Ticks in the garden are a nuisance for humans and animals. In addition, the arachnids pose a health risk because they can transmit diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis, also known by the abbreviation TBE, or Lyme disease. Because of this, many people are looking for a way to drive away the pesky beasts. The use of lavender or lavender oil is said to help against ticks, but the question arises whether this home remedy really helps.
Lavender against ticks
Lavender can help against ticks. The reason for this is the essential oils contained, whose intense smell the arachnids do not like and then run away. You can therefore keep the animals at bay by keeping lavender species. Real lavender (bot. Lavandula angustifolia) is particularly effective. Due to its distinctive scent, it creates a scent barrier that the animals do not like to cross. However, you must be aware that Lavandula is not a silver bullet against the arachnids. There may still be a risk that the bloodsuckers will hide in your weeds and bite at the first opportunity. Nevertheless, the essential oils can be a good precaution due to the ingredients they contain. These at a glance:
- linalyl acetate
- 1,8-cineole
- camphor
- linalool
All of these substances are fragrances that have different structures and together create the classic lavender smell. The ester linalyl acetate makes up 30 to 60 percent of the lavender, which has a sweet freshness and is immediately reminiscent of mints (bot. Lamiaceae). The other substances result in a highly potent mix that can help prevent ticks from settling in your own green oasis. As an alternative to Lavandula angustifolia, you can also use the Great Speik (bot. Lavandula latifolia), which smells just as intense.
Plants against ticks
As mentioned above, the intensity of the essential oil constituents in lavender is an effective defense against colonization by woodbuck and other species. You can increase this effect even further by planting other herbs or plants that provide a natural barrier against the bloodsuckers. Not only Lavandula species are effective against Ixodida. Take a look at the list below and you'll see that many of your favorite herbs are ideal for mite control:
- Catnip (bot. Nepeta cataria)
- Thyme (bot. Thymus vulgaris)
- Marjoram (bot. Origanum majorana)
- Peppermint (bot. Mentha piperita)
- Oregano (bot. Origanum vulgare)
- Basil (bot. Ocimum basilicum)
- Tansy (bot. Tanacetum vulgare)
- Dalmatian insect flower (bot. Tanacetum cinerariifolium)
Especially the combination of herbs is worth mentioning here. For example, plant a mixture of Mediterranean plants around your property and use the variety as protection against ticks. At the same time, you can enjoy a variety of different plants that you can use in the kitchen or elsewhere. You will achieve the greatest effect if you place a large number of the plants around the garden and thus shield it from nearby woods, parks, meadows or other gardens in which the animals could cavort. You should consider sitting on the plants, especially in the vicinity of damp places, as the arachnids cannot withstand drought. The more strategically lavender and other herbs are placed, the better.
tip: You can even put the herbs in pots in the garden if you have no way of putting them in the bed. Since the essential oils spread over a fairly wide area, the arachnids stay away.
Lavender oil against ticks
In addition to using lavender as a plant, the question often arises as to whether it is effective to use lavender oil as a protection against bloodsuckers. Since lavender oils are a highly concentrated form of the essential oils contained in the plant, this question can confidently be answered with a yes. This is used in several ways:
- straight to the skin
- on garments
- in sunscreen and skin creams
- in fragrance lamps
It is important here that the oil is applied according to the type of use. A few drops of lavender oil are either added directly to the sun or skin cream and can then be applied over a large area. Individual parts of clothing or entire items of clothing can also be sprinkled with the oil to make it more difficult for the ticks to find a suitable place to suck blood. This step is particularly recommended for socks and pants, although you could damage delicate fabrics due to the strength of the oil. If you decide to use an aroma lamp, simply place it in the desired spot in the garden. However, it is not always ideal to rely on the use of lavender oil, as not everyone tolerates it. The effect is different in humans and animals:
1. people
People tolerate the oil very well, but care must be taken not to apply too large a quantity to bare skin. This can lead to irritation, which can be particularly uncomfortable for small children. Application over cream is much more suitable here.
2. Dogs
The oil can also help with dogs if you soak a cloth in the oil and attach it somewhere on the dog, for example on the collar. If your dog doesn't like the oil, it's better not to use it.
3. Cats
Be careful not to let your cats come into contact with the oil. The parts of the plant themselves are not toxic to the house tiger, but the oil can lead to problems with the metabolism, since the animal's liver cannot process toxins as effectively. Even if only small amounts of the oil are inhaled, these symptoms of poisoning can occur. Therefore, it is better to rely on the planting. This also applies to small animals.
4: horses
Horses have absolutely no problem with the oil and it is even recommended as an insect and tick repellent. Horses can either inhale the oil or have it massaged all over their body. It helps with the mounts.
So be careful how you use the oil. This way you can protect yourself from the nuisances for a while without making you, your children or pets feel bad. Remember that you always have to reapply the oil or pour it into the fragrance lamp. In contrast to the plants, the effect of the oil does not last permanently.
Lavender in the garden
notice: The use of high-quality lavender oil, the quality of which is not inferior, is particularly gentle on people and animals. These do not irritate as intensely and are therefore safer to apply to the skin than those of poor quality.