4 Natural Oils For Personal Tick Protection

Posted on by Nature Spray Staff

These four oils are for personal use on skin or clothing. They are not Nature Spray’s yard misting mix, and they do not replace treating the yard. Lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, peppermint, and rose geranium are the four people ask about most for personal tick protection.

  1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: This essential oil is an effective tick repellent. It contains a compound called PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol) that the EPA has approved as a mosquito and tick repellent. Studies have found that products containing 30% lemon eucalyptus oil can provide up to 95% protection against ticks.
  2. Cedarwood Oil: Cedarwood oil has a strong scent believed to repel ticks. It contains compounds called sesquiterpenes that are toxic to ticks and other insects. You can dilute cedarwood oil in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and apply it to your skin or clothing.
  3. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil has a refreshing scent that can help repel ticks. It contains compounds called monoterpenes that are toxic to ticks and other insects. You can mix peppermint oil with carrier oil and apply it to your skin or clothing.
  4. Rose Geranium Oil: Rose geranium oil has a floral scent that can help repel ticks. It contains a compound called citronellol which is toxic to ticks and insects. You can mix rose geranium oil with carrier oil and apply it to your skin or clothing.

Some common carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil.

Suppose you’re spending time in an area where ticks are prevalent. In that case, taking other precautions such as wearing protective clothing, checking yourself and your pets for ticks regularly, and using tick repellent on yourself and your pets is a good idea. It’s important to note that while natural oils can be effective tick repellents, they may not provide the same level of protection as chemical insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin.

In conclusion, natural oils such as lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, peppermint, and rose geranium can help deter ticks for personal protection. However, taking other precautions and consulting with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about tick-borne illnesses is essential.

Personal oils are not a substitute for treating the yard. For property misting, see natural tick control in Canton or call 330-598-0003.