Ticks are small arachnids (eight-legged insects like spiders). They range in size from a pin’s head to as big as a pencil eraser. They are bloodsuckers that become larger as they take in more blood. Ticks vary in color from reddish-brown shades to brown and black, and they attach to a human or animal host and feed on them for several days or weeks. Many species of ticks change color when they become engorged and can turn bluish-green.

Once they have finished feeding on the host, they fall off to breed and lay eggs before restarting the cycle. Ticks have a great sense of smell and can sense a host from quite a distance. They sometimes even seek a host out. Repellants work by masking your natural scent and odor, which ticks are attracted to. Other repellents contain ingredients that give out strong smells that deter ticks.

Most store-bought tick repellants made with chemicals contain DEET, a chemical widely used in rubber, plastic and paint removers. DEET may be toxic and is said to affect the nervous system with prolonged use. This is why many substitute chemical-based tick repellants with naturally available herbs and plants to keep ticks away. Most of the herbs that repel mosquitoes also repel ticks and include:

  • Rosemary
  • Geranium
  • Lemongrass
  • Eucalyptus
  • Citronella

Planting these herbs in the garden can act as a natural tick repellent surrounding your yard/house.

A lot of research has gone into natural tick repellants as it has been noted that most ticks become immune to chemical repellents over time. Some homemade tick repellents are given below:

1. White vinegar
Mix two cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or lemongrass oil. You can add some favorite essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint or citrus. Spray the oil onto your skin and clothes before going outdoors. Reapply every 3 hours. Ticks hate the smell of vinegar. The same repellant can be used for pets, but substitute the essential oil with almond oil or some vegetable oil.

2. Essential oils
Essential oils can be mixed with some base oil like almond oil or olive oil and can be applied directly on the skin or sprayed on clothing. Some of the essential oils which are effective in repelling ticks are garlic oil, essential oil from the leaves and stems of the wild tomato plant and essential oil from herbs which repel ticks. Garlic oil can be sprayed on the lawn too.

3. Nootkatone
This essential oil is found in some species of cedar trees and fruits. It is known to be very effective in repelling ticks. It can also be applied to the lawn and plants.

4. Long clothing
When going out into the woods or trekking, wear clothing and footwear to cover your whole body. This will help prevent ticks from sticking on. Clothing acts as a physical barrier to ticks. Keep your lawn well mowed and eliminate woodpiles and clutter in the garden. Use a fence to keep deer away from your backyard.

5. Oil baths
If you are an outdoor person and live in an area prone to ticks, add a drop of tick repelling essential oil in your bath or rub it on your body after a bath.