Ticks pose serious health risks to humans, causing numerous diseases. This is explained in my guide on ticks. There are commercial repellants available but some folk, myself included, are reluctant to spray harsh chemicals onto their skin. My concern is the health impacts of absorbing these chemicals into my body, along with the desire not to add more chemicals into the environment. It’s not just me who is concerned: Brooke W. Bissinger along with Michael Roe from the Department of Entomology, North Carolina State Universitypaper have written this paper on the topic. With this in mind, natural tick repellant products are being sought by increasing numbers. Here I delve into some of the options.
Tick Bite Prevention
Tick bites aren’t just itchy — they can lead to serious health issues like Lyme disease. Protecting yourself starts with practical measures: wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Tuck your pants into your socks to reduce skin exposure. Keeping ticks off your skin is the first, most reliable line of defense.
Natural Tick Repellent Options
While natural repellents are available, their effectiveness and duration can vary. Here are some options and what to expect. More research and studies are needed to truely understand their effectiveness.
Essential Oils
- Lemon eucalyptus oil, lavender, tea tree, citronella, and geranium oils can deter ticks when diluted with a carrier oil. However, their effectiveness against ticks is limited and often short-lived.
- Rosemary, cedarwood, citronella, garlic, spearmint, and thyme can repel ticks but only for about 60 minutes.
- Peppermint offers slightly longer protection, though it starts losing potency within two hours.
- Catnip oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves and stems of the Nepeta cataria plant, commonly known as catnip. Nepetalactone, the compound found in catnip, has been shown to have insect-repelling properties, including against ticks. Some studies suggest that catnip oil may be more effective than DEET (the active ingredient in many commercial insect repellents) at repelling ticks. However, its effectiveness as a tick repellent isn’t as well-studied as other methods, and it may not provide as long-lasting protection. In terms of duration, catnip oil typically lasts for a few hours, but it may need to be reapplied more frequently than commercial repellents to maintain effectiveness
- Some commercial products use combinations like geraniol, rosemary, and lemongrass, which can be effective on fabrics, though they’re less tested on skin.
- Neem oil is a natural oil extracted from neem tree seeds. It can be applied directly to exposed skin or mixed into a spray. It typically repels ticks for about 2-3 hours. Frequent reapplication is needed for prolonged protection.
Food Options
Garlic is believed to repel ticks, but evidence is limited. Garlic may slightly alter body odor, potentially deterring ticks.
Apple cider vinegar diluted with water is a popular natural tick repellent for skin or clothing. Its effectiveness as a tick repellent is short-lived, typically lasting 1–2 hours. Reapplying frequently is needed.
Nootkatone
Nootkatone, a natural compound found in grapefruit, cedar trees, and some herbs, is a promising natural tick repellent. It has EPA approval and provides several hours of protection on both skin and fabrics. Until recently, it was more costly, but it’s now more accessible for everyday use.
Homemade Repellents
If you prefer DIY options, you can create homemade sprays with botanical oils like geraniol and cedarwood mixed with water, alcohol, or a carrier oil. These sprays pose minimal risks to humans and the environment, though their effectiveness is often short-lived.
DIY Recipes
Here are some recipies you could try. It is recommended to test on a small area of skin to ensure of no reaction.
Lemon Eucalyptus Spray
- 10 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons water
Mix in a spray bottle. Shake well before use and apply to skin or clothing.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 10 drops lavender or tea tree oil
Combine in a spray bottle. Spray on skin, clothing, or pets.
Cedarwood Oil Spray
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
Mix in a spray bottle. Apply to exposed areas.
Herbal Infused Spray
- 1 cup boiled water
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary or mint leaves
Steep herbs for 20 minutes, strain, and let cool. Add to a spray bottle with 1/4 cup white vinegar.
Neem Oil Mix
- 1 tablespoon neem oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 10 drops tea tree oil
Shake well in a bottle. Spray or dab onto skin.
Effectiveness Considerations
Natural repellents may work for short durations, but chemical repellents tend to offer more reliable protection on the skin. The EPA and CDC offer helpful resources for researching product safety and effectiveness, so you can find a repellent that suits your needs and preferences.
In summary, while natural repellents have their place, for extended hikes and high-risk tick areas, a synthetic repellent like DEET or Picaridin may be your best option. Taking preventive measures with clothing and considering natural yard treatments can help protect you, whether you’re on a short hike or spending time in your backyard. Happy Hiking!
Do you have any experience with natural tick repellants or any qustions? Please leve them below.