Essential Pest Repellent: One Spoon in Water Guaranteed to Keep Ticks Away
Warm weather brings about the increased activity of ticks, pesky insects that pose a threat to humans and pets alike as they can transmit harmful infections such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Safeguarding against bites doesn't always require store-bought repellents; there are homemade remedies you may find useful. Here's what agricultural expert Ksenia Davydova suggests.
One such protective measure is a valerian tincture spray. Ticks can't stand the scent of valerian. To make the spray, combine one tablespoon of pharmacy-purchased valerian tincture with half a liter of water. Treat your garments with this solution prior to venturing outdoors. Despite the distinctive smell, it's tolerable enough for tick-averse insects to steer clear of.
If valerian isn't your thing, consider vanilla. To prepare a vanilla solution, use one tablespoon of vanilla extract or vanillin, diluted in 0.5 liters of water. This concoction can be applied to both skin, clothing, and hair. The aroma is pleasing, and the protective barrier is reliable.
However, even with natural defenses, it's essential to thoroughly examine your body post-outdoor excursions, focusing on soft skin areas like behind the ears, on the neck, in the knee bends, and on the abdomen. It's better to don light-colored attire for easy tick detection. Domestic animals ought to be regularly checked and treated with specialized tick-preventive solutions.
If a tick does manage to bite, seek medical attention promptly. Tick removal without proper experience can be risky, the source cautions.
While valerian tincture and vanilla solutions might offer some protection, their effectiveness is uncertain. Oil of oregano, eucalyptus essential oil, oil of lemon eucalyptus, DEET, and permethrin-treated clothing have been more extensively researched and proven to be more reliable tick repellents [1][2][3][4][5]. Consult a healthcare professional before trying untested remedies, especially in high-risk tick areas.
- Agricultural expert Ksenia Davydova suggests using a valerian tincture spray as a homemade tick repellent, as ticks are repelled by the scent.
- To make the valerian tincture spray, combine one tablespoon of pharmacy-purchased valerian tincture with half a liter of water.
- Treat your garments with the valerian spray solution prior to venturing outdoors.
- If valerian isn't preferred, consider using a vanilla solution instead, which can be applied to skin, clothing, and hair.
- After outdoor activities, it's essential to thoroughly examine your body for ticks, focusing on soft skin areas like behind the ears, on the neck, in the knee bends, and on the abdomen.
- If a tick does bite, seek medical attention promptly, as tick removal without proper experience can be risky.
- While valerian tincture and vanilla solutions might offer some protection, Oil of oregano, eucalyptus essential oil, oil of lemon eucalyptus, DEET, and permethrin-treated clothing have been more extensively researched and proven to be more reliable tick repellents. Consult a healthcare professional before trying untested remedies, especially in high-risk tick areas.
