Ways To Keep Ticks Away Naturally

As a child, I never worried about ticks but times have changed and ticks seem to be everywhere. Ticks can be dangerous to humans but deer and dog ticks are growing in numbers too.

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Ticks are a nuisance but they are also a health concern because they carry many dangerous illnesses including Lyme disease. Almost all of us know someone that has been affected by tick bites. Prevention is a great way to help keep the devastating effects of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Anytime that you're in tall grass, amongst the tress or anywhere that you think that ticks might live, do a tick check as soon as you get back home...and look everywhere. Deer ticks can be very small and could be missed if you don't check fast enough.

If you're looking for some ways to get rid of these nasty parasites without using chemicals, here are some suggestions from the Farmer's Almanac.

Natural Tick Repellents

Cedar Oil Spray - Cedar Oil is non-toxic and a natural tick repellent...other insects too. You can spray if directly on your skin or clothing and it's safe for humans and pets. It not only repels them but it kills them too. Most pet stores and big-box retailers have this on hand.

Eucalyptus Oil - This is an effective tick killer and repellent. Mix 4 ounces of purified or distilled water with 20 drops of Eucalyptus Oil in a small spray bottle. Shake it before using it, then spray on your skin, shoes and pant cuffs. Eucalyptus oil MUST be diluted with water before applying it on your dog.

Neem Oil - Neem Oil can be used as a natural way to repel and remove ticks. Put several drops on the palm on your hand and rub it on exposed skin. You can also dilute it and mix it with almond or other light carrier oil. If you want to remove a tick, put a drop or two of neem oil right on the tick and it'll extract itself in a flash.

Eat Garlic - Garlic has many good health benefits and you can add this to the list. If you eat garlic regularly or take garlic capsules, this will reduce the risk of tick bites. The garlic causes the body to produce a scent that ticks do not like. By the way, it's not recommended to feed garlic to pets.

When in doubt, have your significant other check you for ticks, who knows it could become a "bonding" experience for both of you...in a Brad Paisley "Ticks" kind of way.

Brad Paisley "Ticks"

I would consult your veterinarian before using any Essential Oils around or on your pet. If you see a tick on you or your pet, what do you do next? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has info on how to safely remove ticks and what to do next. Once again, I would consult your veterinarian before doing anything that concerns ticks and your pets.