Have a look at these Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ticks and free your house from the pesky critters without inviting any toxic chemicals!
If you are looking for some inexpensive yet effective remedies to deter the unwanted ticks from your fabrics and pets, try out these Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ticks mentioned in the article below!
Check out the best mosquito repelling plants here
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ticks
1. Homemade Tick and Insect Repellent
Blend 4-6 drops of tea tree, peppermint, and 6-8 drops of citronella essential oil with 1-2 tablespoons of jojoba or any carrier oil in a spray bottle and spray on the affected areas. The strong smell will deter the critters away.
2. Cedar Oil Spray
Cedar oil is an active ingredient found in many insect repellents and is believed to repel ticks as forwarded by the researchers at Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
You can spray this non-toxic natural tick repellent directly on the skin or onto the area where the ticks frequent.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a powerful tick repellent. Dilute 12-18 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to 4 ounces of distilled or purified water. Mix well and spray on your skin or clothes.
You may also blend the tick repellent with carrier oils such as coconut or almond oil before applying it to your skin.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon organic neem oil in 500ml of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on tick-prone areas around the home.
Learn the best apple cider vinegar uses in the garden here
5. Neem Oil
Directly rub a few drops of neem oil on the skin to deter ticks and other such insects. If you have sensitive skin, dilute it with almond or coconut oil before use.
You can also massage the skin with pure coconut oil to soothe the tick bite.
Do not forget to dilute the oil with lukewarm water before applying it on dogs.
Check out the most effective neem oil uses in the garden here
6. Garlic
Mash a few garlic cloves, add 5-6 drops of neem oil solution, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Add 200 ml of water, shake well and use it as a spray on the area where ticks frequent. It will get rid of them in no time.
Including garlic and basil leaves in your diet also saves one from the chances of getting a tick bite.
7. Aromatherapy Essential Oils
Essential oils like lemon, orange, cinnamon, peppermint, and rose geranium are useful in driving away ticks. Blend any of these with water or almond oil and spray directly on skin or other tick-prone areas.
Ticks dislike their smell, hence would stay away.
Check out the best essential oils for your garden here
8. Salt
You can use regular table salt for killing ticks larvae and eggs, it dehydrates them until they fall aside. Sprinkle it on the floor or furniture during the night, and vacuum it in the morning.
You can also add 6-8 teaspoons of salt in 500ml of water along with a few drops of neem oil. Shake well, and spray this solution on tick-infested areas to get rid of them.
9. Boric Acid (Borax)
It is the main ingredient in some flea powder products. Sprinkle it on carpets, to kill the larvae on the fabric. Although, the powder is not effective on adult ticks.
10. Pepper, Ginger, and Garlic Spray
Blend pepper, ginger, and garlic in equal quantities, and mix them in 200ml of water. Let it sit overnight and then use this solution as a spray to get rid of ticks in the garden.
Do make sure you are not spraying it near the plants as it can damage them.
11. Grow Tick Repelling Plants
One of the best natural ways to get rid of ticks is to grow plants that repel them away naturally. Include sage, lavender, rosemary, and marigolds in your home and garden, and keep their pot near the tick colony. They will leave the area in no time.
12. Invite Tick-Eating Wildlife
Chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys love eating ticks and if you have a garden, then having these animals is a sure shot way to get the ticks population under control.
Bonus
13. Vaseline
If you are accidentally bitten by a tick, then apply a healthy dab of vaseline to the spot and rub it in a circular motion. This will give you relief from the itch and will also prevent the skin from developing a rash.
14. WD-40
WD-40 is quite potent when it comes to taking care of ticks. Just spray it on the area where you spot them and they will be gone for good.
Avoid spraying it near the plants and the area where pets frequent.
15. Bleach
Bleach has potent chemicals that kill these pesky insects instantly. Sprinkle it on the areas where these critters frequent. Ensure to wear gloves before dealing with the chemical.
16. Rubbing Alcohol
Spray rubbing alcohol on the affected areas. But, do not use the repellent directly on the skin. It is advisable to remove the ticks with tweezers first, then dip them in a bowl of alcohol to spit out its toxin.
Have a look at the surprising uses of Rubbing Alcohol for plants here
What to Do When You Notice Tick on Your Skin
- If you notice ticks creeping on your clothes, use a fine coat brush to dust them away. Also, use over pet’s fur.
- Put your clothes in a hot dryer for 10-15 minutes, it will kill the nasty ticks.
- Run a brush all over your hair and get a good shower to remove them away.
- Give your pets a good shower with a hosepipe to wash those insects away.
- To ensure they don’t frequent your lawn, keep the tall grass trimmed off the edges. Also, keep it free from debris, grass clippings, and fallen leaves.
