Coconut Oil, A Natural Way To Repel Ticks

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Coconut oil has so many amazing uses, and it doesn’t stop at just being an excellent cooking oil. It can also be used as an effective tick repellent due to its strong smell, which is an irritant to ticks and many other parasites. Plus, it’s safe to apply directly to the skin, with no risk of overdose or side effects. Even better, it’s a great moisturizer, so you get to reap the skin-nourishing benefits of coconut oil as well as the bug-repelling power. So, when it comes to keeping your skin safe from pesky bugs, then coconut oil is really a good natural alternative.

Coconut Oil Tick Repellent 

Coconut oil has been popular in the tropics for thousands of years because it is a natural food source that offers many health benefits. The people there use it in its purest form, rubbing their skin with a generous layer of oil not only to keep it hydrated but also to repel mosquitoes. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep skin healthy and flawless.

Best pure Coconut Oil to repel ticks and Insects

One of the many components that make up Coconut oil is Lauric Acid. Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many plants, particularly in the oils of tropical plants like coconut and palm kernel. Plants produce lauric acid as part of their defense mechanisms against sap-sucking insect, bacterial and fungal infections, helping protect the plant from disease.

Lauric acid also repels ticks, fleas, and mosquitos, that’s why coconut oil has such a natural protective effect against insects.

Coconut oil is used as the basis for shampoos, soaps, sun protection products, massage oil, creams, and other skincare products. Pure coconut oil is skin-friendly and has a cooling effect.

To use it as an insect repellent, it can be applied directly to human skin.

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coonut plam, coconut oil for insect repellent

What else repels ticks on humans?

Other natural plant-derived tick repellents for humans are essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint or tea tree oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil.

For a homemade insect and tick repellent, use coconut oil as the base oil and mix it with essential oil. All you need is the ingredients and a bottle with a wide neck with a screw cap. Use this mixture outdoors several times a day to ward off ticks.

Homemade Insect Repellent Recipe Using Coconut Oil

In the tropics, coconut oil is mostly liquid, but at temperatures below 76 ° F it becomes solid, so you must first heat it in a warm water bath. Don’t heat it to over 100 degrees F.

When it is liquid, you can add essential oils and stir them in thoroughly. That’s it, simple as that.  The coconut oil will become solid again, that is why you need the wide-necked jar.

Mix one cup of coconut oil with 10 to 20 drops of essential oil of your preference. The following oils will work very well with coconut oil:

Tea Tree, Geranium, Catnip, Cinnamon, Citronella, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Patchouli.

You can experiment with combinations of different essential oils and find your own dosage. But be careful not to overdose and watch out for skin reactions.

Coconut Oil For Ticks On Dogs Or Cats

When using coconut oil on your dog or cat, take a small amount on the palm of your hand, gently stroke your pet, and rub it on the fur. Very little oil is required; the animal’s fur should not appear wet, but should only have a slight sheen.

Cats may not like it that much and will start grooming right away. But by licking the fur they will distribute it evenly, also absorb the coconut oil so the Laurine can protect them from the inside.

To Sum It Up

Coconut oil has been used for centuries as an effective natural remedy for repelling insects and ticks. Its natural properties make it an ideal choice for those looking for an alternative to chemical-based repellents. Coconut oil is easy to apply, non-toxic and has a pleasant aroma. It also has many beneficial properties that make it an attractive option for those seeking a natural insect and tick repellent.

Safety Warning:

Some people react to essential oils, so if you mix coconut oil with essential oils then in rare cases skin reactions are possible.
Even if cocos nut oil is not an essential oil but a food oil should do a patch test if you have never used it. Nowadays people react funny to all sorts of foods at first contact. Check for allergic reactions before use. make a patch test first. Apply a very small amount to the skin around the elbow to test for a reaction. If a rash occurs, contact your doctor.

Avoid contact with eyes, and keep out of the reach of children. If pregnant, consult with your doctor before use.