We are so lucky here in Uxbridge to have such wonderful trails on our doorstep. It’s great this time of year to be able to enjoy the local trails whether walking, running, hiking or biking. There are ticks out there though so we must protect ourselves. Recently I came across a great natural tick repellent that we can make. It’s inexpensive and the ingredients are readily available with the main one being tea tree oil.
The tea tree is native to Australia’s swampy forests around Queensland. It has long been used by the Australian Aborigines to treat minor skin irritation and keep away skin and hair vermin. Tea tree oil is very useful in making natural repellent as it has quite a strong smell that irritates blood-sucking pests. Tea tree oil is inexpensive and non-toxic when used externally as recommended.
It must NOT be taken internally and is NOT recommended for children. Always read the label and use tea tree oil only as recommended.
Some of the best tick repellents use natural ingredients some use chemically manufactured substances of which some people fear potential side effects.
With tea tree oil you may prevent tick infestation in a natural way. The strong smell of tea tree oil does repel ticks and keeps mosquitoes away.
Mix the base oil and water in a ratio of 2:1. To this mixture, you should then add the tea tree oil 2 oz. for every 1 liter. Remember to use a glass container to store your tick repellent.
You can also use white vinegar and tea tree oil to make a tick repellent safe to apply on the skin. Take 2 cups of white vinegar and add to 1 cup of distilled water. Add about 10 drops of essential tea tree oil to this mixture. Spray the repellent on the skin and clothes.
Below are some other uses for tea tree oil
- Helps to soothe minor skin irritations
- Soothes itchy insect bites
- A few drops of tea tree Oil in shampoo to fight lice naturally
- Add a few drops in the pets’ crate to keep fleas away and as a natural way to repel ticks
- Use as a natural way to repel ticks and molds