Ever thought of using your favorite essential oil instead of chemical-based tick repellants? Know more about how does lavender repel ticks.
You are well-aware of the side-effects chemical-based repellants can have on your body. In your search for organic replacements of chemically made products, we have a new addition. By the end of this article, you will know how does lavender repel ticks and how to use it.
Lavender and Its Benefits
Lavender is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family and is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Mainly grown as a culinary herb and for extracting essential oil, lavender is also an ornamental plant loved by all. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, lavender was believed to purify the mind and the body.
Benefits of lavender:
- Helps with insomnia and anxiety
- Soothes headaches
- Prevents hair loss
- Eases nausea
- Prevents acne
- Fights skin irritations
- Used in aromatherapy
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are members of the Arachnida animal group. It is very common to catch ticks via gardens. As they cannot fly or jump, ticks wait on the ground till they come in contact with humans or even dogs. Once in contact, ticks start low on the body and crawl upwards. Your feet, knees, wrists, armpits, and groin are most susceptible to tick bites. Therefore, it is advisable to check these areas thoroughly after a field day. Symptoms of a tick bite are dependent on various factors, such as the type of tick and the duration the tick was attached to your body. However, some common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Red spots
- Intense pain in the joints
- Rash near the bite
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches and palpitations
Are Ticks Harmful?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified an exhaustive list of diseases that are caused by ticks; some of them are:
- Lyme Disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Tularemia
- Colorado Tick Fever
Does Lavender Repel Ticks?
Lavender repels ticks by disturbing their smell sensors, which makes it difficult for ticks to identify potential hosts. However, you should keep in mind to use pure lavender oil for effective results as the purity of the oil affects its ability to repel ticks.
What You Need
- Water
- Vinegar
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Peppermint/Eucalyptus Essential Oil (optional)
- Spray Bottle
What To Do
- Take one cup of white vinegar and mix it in half a cup of water.
- Add 20 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.
- You can also add 10-15 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil.
- Mix well and transfer the liquid into a clean spray bottle.
- Shake well before use.
- Spray the mixture on your feet, knees, wrists, and neck before stepping out.
For added protection, you can try the following:
- Add 8-10 drops of lavender oil to the final rinse water of your laundry.
- Place lavender scented sachets inside blankets, bedding, and sleeping bags.