Ticks can be harmful creatures, as they inhabit our homes and lawns, feed off blood and can in some cases cause disease or other infection. While there are several retail products that repel ticks, these items can be expensive, and many times are priced too high for our budgets. Instead, consider making your own homemade tick repellent from inexpensive ingredients.
Cooking Oil
Cooking oil contains sulfur, which in itself is a natural tick repellent. In a spray bottle, mix a solution of 2 tsp. vegetable oil or almond oil, 20 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil (available at any health store) and 1 cup water. Spray this solution onto clothing, pets and lawn to keep ticks at bay. Keep away from eyes, nose and mouth, which are sensitive areas on both humans and pets. Repeat as necessary to keep ticks repelled from your home and family.
Vinegar
Vinegar has a smell and taste that ticks cannot stand, making it the perfect tick repellent. In a spray bottle, mix a solution of 2 cups water and 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (either will work). Add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent, then spray onto pets, clothing, skin, and even on the lawn. This will safely repel ticks without harming your family or home.
Citrus
Citrus scents also ward off ticks, and a citrus repellent can be easily made for just a few dollars. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then add a few sliced citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits--any combination will do). Let boil for one minute, then simmer on low heat for an hour. Take out the sliced fruits, and pour the remaining mixture through a strainer. Pour into a spray bottle, and spray directly onto clothing, pets and lawn. The acidic scent of citrus fruits work to repel both ticks and fleas, keeping your family free of these blood-sucking insects.
Peppermint
Peppermint also repels ticks and fleas, and a spray-on repellent can be made for just a few dollars. In a spray bottle, add 2 cups water and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. Spray onto clothing, pets and around the lawn to keep ticks and fleas at bay. Alternately, crush a few peppermints and sprinkle throughout the lawn, or brew a pot of peppermint tea, strain into a spray bottle and use this as a spray-on repellent as well.
Tags: spray bottle, clothing pets, cups water, keep ticks, onto clothing, onto clothing pets