Rose Geranium Oil for Tick Control

As a result of pet deaths attributed to the use of over-the-counter, chemical tick repellents, pet owners have begun to seek non-toxic repellents. According to the PetMD.com website, rose geranium oil is an effective, natural tick repellent for pets.

  1. Significance

    • More than 1,600 pet deaths related to the use of tick treatments containing pyrethroids were reported to the Environmental Protection Agency in the last five years, according to the Center for Public Integrity.

    Features

    • Rose geranium oil is a watery substance with a slight, light-green color. It has a sweet, rosy smell with a hint of mint overtones.

    Directions for Use

    • To combat ticks, the GardenGuides.com recommends applying a few drops of rose geranium oil to the pet's collar. A drop applied directly on a tick attached to a pet's skin is also effective; the tick will detach itself shortly thereafter.

    Considerations

    • Cats could have an adverse reaction to essential oils, according to GardenGuides.com. Pet owners should consult a veterinarian before applying rose geranium oil to a cat's collar.

    Warning

    • Ticks carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and red-blood parasites, according to Natural-Pet-Care.com. Removing ticks immediately is vital to preventing these diseases.