Ticks feed off the blood of humans and animals. These insects can cause a host of problems, including Lyme disease. While there are several retail products that repel ticks and other blood-sucking insects like fleas and mosquitoes, these items can be expensive, and no more effective than a simple home remedy.
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Repellent For Dogs
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Vegetable oil contains sulfur, which itself is a natural tick repellent. Peppermint also emits a strong scent that repels ticks. These two items combined create the perfect scented tick repellent for pets. In a dish, combine two teaspoons of vegetable oil, 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, and one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent. Mix the ingredients together, and apply to the pet's dry coat, working the solution into a thick lather. Stay away from eyes, nose, and mouth of your pet. Rinse to out the solution. Repeat every week, or as necessary to keep ticks at bay.
Repellent For Humans
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White vinegar works as a natural tick repellent. In a spray bottle, mix a solution of two cups white vinegar, one cup water, and an essential oil of your choice (preferably eucalyptus or peppermint oil). Then, spray onto the body and hair before going into an outdoor area that may contain ticks. Re-apply every few hours as the scent diminishes from your skin. Remember to keep the solution away from the nose, eyes, and mouth.
Repellent For the Lawn
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Citronella and rose geranium oils are both natural tick repellents, making them perfect for lawn application. The fastest way to apply this treatment is to purchase a bottle of citronella oil, or rose geranium essential oil, both available at vitamin and supplement stores. Then use a garden hose bottle attachment. Fill the bottle with about 10 teaspoons of either oil, and top off with water. Stream this through your garden hose, watering the lawn on a mist or sprinkler setting. This will also work with a watering can. In the watering can, mix one gallon water with two teaspoons of either oil, and repeat until the entire lawn has been treated. Repeat every few weeks, or as necessary to keep ticks away from the lawn.
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