Natural Tick Repellent

Spring is upon us and with it- Ticks. Yucky, crawly, lymey ticks. Lyme, as many of you know, is no small thing. It is a difficult disease to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. I should know.  I have had it for many years. My solution for lyme? Don't get it in the first place.
I have found the most effective tick repellent is actually a natural oil combination. No need to spray yourself with harsh chemicals. It is safe for children and is also good to use on your pets. In fact, I think it is better than Frontline. Frontline is effective for keeping your pets safe from being bitten, but not from acting as a vehicle, bringing the ticks into your home. Ticks don't like the smell of this oil so it prevents them from hitching a ride.


Start with 1 8oz bottle of Grapeseed Oil. It is inexpensive and can be bought in any health food store. Grapeseed is a good base because it puts a film on your skin and makes it more difficult for a tick to take hold.
Add 30 drops of Eucalyptus Oil. Ticks hate the smell. This is really what keeps them away.
Add 30 drops of Geranium Oil. Ticks don't like this smell much either but really I add it because it makes the oil smell better to me. It is also effective at keeping mosquitos away.

I put the mixture of oils on myself and my kids every day. I apply it just like a body lotion. Make sure to put the oil on your feet and also around the hairline. We live in a tick infested area, and, since I have been using this oil, I have not seen one on me or my children. I apply in the morning and then, if we are going somewhere ticky in the afternoon, I reapply.
For pets, rub some oil on your hands and then lightly apply to their coats making sure to get a good coating on their legs.
Using this oil is not a replacement for a thorough tick check. Check yourself and your kids carefully every day. Don't forget to check behind ears and in between toes. You can't be too cautious.