Ticks are some of the worst parasites that the summer months have to offer. Unless you are someone who is looking to get Lyme Disease, there are no real positives to speak of when it comes to these pests. This spring has been chock full of ticks, with no end in sight. What’s worse, some believe that this population is set to explode during the coming months.
So, how can we keep ourselves safe from these pests? We have seen the high priced tick repellents at various stores but these options tend to be rather costly. And that’s why we are here to offer you a second choice: you can create your very own tick repellent with items that are easily found in your own kitchen cupboards!
To get started, you’ll want to make a tick repellent for your pets. After all, our four legged friends are always going to come first.
To start, grab a spray bottle and add two cups of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water. Next, add two spoonfuls of almond or vegetable oil. If you want, you can add peppermint oil, citrus oil, or lemon juice for a nice smell (and they help keep ticks away, too!).
Finally, give the bottle a shake and spray it onto your pet’s dry coat, being careful to avoid their eyes. One spray is fine if they’re going out for a quick potty break, but you’ll want to use several sprays if they spend the day outside.
As for your personal spray bottle, you can use the same exact mixture and even share it with your pet! However, you probably don’t want to smell like vinegar, so you’ll need to add about 20 drops of your favorite bath oil or essential oil. Eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and citrus oil are great choices. Apply the spray every four hours if you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time.
That said, even those who are using the tick repellent will want to make sure that they are checking themselves for ticks on a regular basis. After all, you simply cannot be too careful when it comes to these pests.