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Coconut oil has hundreds of uses among them is the use of coconut oil for insect repellent. It can be used as a natural way to repel ticks as the scent of coconut oil irritates the senses of bugs and ticks making it more difficult for these nasty pests to locate their next victim. The good thing about coconut oil is that it can be applied directly to the skin. When using pure, natural coconut oil, there is no risk of overdose and side effects are not known. The oil is a good moisturizer so it delivers added benefits in addition to repelling bugs.
Coconut Oil Tick Repellent
Coconut oil is used throughout the tropics, indigenous people apply it generously in its pure form to moisturize their skin and to ward off mosquitos.
Best pure Coconut Oil for insect repellent to repel ticks
One of the many components that make up Coconut oil is Lauric Acid a kind of saturated fat. Plants produce Lauric acid to fend of Aphids and other sap-sucking insects. Lauric acid also repels ticks, fleas, and mosquitos, thus giving coconut oil insects its repelling properties.
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 the human skin.
When used on your pet dog or cat, take a small quantity in the palm of your hand and gently pet and stroke your pet. You only need a very little amount of oil; the fur of the animal should not seem wet or drip but only shine. A cat will further spread it while it’s fur.
What else repels ticks on humans?
Coconut oil is a purely natural insect repellent. The lauric acid, which acts as a deterrent to insects, is produced by the palm tree in order to protect itself, among other things, from plant pests.
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.
Recipe for homemade tick repellent
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 in thoroughly. That’s it, simple as that. The coconut oil will become solid again, that why you need the wide-necked jar.
Mix one cup of coconut oil with 10 to 20 drops of essential oil of your preference to it. The following oils will work very well with coconut oil:
Tea Tree, Geranium, Catnip, Cinnamon, Citronella, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Patchouli.
You might experiment with combinations of different essential oils and find your own dosage, don’t overdose, and check for skin reactions.
Safety Warning:
Some people react to essential oils. Check for allergic reactions before use. Apply a minimal amount to the skin inside your elbow area to test for any reaction. If a rash occurs, consult your healthcare professional.
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, keep them out of the reach of children. If pregnant, consult with your doctor before use.
