Ticks are one of the most feared pests since they can transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease. As a result, many people choose natural tick repellents to avoid these pests. However, the effectiveness of these products is often called into question. Some studies have shown that natural tick repellents are just as effective as their chemical counterparts, while others have found that they are not as effective. Natural tick repellents may work well in some situations but may not be as effective in others. Ultimately, it is the individual’s responsibility to decide whether or not a natural tick repellent is right for them.
Does Natural Tick Repellent Work?
If you want to keep the ticks at bay, there are a variety of repellents to choose from. Some contain harsh chemicals, while others are made from natural ingredients. But does natural repellent work?
The answer is yes and no. Natural tick repellents usually contain ingredients like essential oils, which can repel ticks by masking the scent of their hosts. However, it is significant to remember that not all essential oils are equally effective at repelling ticks. In general, thyme oil and lemon eucalyptus oil are the most effective.
To be safe, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before using any kind of tick repellent, natural or otherwise. Additionally, it is essential to remember that no repellent is 100% effective, so it is still important to take precautions against ticks even if you are using a repellent.
Natural Tick Repellent Recipe For Humans
Ticks can transmit several life-threatening diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus. Fortunately, there are many effective tick repellents on the market. However, many of these products contain chemicals that may harm human health. Look no further if you’re looking for a natural tick repellent recipe. This natural ingredient repellent is safe to use on both adults and children.
1. Essential Oil Tick Repellent Recipe
Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water (filtered, distilled, or spring water)
- Geranium essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Spray bottle (4 oz or larger)
Directions
Fill 1/3 of your spray bottle with apple cider vinegar. Add 10 drops of each essential oil and fill the rest of the bottle with water.
Pour 30 to 40 drops of essential oils if you use a 4 oz spray bottle. Using apple cider vinegar may also help deter mosquitoes, which is a bonus. Here is your essential oil tick repellent recipe.
Shake each time you use it to assist the essential oils in blending for a more uniform application. Spray liberally, paying close attention to areas where ticks are more likely to be found, such as your ankles, feet, and legs. Spray it over your arms, shoulders, etc., if you’re hiking in the woods. Never spray it on your face, eyes, ears, or nose.
You can spray it on your clothes, but be cautious to check for any staining. It is recommended to test an area on any old cloth to see if your homemade concoction stains.
2. Roll-on
Ingredients
- 10 ml glass roller bottle
- Geranium essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Coconut oil (fractionated) or any other carrier oil
Directions
Add 3 to 4 drops of each essential oil: geranium, citronella, cedarwood, and lemongrass. Add fractionated coconut oil to the remainder of the bottle, but be sure to allow space for the ball stopper. Close the bottle with the ball stopper and give it a good shake.
Apply behind your ears, neck, wrists, lower legs, and other exposed areas.
Perform regular tick checks on yourself and your family members to be safe. Simply checking for ticks and catching any present before biting is one of the greatest strategies to avoid being bitten by a tick.
Natural Tick Repellent Recipe For Dogs
It’s an excellent idea to keep your dog safe from ticks since they are so close in proximity and have an innate desire for exploration. Ticks can be dangerous because some carry diseases that may not show symptoms immediately but could cause serious health problems, especially if left unchecked. To prevent this, you should check your dogs during walks around thickets or bushes where these pests thrive – especially when grasses grow long enough beside sidewalks which provide ideal habitats.
To create a safe tick repellent for your dog:
Mix about 20 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil and two tablespoons of carrier oil such as almond or vegetable oil. (Almond oil contains sulfur which is also a natural tick repellent.) Put a few drops on your dog or the dog’s collar.
You can also use Pennyroyal Essential Oil instead of Rose Geranium oil, but it should only be on the dog’s collar and not on the dog directly. Pennyroyal can be toxic to dogs when used in high doses and avoided in dogs with underlying illnesses such as kidney disease.
Natural Tick Repellent Recipe For People With Health Problems
People with breathing conditions or sensitive skin might not feel comfortable utilizing particular ingredients. Eucalyptus oil is widely used by individuals who suffer from various ailments and is safe for sensitive skin. The CDC also advocates using these organic ingredients on both people and animals.
Geraniums, lemon eucalyptus, catnip, and citronella essential oils are safe for kids and pregnant or nursing women. You must dilute these essential oils appropriately before use.
Natural Research Based Tick Repellent Recipe
Although essential oils are frequently effective insect repellents, there is very little research if it is effective in repelling ticks.
Numerous studies show that geranium essential oil works well as a natural tick repellent. The effectiveness of the ten various chemotypes of geranium essential oil was evaluated, and discovered that they were all extremely efficient. The best part is that youngsters can use geranium essential oil without worry.
Another research evaluated cedarwood essential oil, and according to a study, Virginian Cedarwood can kill ticks and repel ants. That is especially true because people have been using cedar chips to discourage ticks naturally from breeding in their yards and gardens. Cedarwood essential oil is excellent for our DIY tick repellent because it is also safe to use around children.
The CDC’s recommendations for natural tick repellents describe some effective natural ones and their scientific evidence. The essential oil of garlic is one of them.
Research Based Tick Repellent Recipe:
- Essential Oil Master Blend
- Geranium or Palmarosa Essential Oil (2 parts)
- Amyris or Virginian Cedarwood (2 parts)
- Vetiver or Alaskan Cypress (1 part)
- Base
Spray (To be sprayed on clothes only)
- Grain alcohol (25%)
- Distilled water (72%)
- Essential oil master blend (3%)
Gel (Apply to exposed skin)
- Aloe jelly (97.5%)
- Essential oil master blend (2.5%)
Oil (Apply to your dog’s collar and tail base)
- Neem oil (5%)
- Jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil (85%)
- Essential oil master blend (10%)
How To Use Natural Tick Repellent?
Before using the natural tick repellent recipes, you must follow these steps:
- Shake the bottle or the container each time you use it to assist the essential oils in blending for a more uniform application.
- Trial a small area of your skin to ensure you are not allergic to any of the oils you have used.
- Spray thoroughly, paying specific attention to your ankles, feet, legs, and other areas where ticks are more likely to be present. Spray it on your arms and shoulders if you’re going on a hike in the woods. Do not touch your face, ears, eyes, or nose.
- You can also spray your clothing, but as a precaution, try a small area first. Do not spray your beloved outfit because it might stain.
- Reapply every two to three hours.
Hacks On Bottling Natural Tick Repellent Recipe
You can use eight-ounce amber glass Boston bottles with a powerful sprayer. Amber is excellent because it filters out UV light, reducing essential oil efficiency. The heavy-duty sprayer is also advantageous because it pumps out the spray vigorously, covering you completely.
You can also use a fine mist sprayer since it sprays much more slowly than a heavy-duty sprayer. You can also use both types of bottles in case you want to use the heavy-duty sprayer first time of the day and a fine-mist sprayer for subsequent applications.
Is Natural Tick Repellent Recipe Safe?
Many things must be considered when determining whether a natural tick repellent recipe is safe. First, what ingredients are being used? Some common ingredients in natural tick repellents include lemon eucalyptus oil and cedar oil. These oils are generally considered safe for most people, although you should always test a small skin area first to check for any reaction.
Another common ingredient in natural tick repellents is vinegar. Vinegar can be effective at deterring ticks, but it can also kill plants and grasses. As a result, it is important to use vinegar-based repellents with caution. Many natural tick repellents contain citronella, which is effective at deterring pests but can also harm pets and children if ingested.
Secondly, how will the repellent be applied? If you’re using a spray bottle, ensure you’re not getting the repellent directly on your skin – you should apply it to the clothing only. And finally, how long will you be outside? If you spend extended periods outdoors, you may want to reapply the repellent every few hours.
Before using any natural tick repellent, it is important to read the label carefully and consult a physician to ensure it is safe for you and your family.
Overall, natural tick repellents can be a safe and effective way to prevent tick bites. Ensure to take precautions when using a natural tick repellent recipe.
