Ticks mainly lurk in grass and bushes and often drop onto their victim unnoticed. Once they have found an area with a good blood supply and the softest possible skin, they bore themselves into the skin. Mistakenly, the little bloodsuckers are not only lurking in the woods and meadows, but also in your own garden. A tick bite is not only unpleasant, but can also be dangerous, as ticks can transmit serious diseases such as TBE and Lyme disease. It is therefore important to protect yourself properly against tick bites. Fortunately, there are natural home remedies against ticks that can keep the little pests at bay.
Table of contents
1. the best home remedies for ticks
According to studies*,essential oils and some fatty oils such as black cumin oil and coconut oil offer natural protection against ticks. However, appropriate clothing is just as important: long, closed clothing and special socks protect against tick bites. The little creatures are also easier to spot on light-colored clothing. A combination of natural tick repellents and the right clothing therefore offers good protection.
What ticks don't like: Essential oils
Essential oils may have a pleasant scent for humans, but not for ticks. Proven essential oils against ticks include the oils of:
- Citronella
- lemon
- eucalyptus
- grapefruit
- myrrh
- Lavender
- Tea Tree
- aniseed
- Thyme
- Clove
- rosemary
- Rose geranium
- Peppermint
- basil
- patchouli
- sandalwood
- lemongrass
All the essential oils mentioned are tried and tested household remedies against ticks and they work even better when mixed together. When mixed, their effects combine and complement each other to provide the best protection. It is important not to use the oils pure. Just a few drops of the mixture are enough to provide effective protection. It is best to mix the essential oils according to top, heart and base notes and use a dilution of 2 - 3 % for adults. Essential oils work wonders, especially with a base oil such as coconut oil or almond oil, and keep ticks away naturally. Simply add 15 to 20 drops of essential oils to 50 ml of base oil and apply to the ankles, joints and back of the knees.
Fatty oils against ticks
One of the most popular home remedies against ticks is coconut oil, which is said to act as a barrier. The lauric acid it contains repels ticks**, while caprylic acid and capric acid are also generally said to be a miracle weapon against insects. Caprylic acid is a natural insecticide and capric acid is said to be able to dissolve the chitinous shell of insects.
The versatile black cumin oil not only keeps mosquitoes and fleas away, but is also effective against ticks. It also nourishes dry skin when applied regularly. Even though neem oil does not smell particularly good, it is a tried and tested household remedy against insects. To mask the garlic scent, simply combine the neem oil with essential oils.
2. DIY recipes: Tick balm & tick spray - easy to make yourself
Here are 2 simple recipes for making purely natural tick repellents yourself:
Anti-tick balm for the skin
You need the following ingredients:
- an empty cream jar
- 95 ml coconut oil
- 5 grams of beeswax
- the following essential oils:
- 3 drops of citronella
- 3 drops of lemon
- 3 drops of eucalyptus
- 2 drops lemongrass
- 3 drops lavender
- 2 drops patchouli
This is how it's done:
-
- Melt beeswax together with coconut oil in a water bath
- Remove from the heat, add the essential oils and mix everything together
- Pour the mixture into an empty, clean cream jar and leave to cool
This all-natural anti-tick balm can be applied generously to legs, arms and other exposed areas.
Anti-tick spray for clothing
You need the following ingredients:
- an empty 100 ml spray bottle
- 90 ml high-proof alcohol (at least 40 % by volume, e.g. vodka or grain)
- the same mixture of essential oils:
- 3 drops of citronella
- 3 drops of lemon
- 3 drops of eucalyptus
- 2 drops lemongrass
- 3 drops lavender
- 2 drops patchouli
This is how it's done:
Pour alcohol and essential oils into the empty spray bottle using a funnel, shake, done. Spray this all-natural anti-tick spray regularly onto clothing. Always shake well before use! For sensitive, light-colored clothing, always test the anti-tick spray on an inconspicuous area first before applying it to a large area.
Sources:
*Štefanidesová et al. (2017): The repellent efficacy of eleven essential oils against adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. To the study on PubMed.gov
** Schwantes et al (2008): Prevention of infectious tick-borne diseases in humans: Comparative studies of the repellency of different dodecanoic acid-formulations against Ixodes ricinus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). To the study on PubMed.gov
Important note / Disclaimer: As pharmacists, we share our pharmaceutical expertise and wealth of naturopathic experience in the Casida guide. An individual diagnosis and consultation is necessary in every case. Therefore, this offer cannot replace medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medication or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
