If you’re anything like me, the thought of ticks makes my skin crawl. Unfortunately, it’s something we have to live with, especially in our situation when we are outside so often and go camping frequently. After a day of removing nearly 20 ticks from our small 10 pound dog (which led me to having nightmares all night), you could say that I was motivated to find a solution! We have experimented and researched all kinds of solutions and have finally been able to nearly 100% prevent this problem naturally! What is great about this solution is that it not only helps repel ticks, but other pests as well including those dreaded mosquitos!
Prevent ticks on you
We bought cedar-oil-based Cedarcide which we used as a base for our spray. To add extra protection to ensure that it worked (because I hate bugs!!) we added in rosemary, geranium, and lemon eucalyptus essential oils which are known for repelling bugs. We use a spray bottle that is 32oz to mix this solution and put approximately 40 drops of each oil.
Since these ingredients tend to breakdown more quickly, you will need to reapply more frequently than with a standard store-bought spray. We typically reapply every hour or two at night when mosquitos are bad (because they just love me!) and a couple times throughout the day for tick prevention.
Prevent ticks on your dog
There are several methods for preventing ticks naturally on your dog. Although the Cedarcide mixture I described above is safe for your dog as well, I have found an even easier method if you don’t have all the ingredients or the mixture made! Just simply sprinkling a drop or two of geranium essential oil between the dog’s shoulder blades (and tail if a larger dog) prevents ticks.
We put this method to the test while camping and hiking outdoors for a weekend. When our dogs would typically have numerous ticks, we didn’t pull a single one off of them the entire weekend of camping and hiking! I applied twice throughout the day and reapplied after getting wet if they decided to go swimming.
I hope this has helped you and keeps those horrible bugs off you so you can enjoy the great outdoors!
Carrie Spoonemore, co-founder of “From Seed to Spoon,” stands as a beacon of inspiration for gardeners and health enthusiasts alike. Her journey alongside her husband, Dale Spoonemore, in creating a platform that demystifies gardening and promotes a healthier lifestyle, has made a significant impact on individuals around the globe. Through the “From Seed to Spoon” app, Carrie has dedicated herself to empowering people to take control of their health and environment by growing their own food.
With a profound belief in the power of gardening to improve mental and physical health, Carrie’s contributions to the Seed to Spoon blog reflect her holistic approach to wellness. Her articles often focus on the nutritional benefits of homegrown fruits and vegetables, organic gardening practices, and the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Carrie’s expertise in health science shines through in her detailed discussions on how specific plants can contribute to a balanced diet and overall well-being.
Carrie’s passion for gardening is deeply intertwined with her commitment to family and community wellness. She frequently shares personal stories of how gardening has brought her family closer together, offering practical tips for involving children in gardening activities and making it a fun, educational experience. Her writing encourages families to explore gardening as a means of spending quality time together while learning about nature and sustainability.
In addition to gardening advice, Carrie’s contributions to the blog include insights into the use of technology to enhance the gardening experience. She has played a crucial role in designing the “From Seed to Spoon” app to be user-friendly, ensuring that users of all ages and backgrounds can navigate the complexities of gardening with ease. Her vision for the app is not just as a gardening tool but as a vehicle for change, inspiring individuals to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by growing their own food.
Carrie Spoonemore’s presence on the blog is marked by her compassionate approach to teaching and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of gardening. Her work continues to inspire a community of gardeners to pursue a healthier, more sustainable way of living, proving that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can become a gardener and advocate for their health and the planet.
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