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Tick Control

What Are The Best Essential Oils to Repel Ticks?

Four bottles of essential oils in a row with a dropper

Ticks are small parasites that feed on warm blood. They are commonly found on animals and humans. Furthermore, ticks spread bacteria and diseases, sometimes causing life-threatening health conditions. When a tick bites, it grabs ahold of the host and feeds for three to six days. While drinking blood, it injects its saliva and the germs, bacteria, and pathogens it carries into the host’s bloodstream. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tularemia, and Powassan encephalitis, among others. That’s why it’s essential to check for ticks at home and to use a tick-repellent when you go outside.

When researching natural tick repellents, you may start looking into essential oils. Essential oils for tick repellent are particularly popular with those looking to avoid synthetic chemicals. But what essential oils work best? Are there other strategies you can use to prevent tick bites? Mosquito Joe®️ is here to help answer any questions you may have while offering our own tick control services backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise.

Do Essential Oils Repel Ticks?

Essential oils work to repel ticks in different ways. For example, some repel ticks because of their smell. Ticks rely on their sense of smell to find their next host, so strong odors may send them off-track. Other essential oils repel ticks because of their chemical compounds. They may contain active components that make insects disoriented and uncomfortable. And finally, essential oils can create contact repellency. So when they are applied to your skin or clothes, they create a physical barrier that isn’t as attractive for ticks and other insects to crawl on.

Essential Oils vs. Synthetic Tick Repellents

Essential oils come from plants and have compounds that naturally deter insects. Synthetic repellents, on the other hand, are chemically engineered with certain components to deter insects. That’s also why many synthetic repellents are targeted toward specific types of pests like ticks, mosquitoes, or fleas.

In some cases, essential oils alone may not be as effective in repelling ticks as synthetic treatments, especially in the long term. Synthetic options that contain chemicals like DEET or permethrin have shown long-term effectiveness in combating ticks with less need for reapplication.

When it comes to sensitivities, some people prefer essential oils. Synthetic repellents may contain harsh ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations. Essential oils are plant-based, so they are often less risky and a favorable option for those with pets and small children.

Types of Essential Oils to Repel Ticks

There are several different types of essential oils that can be effective in repelling ticks from yourself, your pets, and your yard. Plant-derived essential oils can be applied to clothing or directly on the skin to help keep ticks at bay. And essential oils for ticks are not the only natural tick repellent. You might have a couple of ingredients for your own tick-prevention solution right in your cupboard. Here are some essential oils and other natural remedies to consider:

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Lemon eucalyptus is a pleasant-smelling essential oil that can repel ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests. Due to its potency, use it sparingly with pets or select a different natural tick repellent around furry friends. Some highly rated store-bought repellents even use lemon eucalyptus as their main ingredients.

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood is toxic to ticks and their larvae, making it a prime essential oil for ticks. It can be used on people and dogs, making it one of the best options for an essential oil repellent. There have been many different scientific studies on cedarwood oil against ticks. It’s proven to deter multiple different species, black-legged ticks in particular. One study actually found that it terminated 100% of black-legged ticks in their nymph stage. As an added benefit, cedarwood oil is also an effective anti-fungal.

Geranium Oil

Geranium essential oil is a potent and effective tick repellent. It works by covering up the carbon dioxide smell that draws ticks to you and your pets. You simply dilute the geranium oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. When looking at tick-repellent essential oils for dogs, geranium oil can be applied to their coat as well, unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian. Scientific studies have also backed geranium oil’s effectiveness against ticks, demonstrating success comparable to DEET.

Garlic Oil

Useful beyond seasoning a savory dish, garlic also makes a potent natural tick repellent. A few different ways garlic helps combat ticks include:

  • Can be sprayed in yards, fields, or gardens
  • Mix with mineral oil and applied to skin or pet fur
  • Prevent tick eggs from hatching
  • Alter body odor when eaten to deter ticks from biting

To make a garlic oil spray, you can mince two to four bulbs of garlic, soak them overnight in water, and then put the garlic water in a spray bottle for easy application.

Lavender Oil

Versatile and virulent to insects, lavender can be a fantastic addition to your bug-fighting arsenal. It can effectively repel ticks, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. Some studies have found that lavender oil repels ticks at a similar level to DEET. Consider planting lavender as a natural tick deterrent or mix it with carrier oil and water to create a repellent spray.

Pennyroyal Oil

A powerful member of the mint family, pennyroyal is often listed as a potential tick repellent. However, compared to other essential oils, it is highly toxic and not safe for humans or pets. Some people apply it under cushions, rugs, fabrics, and places that don’t come into contact with anyone in case pets bring ticks into the home.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a potential tick repellent that has a history of mixed results. Solutions usually combine a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water to spray your pet’s coat or your skin. For added protection, some homemade recipes will add 10 drops of cedarwood, citronella, lemongrass, geranium, or another essential oil. One thing to keep in mind is that apple cider vinegar doesn’t eliminate ticks but only deters them.

Tips for Using Natural Tick Repellents

Just because a tick repellent is made with plant-based ingredients doesn’t mean it should be used without caution. What may be appropriate for humans may be dangerous for pets. There are also different safety concerns for dogs vs. cats. Be sure to consult with your physician and veterinarian about any health concerns you may have. Additional tips to consider include:

  • To avoid skin irritation, dilute any essential oil for ticks with a carrier oil before using it directly on your skin. Good choices include coconut, avocado, jojoba, grapeseed, or olive oil.
  • Do a patch test before using the tick repellent. If it irritates the skin or stains the fabric, choose another option.
  • Apply the repellent generously and evenly, covering all exposed skin. To apply to your pet’s coat, spray lightly and evenly.
  • For optimal protection, reapply every two to four hours. Hot and humid weather will require more frequent application. Reapply after swimming or sweating.

How to Use Natural Tick Repellent for Dogs

Although essential oils are natural, don’t forget that they can be toxic. Not all essential oils are safe for humans to use topically, and many can be harmful to pets. To confirm what dog tick-repellent essential oils you should use on your pet, consult your vet. Then, add five to 10 drops of pet-safe essential oil to eight ounces of water. Shake well before spraying lightly on your pet’s coat. Consider applying repellent before your pet goes outside, especially in areas where ticks are popular.

Regardless of what type of tick deterrents you use, always check your pet for ticks after they’ve been outside. Safely remove ticks right away if they are detected. You can also consult your veterinarian about preventative flea and tick medications.

Long-Term Tick Repellent Strategies

Ticks are indeed dangerous to your pets and your family. Essential oils and other natural tick repellents are great choices when visiting tick country, the woodsy, grassy, or brushy outdoor areas where ticks thrive. However, professional tick control is often necessary for complete protection. Find a Mosquito Joe near you and learn more about how we can help.

In addition to traditional pest control services, Mosquito Joe offers eco-friendly options powered by essential oils and garlic.

Contact us today to discuss your options and get a free estimate!

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

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Since 2010, Mosquito Joe® has provided mosquito and pest control services for residential and commercial customers nationwide. Our team of trained pest control experts is dedicated to getting rid of mosquitoes and other pests so you can make outside fun again. Our team of trained field professionals knows how to get the job done swiftly and thoroughly, leaving a noticeable absence of biting insects.
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