Are there any plants that repel ticks? Yes. Here are eight species that work.
Ticks feed mainly on blood. Possible hosts for these external parasites range from birds, mammals, amphibians, etc. When faced with a flea problem, there are lots of alternatives to deploy in combating the problem.
However, none are as effective and safe as the use of natural repellents.
While serving to repel ticks, the use of plants has no adverse effect on the environment. Unlike toxic chemical treatments, plants pose no danger to humans, animals as well as the environment.
What more? There are several plants with such a tick-repelling effect. Read on as we discuss these and more.
8 Common Plants That Repel Ticks
When it comes to plants with tick repellent capabilities, there’s a long list to choose from. These include Pennyroyal, Lavender, Sage, Garlic, Chrysanthemums, Beautyberry, Mint, Eucalyptus, Wormwood, and Rosemary.
Other tick repellent plants include Rue, Catnip, Lemongrass, Geranium, Mexican Marigolds, Chamomile, Sweet Basil, Venus Flytrap, Thyme, and Sunflowers.
These and several other plants are known to be highly effective against ticks and will repel them in no time.
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Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal plants also go by the name Mentha pulegium and possess tick and mosquito repellent properties.
One of the characteristics of this plant is that is quite attractive and can be grown as an ornamental plant. Plus, it can be quite invasive hence the need to trim it as frequently as possible.
- How it Works
The oils from this plant contain repellent properties that fleas hate.
This characteristic has made pennyroyal the ingredient of choice for making natural insect repellent creams. The presence of the pennyroyal plant alone within your yard will keep ticks away.
- How to Use
One of the easiest ways to use pennyroyal against ticks is by having these planted around your home. Not only does such a barrier prevent unwanted pests, but it also adds to the beauty of your home.
You’ll need to be careful though not to plant it alongside other plants as it can be invasive.
- Side Effects
It is possible to experience side effects with pennyroyal use especially when you come in contact with it. When pennyroyal leaves are crushed and applied onto the body, it may result in skin irritations due to allergy.
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Lavender
Lavender plants have a rich and appealing fragrance that most people love.
In addition to this, its beautiful purple color makes your home visually appealing. What more? This lavender has several uses including nutritional, medicinal plus its essential oils.
- How it Works
Lavender plants release a sweet scent that makes your home surroundings appealing. While this is appealing to humans, ticks and other pests such as moths detest it.
This characteristic is great and can be used against an assorted array of pests.
- How to Use
Deploying lavender for pest protection isn’t a difficult thing to do. You only need to grow a sufficient amount of lavender plants around your home or garden area. These plants can also be potted and taken indoors.
As these plants grow and release their fragrance, ticks and other pests are repelled.
- Side Effects
Are there side effects with lavender plants? It depends on who you ask.
For some people (usually a small number), lavender plants may trigger allergies. If you fall within this category of users, you should discontinue using lavender immediately. Other natural alternatives listed here may suffice.
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Sage
Sage has been included among our list of tick repellent plants due to its pungent smell which ticks love to hate. Not everyone likes the scent given off by sage plants though.
While some do love it, other people find it discomforting and would rather find alternative plants for tick control.
- How it Works
Sage plants will release a pungent smell which makes your surroundings appealing (for some people).
However, the same does not apply to ticks and other pests. This same smell drives them off as your surroundings are considered unfavorable.
- How to Use Sage Plants
To use sage plants for tick control, you’ll need to have them planted around your home.
When potted, sage can be placed around windowsills and along entryways. Companion planting will also help serve the purpose of repelling ticks.
- Side Effects
Not everyone will find sage plants as effective tick repellents. This is not to say sage plants won’t work in certain situations.
Rather, some users may find the scent offensive in addition to causing allergies (such people are in the minority) if there are side effects with sage use, it’s best to discontinue its use and find other natural plant repellents.
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Garlic
Garlic plants have been popular with humans for centuries. These plants have many uses that range from nutritional, medicinal, and pest control among others. It also has natural flea repellent properties.
Garlic is also known to have a pungent smell.
- How it Works
Not everyone loves the pungent smell given off by garlic although a lot of people love this plant. Now, the same strong scent it releases is hated by ticks.
By having these herbs growing around your home, you create an invisible barrier that ticks find unwelcoming.
- How to Use
Garlic can be used in several ways for tick control. You can either plant it around your home’s perimeter or crush its cloves and have them tossed around your home’s boundaries.
This simple action goes a long way to keep ticks and other pests off your property.
- Side Effects
Although garlic is a widely used plant in homes, not everyone will find it useful. Allergies are common for a small number of persons, thus making the plant an unsuitable option for tick control.
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Chrysanthemums
If you’re looking for an ornamental plant that adds beauty to your surroundings, yet has tick repellent properties, chrysanthemums are the plants to consider.
This multicolored plant contains a chemical compound known as pyrethrum which acts on pests by shutting down their nervous system.
- How it Works
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum which is a natural pesticide and acts on a variety of pests. When ticks come within proximity, their nervous systems are shut down.
As a result, ticks hate areas where these plants are present.
- How to Use
Having learned the effect chrysanthemums have on ticks and other pests, it’s best to grow them around your home.
An additional benefit you get with chrysanthemums is the beauty they add to your surroundings. You won’t have to worry about pest issues any longer.
- Side Effects
When ingested by pets, chrysanthemums may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Allergic reactions are also likely with humans though it isn’t common.
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Beautyberry
Like chrysanthemums, beautyberry plants also double as ornamental and pest repellent plants.
As such, you only need to have them planted around your yard, home’s perimeter, or garden to create an unwelcoming environment for ticks.
- How it Works
These bushy plants grow tiny purple berries. However, it’s not the berries that repel ticks. The solution lies in its leaves. This plant is almost as effective as DEET according to the USDA.
- How to Use
Like most plants having tick repellent properties, beautyberry plants only need to be planted around affected areas. Your home surroundings, garden areas, yard, and entry points should be targets when growing this plant.
- Side Effects
Negative side effects associated with beautyberry use are never ruled out. Although it isn’t common, beautyberry plants may cause irritations for some users.
The best way around this problem is by avoiding or discontinuing its use while seeking other alternatives listed here.
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Mint
You may have heard a lot about mint plants. These plants are quite popular and have a wide range of uses.
One of them includes serving as a repellent against a wide variety of pests including ticks. Also, mint plants are known to be invasive.
- How it Works
Mint plants give off a lovely scent that adds to the appeal of your surroundings. However, this is only applicable to humans. The aromatic oils contained in mint plants give it its tick repellent properties.
With this plant around your home, a lot of pest issues are contained.
- How to Use
Using mint plants as a reliable tick repellent begins with growing them around your home.
One of the best ways to do this is by having them grown in pots. These can be placed wherever the problems are.
- Side Effects
Generally, there are few health risks (if any at all) associated with mint plant usage.
This is not to say that side effects are absent. Some users may show signs of allergies while most people won’t. If you think this plant isn’t safe for you, other options provided here may serve the purpose.
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Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus plants are known repellents of a wide variety of pests including ticks.
Whether you’re growing the plant or using its essential oils, ticks are overwhelmed and do not stand a chance with this plant. This also grows into trees and is used for a variety of purposes.
- How it Works
Eucalyptus leaves contain the essential oils that ticks hate. These can either be crushed to release the oils or just grown to benefit from its tick repellent effect.
- How to Use
To find solutions to your tick problem, products from this plant such as its oils can be used. Growing the plant itself around your home can give you the relief you seek.
- Side Effects
Side effects resulting from eucalyptus usage are possible but not common. If you do notice such, seek medical advice and discontinue its use.
These are only a few tick repelling plants to consider. You have the option of choosing one or a combination of these plants to serve as natural solutions to your pest issues.
Hello! My name is Oluwasegun, and I am the founder of SafeandSanitaryHomes.org.
As a young boy who grew up in the suburbs, my family had a green lawn. I actively cared for this and maintained hedges and trees.
I’ve also grown into a DIY enthusiast for cleaning tasks and home improvements. As an expert animal healthcare provider, I also discuss tips to help you combat pests.
I’m happy to share my experience and hope you find it helpful.