July 17, 2024
Tick season is upon us. Try these natural and effective remedies and strategies to repel these nasty parasites without harmful chemicals. Many of us already have had encounters with ticks from simply venturing outside. This proves you do not have to walk deep into the woods to encounter ticks. But how can you stay safe? Prevention is the best way to avoid the itching and the devasting effects of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan encephalitis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, just to name a few, that can be transmitted by tick bites. There are many different types of ticks (the blacklegged tick, or deer tick, is notorious for spreading Lyme disease and its co-infections) but the risk of developing these infections depends on several factors, including the type of tick and how long it was attached to the skin. Natural Remedies: Try Cedar Oil Spray Cedar oil is a non-toxic, natural tick and insect repellent. It can be sprayed directly on clothing and skin. It is safe for use on humans and pets. Not only does cedar oil repel ticks and other irritating insects, but it kills them. Cedar oil spray can be purchased online and at pet stores. Homemade Tick and Insect Repellent Try these simple recipes. Just mix and apply to exposed skin before heading outdoors: 9 drops citronella essential oil 6 drops Tea Tree essential oil 6 drops Peppermint essential oil 1 tablespoon almond oil or jojoba oil Eucalyptus Oil Eucalyptus oil is known as an effective tick repellent and killer. Just combine 4 ounces of purified or distilled water to a small spray bottle alone with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Shake before using and spray on skin, pant cuffs, and shoes. Safe for use on dogs (eucalyptus oil must be diluted with the water before application on dogs). Neem Oil Neem oil is used as a natural remedy to repel and remove ticks. To use, add several drops to the palm of your and rub on exposed skin. It can also be diluted and mixed with almond or other light carrier oil. When diluted, it is safe for dogs. To remove a tick, apply a drop or two of neem oil directly on the tick and it will extract itself quickly. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple Cider Vinegar to the rescue once again! This wonderful natural remedy also helps to repel ticks. The following solution can be sprayed on clothing and exposed skin, even lawn furniture. Combine the following in a spray bottle: 2 cups of water 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of organic neem oil Certain Aromatherapy Essential Oils Not only smell great, but they are also known to be natural tick repellents. Ticks hate the smell of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium so they will avoid latching on to anything that smells of those items. Any of these or combination can used in DIY sprays or added to almond oil and rubbed on exposed skin. We recommend using 100% certified organic essential oils in any of these above mixtures. Eat Garlic! We all know that garlic has excellent health benefits, and now we can add one more to the list. Regular consumption of garlic or garlic capsules reduce the risk of tick bites. The garlic causes the body to excrete a scent that ticks hate. *Cautions: It is not recommended to feed garlic to pets – please talk to your veterinarian. Essential oils are not recommended for use on cats. Please consult with your veterinarian about effective flea and tick control for cats. 3. Always dilute solutions before applying to your dog. You See a Tick on You...Now What? If you see a tick crawling on your clothing, or if you have ventured into a known tick-infected area, you should do the following: Grab a lint roller (take it with you on outings!). A sticky table lint roller is excellent for picking ticks off any size of your skin and clothing. Carry one with you and brush it over your skin clothes (and pet’s fur) periodically. Toss your clothing into a hot dryer for 10 to 15 minutes to kill any lurking ticks. Do a full-body check on yourself, family members, and pets. Brush your hair and jump in the shower. Rinse pets using the outdoor hose before heading inside.