Unfortunately, if you have pets, they will likely encounter ticks at some point. Not only are they dangerous for animals, but they also carry diseases that humans can get, as well, like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Prevention is key to ensuring that you and your pets are not bitten by these blood-sucking insects.
Natural tick repellent is safe and effective for people, pets and the environment. CDC and EPA may recommend using DEET, the most common insect repellent, for your protection.
This may be useful but it is hazardous. DNA damage, brain diseases, and environmental contaminants are some of the reasons why this is concerning (..). There are all-natural chemical compounds that can keep the ticks away. Let’s learn about them.
- How to Get Rid of Ticks and Keep Them Away
- Natural Tick Repellent for Humans
- Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Tick Repellent for Dogs
- DIY Tick Repellent for Dogs
- Keeping Ticks Away with an Essential Oil Mixture (for Clothes)
- Repel Ticks with Distilled Vinegar & Almond Oil (for Dogs)
- Keep Ticks Off with Dried Rosemary (for Dogs, Clothes, and Humans)
- No More Ticks with Garlic (for Pets and Humans)
- Keep Ticks Away with Tea Tree Oil (for Dogs and Other Pets)
- Natural Tick Repellent for People with Health Problems
- Recipe for Natural Tick Repellent
How to Get Rid of Ticks and Keep Them Away
Follow these simple ideas to rid your home and yard of ticks and keep you and your pets safe.
Natural Tick Repellent for Humans
Essentials oils are some of the best active ingredients for tick repellents. You can use catnip, lemon eucalyptus, or geranium essential oil as part of your DIY tick repellent recipes.
To make this essential oil flea repellent for human skin that also works against ticks and mosquitoes, mix essential oils and cream and store in a cool, dry place. Apply it directly on your skin to prevent tick bites.
Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Tick Repellent for Dogs
Vinegar can be used to kill ticks on your dog. Apple cider vinegar does not instantly kill the insects, but it helps to remove them. You can use it as a spray, add to their drinking water, or put it directly on your dog’s ticks.
For spray use, combine water and vinegar in an empty spray bottle. For drinking water, add a teaspoon of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to your dog’s drinking water to prevent future tick bites.
For direct use, pour distilled vinegar into cotton balls and rub it down on your dog’s ticks, and then pull the ticks with tweezers. The usefulness of vinegar is endless. You can even use this to repel mosquitoes naturally.
DIY Tick Repellent for Dogs
Witch hazel is a fragrant shrub that can also be used as a tick repellent. Get better tick prevention by adding peppermint oil to the mixture, which gives off a strong scent that most insects hate. This is only one of the many uses for peppermint oil.
Add ingredients to the bottle and shake well. Prevent ticks during tick season by spraying this mixture on your dog. Use essential oils to repel fleas on dogs as well as to deter ticks. Be sure not to spray in the eyes of your pet. Uses for witch hazel include healing mosquito bites, as well as dealing with ticks.
Keeping Ticks Away with an Essential Oil Mixture (for Clothes)
Most insect repellent is applied to the skin. This solution is used on your clothes instead.
Mix the oils first and then add to water in a spray bottle. Shake well to distribute all ingredients. Spray it on your shoes and clothes.
Repel Ticks with Distilled Vinegar & Almond Oil (for Dogs)
Ticks hate the taste and smell of vinegar and almond oil contains sulfur which is excellent for preventing tick-borne diseases. Say goodbye to dog ticks with this natural tick repellent.
Pour water, vinegar, and almond oil in a spray bottle and add a squeeze or two of lemon juice. Shake well. Apply to your dog to repel insects like the Lone Star tick and black-legged tick.
Keep Ticks Off with Dried Rosemary (for Dogs, Clothes, and Humans)
Rosemary, a woody, fragrant herb that’s part of the mint family, is one of the best plants to repel mosquitoes and ticks.
Boil the water and add rosemary. Stir gently, cover with a lid, and let it steep overnight. Remove the leaves with a strainer and then add at least one tablespoon of vinegar.
After you have mixed all ingredients thoroughly, add to a spray bottle. Spritz this natural tick repellent on your pet’s body and your skin and clothing.
No More Ticks with Garlic (for Pets and Humans)
Aside from providing excellent health benefits, garlic also offers tick control as it excretes scents that ticks don’t like. Sometimes, what you eat every day can also be the best natural tick killer that works.
Soak the garlic in the oil overnight. Use garlic oil instead of raw garlic to make this process a little easier. Add tap water to a spray bottle with dish detergent and the garlic and mineral mixture.
Shake well before using. If you like eating garlic, ticks might just avoid you during tick season!
Keep Ticks Away with Tea Tree Oil (for Dogs and Other Pets)
The tea tree and its oil have antibiotic and antiseptic elements. It is useful in fighting fleas and ticks while helping the EPA in protecting the environment, as well as the CDC for disease control (..).
Combine tea tree oil and water. Pour a liberal amount of this homemade repellent to your pet’s shampoo. Use this pest control trick at every bath, and you’ll see dog ticks fall off.
Natural Tick Repellent for People with Health Problems
Humans who have respiratory illness or skin sensitivity may not be comfortable using specific ingredients. Eucalyptus oil is widely used for individuals with respiratory problems and does not harm sensitive skin. The CDC also promotes these natural ingredients for both pets and people.
Natural tick repellent is more than protecting your clothes. Using natural methods like essential oils and growing the best plants to repel mosquitoes and ticks are highly effective. Homemade tick repellent for your family members, as well as dogs and other pets, can also help you safeguard everyone at home.
Recipe for Natural Tick Repellent
Natural Tick Repellent
Keep ticks off your pets with this easy-to-make solution.
Materials
- 8 ounces vinegar
- 8 ounces tap water
Tools
- 16-ounce sprayer
- Measuring cup
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
- Spray pets with the mixture before they go outside.
- Repeat several times a week.
Notes
Use care to keep from getting this tick deterrent in your pet's eyes.
Spread the word! Feel free to share these homemade natural tick repellent hacks with friends and family on Pinterest, Facebook, and other social media sites so others will know how to get rid of ticks, too.