Keep ticks at bay with this simple herbal scent

We welcome the warmer weather by shedding our bulky winter jackets and showing a little more skin. And yet, when the temperature begins to rise, ticks begin to appear again. While tick bites can be dangerous, bacteria from the tick’s mouth can potentially cause tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, which can affect the joints, kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and brain. That said, you may fear (and with good reason) that chemical pesticides can come with health and environmental consequences. Fortunately, there is a natural solution to our tick and insect repellent problems: oil of oregano.

If you’re looking for Keep ticks away with DIY repellentsOregano oil is your friend. A study published in Experimental and Applied Acarology determined that 5% oregano essential oil was as effective as 20% DEET. It works because oregano oil contains cedrol, a compound also found in cedarwood that acts as a powerful tick killer. To make it even more appealing to those navigating tick-heavy environments, it also contains a compound called carvacrol, which effectively kills the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that is responsible for Lyme disease.

Oregano is one Essential oils that can be used to keep pests away from your home and gardenincluding Repels mosquitoes And bedbugs, but how do you use them to keep ticks away? If you plan to use a repellent on your skin, it is crucial that you combine the essential oil with a carrier oil. Essential oils are so concentrated that when applied directly to the skin, irritation is likely. However, add five to six drops to an ounce of olive, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, and you’re good to go. Simply rub a thin layer of the oil on exposed skin or places ticks usually come in contact with, such as the ankles and behind the ears. You can keep it in a spray bottle or dab it on with a cotton ball for easy application.

When applied to clothing, oil of oregano is particularly effective in improving the drop-off rate of ticks. But if you’re hesitant to spray oil all over your pants, that’s understandable. Instead, try combining essential oils with alcohol. Two ounces of 190 proof grain alcohol with 16 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle makes an excellent bug repellent that can be sprayed on trousers, socks, backpacks and other fabrics without leaving oily stains. For something milder that can be used on both clothes and skin, combine two ounces of distilled water with half an ounce of witch hazel and 5% to 15% essential oil to ensure it’s effective but safe for the skin.