Most of us have this herb sitting somewhere in our kitchen cabinets — but not many know that it’s an amazing natural tick repellent.
Boil it, spray it on your body, and ticks will steer clear!
Tick Season Is Here
Ticks are in full force during the warmer months. These tiny parasites can turn a relaxing walk in the woods into a health concern — not just for us, but for our pets too. Once they latch onto your skin, they can cause serious issues.
Thankfully, there are a few simple ways to protect yourself. One of them involves an everyday herb you probably already own — and it might be all you need.
A Common Kitchen Herb That Repels Ticks
To keep ticks away, you can make your own natural spray at home using this powerful herb. It’s easy, effective, and chemical-free — and it can save you a lot of trouble.
This particular herb gives off a strong scent that ticks absolutely hate.
How to Make the Natural Tick Repellent Spray
What you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary
- Boiling water
- A spray bottle
Instructions:
- Pour boiling water over the rosemary.
- Cover and let it steep for about 8 minutes.
- Strain and pour the cooled mixture into a spray bottle.
Before heading out to the forest or a picnic, spray it generously on your body — and for extra protection, spray the blanket or towel you’ll be sitting on.
If you don’t have rosemary at home, thyme works just as well. You can even combine the two for a stronger effect.
DIY Tick Repellent Oil Spray
Here’s another natural remedy you can try:
What you’ll need:
- 50 ml of carrier oil (coconut, sesame, or flaxseed oil work well)
- 30 drops of geranium essential oil
Instructions:
- Add the oils to a small spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Apply to your skin before heading outdoors.
Other Natural Tick Repellents
Ticks are sensitive to the scent of certain herbs. Use them to create infusions you can spray on your skin or clothing. Some of the most effective ones include:
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Mint
- Lavender
To make the infusion:
- Pour a small amount of boiling water over the herbs.
- Let steep for about 20 minutes.
- Strain and pour into a spray bottle.
Spray on your skin or clothes before going out. You can also grow these herbs in your garden, balcony, or windowsill to help keep insects at bay. The pleasant scent of lavender and sage is an added bonus.
Experts also recommend lemon balm (Melissa) leaves as a natural and highly effective way to repel ticks.
How to Protect Yourself From Tick Bites
Ticks are sneaky. They wait patiently and latch on when they sense movement or warmth. Once they’re on your skin, they bite and begin feeding on your blood.
But you can lower your risk with a few smart steps:
- Avoid strong perfumes, especially sweet scents like vanilla.
- Cover your skin well when walking in wooded or grassy areas.
- Use a repellent before every outing.
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