe for humans and animals when used as directed. However, if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or veterinarian before using it.
Side Effects Of Cedar Oil
The side effects of using cedar oil as a tick repellent are minimal. Still, they can include skin irritation, rashes, or hives if you are allergic to the oil. If you have concerns about using cedar oil as a tick repellent, talk to your doctor before using it.
Where To Purchase Cedar Oil?
You can purchase a bottle of pure cedar oil from a health food store or online retailer. You can also find cedar oil at some hardware stores.
Is Cedar Oil Cost-Effective?
Cedar oil is an effective and cost-effective tick repellent. A single application of cedar oil can last up to six weeks, making it a very economical choice for tick control. Cedar oil is also safe to use around children and pets and will not harm your plants or lawn.
You can also add cedar oil to your favorite lotion or shampoo to help keep ticks away. If using cedar oil on your skin, test it on a small area first to ensure you’re not allergic.
Cedar oil is a natural, effective way to keep ticks away. It’s safe to use, economical, and easy to find. Give it a try the next time you head outdoors.
How Does Cedar Oil Smell?
Cedar oil has a very distinct and potent smell. Some people love it, while others find it overwhelming. However, there’s no denying that it’s a powerful scent that can help keep ticks away. When appropriately used, cedar oil can be a great way to keep your home or yard tick-free.
What Are Other Natural Tick Repellents?
There are several other natural tick repellents that you can use in addition to or instead of cedar oil. Some popular options include:
- Lavender oil
- Peppermint oil
- Citronella oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Rosemary oil
All of these oils have potent smells that can help keep ticks away. You can either diffuse them in the air or apply them directly to your skin. Just like with cedar oil, do a patch test first if using any of these oils directly to your skin.
With so many natural options available, there’s no need to use chemical-based repellents that may harm your health. So next time you’re looking for a tick repellent, reach for one of these essential oils instead.
Tips For Using Essential Oils As Tick Repellents
Here are some tips for using essential oils as tick repellents:
- Always purchase pure, therapeutic grade oils from a reputable source.
- Do a patch test before applying any oil directly to your skin.
- When diffusing oils, use a high-quality diffuser to disperse the oil into the air properly.
- Be cautious when using oils around children and pets. Diffuse them in well-ventilated areas and avoid applying them directly to their skin.
- Follow the directions on the bottle and never exceed the recommended amount.
Following these tips can safely and effectively use essential oils as tick repellents. So don’t hesitate to try them next time you head out into tick territory.
What Are Other Ways To Prevent Ticks?
Cedar oil is a great option for repelling ticks, but it’s not the only one. By taking some simple precautions, you can enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about these pesky pests.
- Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks are easier to spot.
- Tuck your pants into your socks so ticks can’t crawl inside.
- Wear long sleeves and hats when possible.
- Avoid tall grass and brush where ticks live.
- Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and permethrin to your clothing.
- Inspect yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, and remove any ticks you find immediately.
- When you go home following a walk, use a lint roller to remove loose ticks from your clothing and footwear.
- Using cedar mulch around the perimeter of your property and in your flower beds can also help repel ticks.
Always have a tick checklist in handy during your outdoor adventure that can help you prevent tick bites.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils are a great natural option for repelling ticks. Cedar oil is just one of many oils used for this purpose. Be sure you purchase pure, therapeutic-grade oils and follow the directions on the bottle. Diffuse them in well-ventilated areas and avoid applying them directly to their skin. With so many natural options available, there’s no need to use chemical-based repellents that may harm your health. So next time you’re looking for a tick repellent, reach for one of these essential oils instead. Try diffusing cedar oil in your home or yard today and see how well it works at keeping ticks away.
