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Synthetic bug repellents contain substances that are highly effective in repelling ticks and other insects. But effective as they are, they can, in rare cases, cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in some users. An alternative are natural tick repellents. While they may not be free of unwanted side effects, the risk may be lower. But if you’re leaning toward natural options, knowing the limitations is crucial.
Natural Tick Repellent
While natural repellents are gaining popularity, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye. Many plant-based solutions are marketed as safe and “chemical-free,” but most lack strong scientific backing to prove they actually repel ticks effectively.
Essential oils like lavender, citronella, or tea tree might smell nice, but that doesn’t mean they offer reliable protection. Even well-known options like Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) are often confused with less effective homemade versions.
Scientific studies on natural tick repellents for humans are rare. However, the effectiveness of coconut oil, garlic oil, black cumin oil, brewer’s yeast, and other essential oils as tick repellents is well discussed, and many people swear by their effectiveness.
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Last update on 2025-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Essential Oils Against Ticks
Organic tick repellents are made using a carrier liquid, mixed with one or more essential oils that keep ticks away. A list of essential oils commonly used includes lavender, lemon, citronella, eucalyptus, cedarwood, sweet orange, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, juniper, grapefruit, myrrh, rosewood, and geranium.
How do Essential oils work as a natural tick repellent?
The smell of essential oils supposedly irritates the senses of the tick, or for that matter, that of many insects, making it more difficult to find its host. Some essential oils also have a damaging effect on the chitinous exoskeleton of insects.
Many essential oils are too strong in their pure form and can cause skin irritation and unpleasant reactions. So it is important to use essential oils diluted.
Coconut oil against ticks
People all around the tropics traditionally use coconut oil as a natural repellent against blood-sucking insects such as mosquitos and sandflies. Coconut oil contains Lauric Acid. Many plants produce Lauric Acid to deter sap-sucking pests.
Coconut oil can be used in its pure form and be directly rubbed onto the skin. Besides repelling pests it also a good skin moisturizer.
Garlic, the smell that ticks don’t like
Ticks do not like garlic. A scientific study at Lund University Malmö with 100 soldiers showed that regular consumption of garlic capsules significantly reduced the number of tick bites.
Garlic is native to Central Asia and has been used there traditionally for its health benefits. The strong smell of the plant works as a natural deterrent against plant-eating insects.
Eating fresh garlic on a regular basis may reduce the risk of a tick bite and bites from other insects.
Nigella Sativa – Black Seed Oil
Black cumin (Black Seed) does not belong to the family of caraway or cumin but belongs to the family of the buttercup. Black seed, whose botanical name is “Nigella Sativa”, is cultivated in Central Asia, India, North Africa, and Southern Europe. It has traditionally been used as a cure for allergies, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, heart diseases and considered to strengthen the immune system.
Black Seed Oil contains small concentrations of citronellol, an effective insect repellent, that is also a component in Lemongrass oil.
Citronella Oil
Citronella oil, derived from Lemongrass species, is widely used in natural tick repellent due to its strong, lemony scent. Lemongrass grows all around the tropics and has traditionally been used as a medicine and spice plant.
While it has proven effectiveness against mosquitoes, its ability to repel ticks is far less certain. Some small-scale studies and anecdotal reports suggest citronella may have mild repellent properties against ticks, but there is limited scientific evidence to support its reliability for this purpose.
Citronella oil evaporates quickly, reducing its duration of protection, often requiring frequent reapplication. It may offer some short-term deterrence in low-risk areas but should not be relied upon as a sole method of tick prevention. For those preferring natural options, citronella can be part of a broader strategy, but it’s best used alongside proven measures like protective clothing and regular tick checks.
Citronella is a natural and harmless oil if it is not used excessively.
Does Natural Tick Repellent Work?
Plant-based tick repellents can help against ticks, but their effectiveness may vary among different users. As not much scientific data exists on their benefits and how they should be applied, you have no choice but to try out which tick repellent is right for you and which one works best.
