Warmer weather is here, and that means more time outside to hike, swim, and play in nature. Sunscreen and bug spray are musts for kids and adults this time of year. But for a little extra protection, parents can also turn to essential oils that repel ticks and mosquitos.
Help keep the bugs at bay with these ingredients that can also work double time in the home and garden.
At a Glance: Essential Oils for Ticks & Mosquitos
- Lavender, peppermint, thyme, and citronella are essential oils that repel ticks and mosquitos.
- Other essential oils to repel mosquitos include basil, cinnamon, and tea tree oil.
- Planting basil, lavender, and lemongrass around outdoor spaces can deter ticks and mosquitos.
- Essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Always dilute them before applying any to your skin.
- When hiking or playing outside, avoid long grass and heavy brush, wear long sleeves and pants, and check for ticks after coming inside.
Essential Oils for Repelling Ticks
- Cedarwood: Musky cedarwood is toxic to ticks and their larvae. It is also safe to apply to people and pets.
- Lavender: Deadly to ticks and their eggs but safe for topical use on all ages, including infants. Consider diluting for sensitive skin. You can also plan it in your garden.
- Peppermint: Ticks hate the smell of peppermint, and the diluted oil will keep them from latching onto your clothes. Diluted peppermint oil can be used on its own or combined with other oils like tea tree or citronella. Consider using soap with peppermint essential oil as well.
- Thyme & Citronella: Citronella oil has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as an insect repellent. Combine it with thyme, which has also been found effective at repelling ticks.
While it’s not an essential oil, garlic can also work as a tick deterrent. Combine minced garlic with mineral oil in a spray bottle, then spray it on plants near your deck or porch to keep ticks away.
Looking to bring in the professionals? Mosquito Authority can protect your yard from ticks, mosquitos, flies, and other insects using natural solutions.
Essential Oils for Repelling Mosquitoes
The essential oils that repel ticks will also work on mosquitos! Other essential oils that can deter mosquitos include:
- Basil: Basil gives off a repellent smell to flies and mosquitoes. In addition to using diluted basil oil, try planting some in to your garden.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon oil can kill mosquito eggs along with repelling the adult bugs.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a natural mosquito repellent because it contains citronella. Add the oil to a homemade bug spray or grow some in pots around decks and porches.
- Tea Tree: Tea tree oil can also help ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects. It’s also known for antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Thyme: Thyme leaves can be added to campfires to keep mosquitos away. Research shows that burning thyme offers 85% protection for 60 to 90 minutes!
Essential Oil Safety Reminders
Essential oils are naturally-occurring volatile organic compounds that were distilled from plants. They can be irritating to skin, and should always be kept away from the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Essential oils should always be diluted before you apply them to skin. Use almond oil or water. Be sure to spot-test any essential oil mixture on a small area of skin before applying them all over.
Essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Always purchase oils from a reputable source, and consult a doctor before you use them, especially if anyone in your family has a history of eczema or skin allergies.
Other Expert Advice Regarding Ticks
Here are a few other helpful ways parents can help prevent tick-borne infections:
- Avoid tick-infested areas like tall grass and forests.
- Set up play equipment in sunny, dry areas away from forests.
- Wear protective clothing, including long-sleeves and pants, when on hikes. Tuck pants into tall socks for extra protection!
- Use insect repellents on skin.
- Hike along the center of trails to avoid potential tick areas.
- After outside play, check for and safely remove ticks. Paying special attention to any exposed body parts, such as the head, neck, and ears.
What To Do If You Find a Tick On You or Your Child
After being outside in wooded or or brushy areas, it’s best to bathe within two hours of coming inside. This can help you spot any hiding ticks. If you find a tick, remove it immediately using fine-tipped forceps or tweezers. Grasp tick close to the skin and slowly pull straight off without twisting. Wash the area with soap and water.
According to Doctor Alaina M. Brown from Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville, after a tick has been removed it is very common for there to be an itchy red bump at the site of removal. This can last for 2–4 weeks. It’s nothing to worry about, and the itching can be treated with antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec.
Doctor Brown recommends that parents mark the date of a tick removal on the calendar, since any signs of symptoms will show up within four weeks. Contact your doctor after a tick bite if you notice:
- A growing or bullseye rash around the bite
- High fever
- Severe headache or muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or lack of appetite
Most tick bites will not cause problems. But if you’re concerned, call your doctor and check in.
Local Nature Walk Suggestions
Now that you’re ready to keep the bugs away, take the family for a stroll at one of these kid-friendly hiking locations!
- Ivy Creek Nature Foundation: Ivy Creek is a favorite hiking spot for Charlottesville families. There are 12 different trails totaling seven miles, educational exhibits, and gardens to explore. Keep an eye out for special nature walks and other events for kids.
- Ragged Mountain Natural Area: This 980-acre forested area includes a lake and seven miles of trails. Families will love seeing the variety of trees and wildlife along the way.
- Rivanna Trail: This trail encircles the entire City of Charlottesville! The easiest access point is in Riverview Park, where families can walk, bike, scoot, or push strollers on the paved paths.
- Saunders-Monticello Trail: This kid-friendly (and pet-friendly!) hike has four miles of trails at a maximum grade of 5 percent. The trail includes gravel paths, boardwalks, and woodland paths.
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ELLEN SEWELL is our associate editor. With a degree in Communications and Media Studies and a gift for the written word, she especially enjoys interviewing local people making a positive difference and sharing events with other parents. Passionate about hands-on-learning and being active, she loves to explore museums, playgrounds and outdoor attractions of all kinds with her three amazing children.