During the warmer months, ticks—small, spider-like insects—hide in tall grasses and plants. These little parasites may spend the summer hiding in damp, shaded spots in our gardens and prefer warmer, more humid weather.

Tick populations are increasing across the United Kingdom, therefore it’s critical to manage your garden before ticks bite you or your pets and potentially spread Lyme disease. Fortunately, you may use some aromatic flowers as a natural repellant to keep the animals away.

According to Hannah Rowson, assistant garden manager at J. Parker’s, “ticks are becoming a growing concern in gardens across the country, but certain plants have natural properties that help prevent these pests.”

Rosemary

Not only is rosemary a useful culinary herb. Because the plant naturally contains strong essential oils that deter ticks, it is an effective tick repellent. To spritz throughout the yard, you may make your own DIY spray or plant rosemary shrubs.

Sage

There are several distinct aromatic chemicals found in sage. Its woody branches and grayish leaves deter ticks with their unique aroma. It works well for creating borders in landscaping around patios, walks, decks, and other spaces.

Marigold

Marigolds have vividly colored blossoms that make them very lovely flowers. Ticks and other unpleasant insects are said to be repelled by the flower’s lovely, earthy scent.

Hannah concurs, saying, “Marigolds are colorful, simple-to-grow annuals that deter ticks with their potent scent.” Additionally, they contain pyrethrum, a naturally occurring pesticide.

Mint

Mint is an excellent herb to keep pesky insects like ticks out of your yard. Because ticks find the fragrant qualities of mint disagreeable, it works well to deter them from particular regions.

Garlic

Many pests, including ticks, detest the strong scent of garlic. Tick infestations may be decreased by using garlic as a companion plant or by planting it throughout the garden, according to Hannah.

Lavender

The unique scent of lavender repels ticks and fleas. Because of its unpleasant scent, ticks tend to stay away from areas where it is growing.

In addition to having a wonderful aroma, lavender is a very efficient mosquito and tick repellent, according to Hannah. Because lavender’s essential oils are harmful to ticks, they are an excellent addition to any garden.

Lemongrass

Like mint and lemon balm, lemongrass is very effective in keeping undesirable ticks at bay. Native to Asia, the plant repels ticks from hiding in its grassy leaves with its strong lemony aroma.

Chrysanthemum flowers

Pyrethrins are organic substances found in chrysanthemums that have insecticidal properties. Chrysanthemums are a lovely and useful addition to any garden since their compounds work well to keep ticks away, according to Hannah.

FAQ

Which plant naturally wards off ticks?
Some of the most well-known and efficient plants for keeping ticks away include garlic, sage, mint, lavender, beautyberry, rosemary, and marigolds. These plants work well as borders in landscaping around patios, decks, walks, pet runs, and other locations.

How can I naturally get rid of ticks?
Combine one cup of water and eight drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to your yard’s edges and other places where ticks are present. When the smell begins to diminish, which usually happens after one to two weeks, reapply.

What odor repels ticks?

Ticks will not attach themselves to anything that smells like lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, or rose geranium because they detest such scents. You may use any of them alone or in combination to make your own DIY sprays or massage exposed skin with almond oil.

What is the natural adversary of a tick?

Ants, spiders, and birds are among the many naturally occurring predators of ticks; nevertheless, the majority of these predators are generalists and only seldom prey on ticks. Therefore, there’s a good chance that these generalist predators won’t be able to drastically lower tick numbers.

What instantly kills ticks?

Bleach: Ticks may be instantaneously killed by the potent chemicals found in bleach. Tick the tick off and put it in a little bleach bottle. Alcohol rubs: Alcohol rubs have the permanent effect of killing ticks. After the tick has been extracted, place it in an alcohol-filled cup and secure the top to keep the tick from escaping.

How can I prevent ticks from entering my garden?

“Removing big shrubs, trees, and bushes in your yard lets more sunlight into your yard, which makes it less inviting for ticks, as ticks prefer cool, moist areas.” he continues. A fence that is tall enough to keep deer and other animals that carry ticks out of your property is another option.