Speaking again about ticks, we can go around talking about how bad these parasites are, how they would catch you by surprise, and how they hide without you even noticing. But the thing is, we already know they are bad to pets and human beings, especially because they cause some illnesses. Instead, let’s talk about how can you defend yourself from ticks by using plants that deter ticks.
Yes, you read that right. Some think plants are the first place they appear and they would be mostly right. However, some plants that deter ticks from even getting close to you and your pets. Plus, most of them smell so nice, which is so strange.
Let’s find out what are those plants that can help you fight back these annoying parasites and to see if they work similarly to those used to repel other kinds of bugs around your home.
Can lavender work against ticks?
Let’s start this article with good old lavender. The purple flowering plant that smells oh so nice. You would not think that this fairly innocuous plant could be so helpful against bugs like ants and, in this case, ticks. Can lavender work against ticks?
The answer to that question is a simple yes. Lavender is one of those plants that deter ticks from ever appearing at your home, and it is the nice aroma that is responsible for the ticks’ response.
You should understand that, like most animals that are blind, ticks have their other senses enhanced, especially the smell. This allows them to recognize when an individual has crossed into their territory, and they would prepare themselves to attack it.
They are not jumpers, or even flying bugs, but they are opportunistic like most parasites are. When they chose prey, they would go to a higher height that matches that of the selected victim. This may tell you their sight is not that bad, but it is the other senses that would tell them how humid and warm the victim is, and make assumptions so to speak.
However, when they encounter an aromatic plant like lavender, they could get their senses mixed and not receive the information they are looking for. Having the right info is crucial for survival because wasting energy they do not have can drive them to death in a short time.
Can mint deter ticks?
We already talk about mint as a plant that stops ants from entering your home, but did you know it can do the same for ticks and other bugs? So, can mint deter ticks?
Hold your horses! Mint is good at stopping some other bugs, but it is the pennyroyal mint the one plant that deters ticks from appearing and making a mess of you and your pets.
Pennyroyal mint is called many ways, most of them referring to what they can combat. Some people call it “mosquito plant” because it repels mosquitoes (duh!), some call it pudding grass, but the fact of the matter is, they are well-known to be an acaricidal, the kind of thing that kills acari, which the mites and the ticks are.
There is, however, a very big catch. Pennyroyal is toxic for human consumption, even though in the past many people drink teas flavored by the leaves of this kind of mint. In that case, the leaves have a small concentration of the toxic pulegone.
But when it comes to the pennyroyal mint oil, it is extremely dangerous. So, while you may want to use it to kill those dang ticks, you will be probably greeted by restrictions in your country about this plant. Research about it and, if it is available, do not drink it!
Can garlic be used against ticks?
Speaking of smells, let’s talk about a very strong one even for humans. Garlic has been known as a nice addition to many tasteful dishes, as well as its uses for medicine. But what about ticks, can garlic be used against ticks?
Yes, garlic is one of those plants that deter ticks. And it is because of its strong smell that disrupts the tick’s senses.
The way you can achieve this could be by planting many in your garden, to make a natural barrier for ticks and other bugs to your house. That’s good for you, your beloved ones, and your pets. It is also good for the planet, which is a win-win situation so far.
The other way is by just crushing them. Many parasites have been treated over the years with garlic and this plant’s bulbs had their uses against them. Well, for the parasites crawling outside of a body, it is as effective. This includes ticks and even mites.
This is by far the best and cheaper way to fight back at the ticks. It is readily available in most houses, it is easy to find and cheap to buy, and this is just one of their many uses, including medicine for their antiseptic properties, and cooking as a seasoning flavor.
Conclusion
When it comes to plants that deter ticks, you should that there are so many around us, and many of them are already at home. So, you can stop reading and test them out right away by just opening your refrigerator.
Some others like lavender, chrysanthemum, and pennyroyal mint can be found at your local nursery. Most of them can also be so cheap to buy and cheaper to maintain. This can be a nice project for plants that you can grow indoors, and receive some color and scents as a bonus.
You could also think of these kinds of plants as a nice contribution to the planet. That means you could always find these examples and many more, and use them for things like these. That way you’re avoiding using chemicals that can pollute the soil and do some harm to the plants and animals. Like said before, it is a win-win opportunity that you can take advantage of.
