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Home » Make it Yourself Naturally » Natural Homemade Tick Repellent Spray – Just spray on your skin or clothes

Natural Homemade Tick Repellent Spray – Just spray on your skin or clothes

Published May 11, 2015 Last Updated August 6, 2019 By Lori Ryman 57 Comments

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Natural Homemade Tick Repellent Spray - Just spray this mixture on your clothes or skin to repel ticks

Just a few weeks ago they found ticks in our state that carry the Powassan virus, which is worse than Lyme disease…..as if I wasn’t already scared enough of ticks because of Lyme disease! Lyme disease was first discovered in the town Lyme, Connecticut. I know many people in my state have been infected by Lyme disease. So, ticks are a big concern here. I try to do everything I can to avoid ticks as much as possible and that includes using this natural homemade tick repellent spray.

I’ve been researching everything about what can repel ticks and is safe to use, without the concern of using toxic chemicals. So, I found a list of essential oils that are most effective in repelling ticks and I combined the top four to make a homemade tick repellent I could easily spray on my clothes to keep ticks away.

Ticks are so scary! It’s easy to opt for buying chemical repellents like permethrin. But, this mixture using potent essential oils can also be effective at keeping them away from you!

In addition to using this homemade tick repellent spray for myself, I use natural methods to repel ticks from my dog too.

Most Dangerous Areas for Ticks:

Many ticks are found in wooded areas, tall grass, shrubs, and even in your lawn. Ticks like to hide in places, that have significant moisture and are out of direct sunlight. Trying to avoid these places can help prevent tick bites. Many also recommend putting cedarwood chips down around all areas in your yard that you want to keep tick free. The cedar helps keep ticks away. Another great way to keep ticks out of your yard, is to have chickens, they eat many every day!

Some people seem to be more susceptible to attracting ticks, just like mosquitoes, and I think I happen to be one of these people. I have family members that go out in the woods and never get a tick, but I just go out in my backyard and find one walking on my clothing. Some hypothesize that it’s due to your scent. If you’re sweating more, emit more ammonia, or breathe more heavily with higher amounts of carbon dioxide, you may attract more ticks. Some people also emit more chemicals than others and this makes them more like a tick magnet than others. Other influencing factors are; your age, sex, certain times during a menstrual cycle, and the amount of bacterial flora on the skin.

How this Homemade Tick Repellent Mixture Repels Ticks

Ticks are attracted to human and animal scents so by masking the scent we naturally give off and using essential oils with strong scents this can deter ticks and is one of the best ways to keep them from coming on to you or your clothing.

The most important ingredients in this homemade tick repellent are the rose geranium oil and cedar wood oil. These two oils are the most effective in repelling ticks.

How to Make a Homemade Tick Repellent Spray for Clothes:

You could also use this repellent to spray on your skin, such as feet and legs, but when I do this, I cut the amounts for the essential oils listed below in half. That way it is less potent and easier on your skin.

What you need:

–Spray bottle
-About a cup of water
-10 drops rose geranium oil
-5 drops cedarwood oil
-2 to 3 drops lavender oil
-2 to 3 drops lemongrass oil

*The most important ingredients to repel the ticks are rose geranium and cedarwood, so if you don’t have lavender or lemongrass, you can skip those oils.

Directions:

1. Fill your spray bottle with water. If you have a smaller spray bottle, like a travel size, just cut the amounts in half.
2. Add the essential oils, put the top on the bottle and shake. It’s ready to use.
To Apply It: Just shake the bottle before each use and spray it on your clothes and shoes. The scent will keep ticks away.
**Spray the homemade tick repellent on your clothes each time you go out in any areas that may have ticks.

Do you have to worry about ticks where you live?

Make Your Own Natural Tick Repellent

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Filed Under: Make it Yourself Naturally Tagged With: natural tick repellent

About Lori Ryman

Lori Ryman, BS, MS, has been dedicated to researching natural alternatives for the past 15 years. Lori has a background in research methods, health, and nutrition. She started with an Interest in natural alternatives to improve her own health and she continues to share natural DIY projects, recipes and natural alternatives with millions of viewers on treasuredtips.com.

Lori’s research for posts is based on peer reviewed evidenced-based research. Lori is a published author in a peer reviewed research journal. Her work has been covered by MSN, The Huffington Post, wikiHow, The New York Times, and many more.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ann de Fleurie

    August 7, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    Hi I live in North devon,UK and this year I’ve found 2 ticks on myself but A and E said 30 people were bitten last year but none got Limes. My poor flatcoat retriever, tho, is always getting them and so is this recipe safe if he licks his fur?

    Reply
    • Lori

      November 8, 2018 at 10:56 pm

      I spray this mixture on my dog every day most of the year because our ticks are so bad around here. He licks himself once in awhile and we’ve never had a problem.

      Reply
  2. Oscar

    June 7, 2018 at 9:50 am

    I live in upstate NY had a few ticks on me. My doctor said not to worry if they haven’t been on you for 48 hours. To remove ticks on skin buy the little L shaped fork devise from drug store and twist while pulling it out to get entire tick. I had a tick on me last year and developed a slight constant headache,memory loss , stuttering,and inverting words in a sentence. I showed negative for Lyme disease but Dr. Gave me antibiotics and in 3 days symptoms went away

    Reply
    • Lori

      June 7, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      Glad to hear your symptoms went away! Anytime a tick is on me at all, even for just hours, I take the tick tested.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        July 15, 2018 at 6:30 pm

        there is a new tick disease which cause the symptoms that you mentioned. It is called babesiosis and attacks the red blood cells.
        i was hospitalized with it for 8 days. It was not easy to deal with.

        Reply
        • Lori

          July 31, 2018 at 2:04 pm

          All the diseases they carry are so scary! Hope you are all better now!

          Reply
  3. Rita

    April 5, 2018 at 7:42 am

    awesome! I make my own as well, but never thought to use acv! I use lemongrass, peppermint, citronella, witch hazel and water. Have fun!

    Reply
  4. Mary

    September 4, 2017 at 9:25 am

    Need receipe to spray on my shih tzu mickie. 21 pounds, 12 yrs old

    Reply
    • Lori

      September 13, 2017 at 7:30 pm

      I’ve been using it on my lhasa apso

      Reply
  5. Rob

    May 31, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Why is water bad with these oils?

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      June 5, 2017 at 10:10 am

      Rob, oil and water don’t mix. You can add witch hazel along with the oils and water. It will help blend it. I’ve also heard vinegar or vodka work too.

      Reply
  6. Amy

    April 26, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    Can I use this spray on my kids. They are ages 9,7,5,2, 2 months?

    Reply
    • Lori

      May 10, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      We mostly spray it on clothing and shoes 🙂

      Reply
  7. Dhanisha

    February 13, 2017 at 1:28 pm

    Can I use a regular geranium oil instead of rise germanium, it’s not Available here ? Would that work ?

    Reply
    • Lori

      February 18, 2017 at 11:08 pm

      Yes.

      Reply
      • Mary

        June 8, 2019 at 6:18 am

        What do you think about tick repellant belts for dogs? Is there anything like that?

        Reply
        • Lori Ryman

          July 9, 2019 at 12:19 pm

          I’ve never heard of a tick repellent belt. Is that new? Is it natural? I’ll look it up now 🙂

          Reply
  8. Holly

    July 2, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    For tick control in your yard, and many other critters: https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/natural-tick-control-yard/

    Reply
  9. Dale howell

    May 27, 2016 at 6:48 am

    Do you have a recipe that can be put on your lawn….& safe for pets, as they do sniff the grass & children/adults walk on grass barefoot….thanks

    Reply
    • Lori

      June 5, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      I wish I did! I wonder if someone has one.

      Reply
    • MichaelOlivia

      April 2, 2017 at 8:01 pm

      Diatomaceous earth spread all over lawn is supposed to help.

      Reply
      • Myrna

        June 23, 2017 at 4:25 pm

        Yes, DE DOES work and is safe for pets. Hope this helps!

        Reply
  10. Mervyn

    May 26, 2016 at 6:54 am

    I cringe when I think about Lori getting bit by a tick. Me n a buddy just had about 5 ticks on us walking from the truck to the house. I had 93 ticks on me from an hour walk last year. They are nasty! I’m going to try Lynnette’s recipe and the baking soda and see how much sanity I retain over a month.

    Reply
    • Lori

      June 5, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      Oh my gosh, 93 ticks?!! Hope the recipe works for you!

      Reply
  11. Kimberly

    May 5, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    Hi… is this ok to spray on a dog directly? How much should I cut back? What brand of oils do you use? Or does it not matter?? Would it be safe to spray on the kids clothes as well?? I’m assuming it’s safe while pregnant too? Also, can you spray it on the couch and stuff as well? Sorry so many questions!!
    Thanks in advance to your response!!

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      May 5, 2016 at 10:21 pm

      Hello Kimberley
      I actually live in Australia and use this spray all the time. It’s brilliant!
      My state doesn’t have ticks so that’s a bonus. Firstly, this shouldn’t be sprayed on cats as the rise geranium I have read can be toxic. Kids’ clothes all good but don’t get near their faces. Pregnancy I would google oils safe during as I know you can’t use lavender in a certain trimester so just be sure. Watch oils if you have leather couch but any cloth near edges is fine. Curtains also. My dad thinks he has fleas all the time and has had his house fumigated three times with that toxic stuff. Made him up the spray and he wants me to make more. Think it’s in his head about fleas though coz he’s got old skin and it just needs moisturising lol.
      All the best and I hope it’s been of help.
      Di

      Reply
    • Lori

      May 16, 2016 at 4:43 pm

      I spray it on my dog, I just cut the amounts for the essential oils in half since it may get on their skin as well as their hair. We spray it on our kids clothes. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  12. Kelley

    April 4, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    Do you recommend using purified water?

    Reply
    • Lori

      April 19, 2016 at 10:08 pm

      If you have it, that would be great. Otherwise, you can use tap water.

      Reply
  13. Kara

    June 21, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    Hi! Love the recipe, thanks. 🙂 I’m new to oils, and I was Just wondering if you knew how long it’s good for once the oils are mixed. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lori

      June 26, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Since there’s water mixed in it. I probably wouldn’t keep it over a week unless you refrigerate it.

      Reply
  14. JJ

    June 9, 2015 at 2:27 am

    this great information as well, love your blog!

    Reply
  15. ellen

    June 1, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    can you post or send my your resources – where you found your information. Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Jessica

    May 26, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    Is this safe to use during pregnancy?

    Reply
    • Lori

      May 28, 2015 at 5:25 pm

      I would think so because I just apply it to clothing. I would check with your doctor to be sure though 🙂

      Reply
  17. j

    May 26, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    This won’t work for me nor anyone else who is also allergic to scents….. 🙁

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      April 7, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Scents do not equal esential oils.

      Reply
  18. Lynette

    May 26, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    Please notify me of follow up TU

    Reply
  19. Lynette

    May 26, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    Thank you for this recipe! I have been using citronella, cedar, lemongrass and eucalyptus for mosquitos. I will add rose geranium. My recipe is 1/2 Cup witchazel 1/2 cup water and 9 drops of each oil. It works like magic here in Florida.

    Reply
    • Lori

      May 28, 2015 at 5:24 pm

      Thanks for sharing your recipe! Glad to hear it works 🙂 I always get bite up like crazy by mosquitoes in the summer so I’ll have to try it.

      Reply
    • Ron

      May 18, 2016 at 2:39 pm

      I use vinegar instead of water. I have had great success for ticks and mosquitoes.

      Reply
      • Pat

        June 6, 2016 at 10:14 am

        Can you use this in the house. will it help in the house

        Reply
    • Angie

      April 19, 2017 at 4:33 pm

      What is your complete receipe for the tick/mosquito spray please?

      Reply
  20. Di

    May 12, 2015 at 5:48 am

    Hi Lori
    I absolutely love your website. Just saw the article on homemade tick spray. I live in Melbourne, Australia and thankfully, ticks don’t seem to be in our state.
    I would like to know though, if it’s good for ticks then it must be good for fleas so can I spray my dogs with it. I have all these oils
    Look forward to your reply
    Blessings
    Di

    Reply
    • Lucy

      May 16, 2015 at 1:45 am

      Use (preferably Arm & Hammer) baking soda to get rid of fleas. The components in baking soda block the airways on hard-shelled insects, which breathe through their skin. Baking soda suffocates ticks and other hard shelled insects in a short time. Safe around pets and children, too.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        March 13, 2018 at 3:05 am

        How do I use the baking soda we been having a tick problem for the past 2 years they come out when it rains around this time of year I hate it

        Reply
      • Anonymous

        April 18, 2018 at 4:11 pm

        For ticks?? Or fleas??

        Reply
    • Lori

      May 23, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      So glad you enjoy the site! You’re so lucky you don’t have ticks in you state! It should work great for repelling fleas too. To apply it to your pet, I think I would cut down the amounts maybe by half since it may touch their skin directly.

      Reply
    • Robin

      April 18, 2017 at 7:26 am

      Water and oil never mix. Must use a carrier oil when using any pure essential oils. Make sure you are not use cheep scythe ones.

      Reply
  21. deborah weaver

    May 11, 2015 at 11:19 pm

    I use rose geranium on my dogs and cat, but my cat HATES it. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Lori

      May 23, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      I’m not sure if rose geranium should be used on cats. I’ve found some that recommend it and some that say it’s harmful for cats…still trying to find more information on it.

      Reply
      • Laura

        May 31, 2019 at 12:10 pm

        What’s dog safe? I got rose geranium and then realized not pet safe.

        Reply
        • Lori Ryman

          July 7, 2019 at 3:19 pm

          Cedarwood oil is great for repelling ticks for dogs.

          Reply
    • Anonymous

      April 18, 2017 at 7:21 am

      You shoul never use oils on pets. They can be harmful to them. Hydrosoal in peppermint is good but does not last gor long.

      Reply
    • Robin

      April 18, 2017 at 7:23 am

      Never use oils om pets. They can be harmful to them
      Try a hydrosoal om them like peppermint . But even then it will not last long.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      May 10, 2017 at 2:57 am

      Get rid of the cat

      Reply
    • Mary . Tujaka

      April 10, 2018 at 11:50 am

      Cedarwood and Lemongrass is smaller quantities are supposed to be cat safe.

      Reply

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I'm Lori. I love living a natural lifestyle, DIY projects, and trying out new healthy recipes. Read More…

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