Summer time is also tick time. The little bloodsuckers lurk in fields, forests and meadows for prey. This includes not only humans, but also dogs, cats and other animals. A tick bite can cause serious health problems. In addition to chemical agents, natural alternatives are increasingly being used to protect against the bloodsuckers. Coconut oil deters ticks and is also used for care. Below is some information on the application and mode of action of this natural product.
tick alert
Especially in the months from March to October, the blood-sucking arachnids are up to mischief and make life difficult for humans and animals. They lie in wait for their prey near the ground, in bushes and undergrowth or in tall grass. A tick bite should never be dismissed simply because these parasites can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
In order to avoid the bites of the bloodsuckers, it is important to protect yourself and your four-legged friends properly before every trip into the woods and fields. It is not always necessary to resort to chemical agents. Under certain circumstances, these can be intolerable for humans and animals and side effects such as
- itching
- inflammatory skin changes
- Stomach and intestinal problems
In addition, ticks become resistant to such agents over time with regular use. Good alternatives to the "chemical club" can be the use of natural agents. Coconut oil has proven itself as a tick deterrent. This not only smells pleasant, but also cares and of course helps with tick bites.
Coconut oil against ticks
Coconut oil is also known as coconut fat or coconut butter. It is mainly used in the kitchen for baking, roasting and frying and for skin and hair care. But it can do even more, is a healthy source of energy and is also used to treat irritated skin and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
We won the natural oil from the white pulp (copra) of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.). It contains up to 90 percent saturated fat, of which
- up to 10 percent caprylic acid - a natural insecticide for dissolving the chitinous armor of insects
- 10 percent capric acid - works against fungal, viral and bacterial infestation
- up to 60 percent lauric acid with an antimicrobial effect - kills bacteria, viruses and fungi
Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid that ticks don't like at all. Experiments show that even the use of a ten percent lauric acid solution left 81 to 100 percent of the ticks on the surface treated with it.
The scent and ingredients of coconut oil have a deterrent effect on ticks. Treated parts of the body are avoided by them. If a small bloodsucker has already bitten itself, they fall off again after a short time after treatment with the oil.
The effect of chemical insect sprays is based in principle on the active ingredients icaridin and DEET, as well as on certain fatty acids such as lauric acid. Since this is also contained in large quantities in coconut oil, it is a good home remedy for tick repellent and thus for preventive protection against tick bites. The remedy is free of any side effects, so it can also be used for babies, toddlers, young animals and puppies.
tip: Coconut oil also helps against fleas, lice, mites and is a natural dewormer for dogs and cats.
application in humans
Coconut oil is excellent for preventing tick bites in humans. it also helps with bites that have already taken place. Before each foray into nature, the parts of the skin to be protected from ticks should be rubbed with a portion of coconut oil. The amount depends on the body areas to be treated. Normally the agent can be applied over a large area. At the same time, the skin is cared for and protected from the sun.
The coconut oil melts at temperatures above 23 °C. It should therefore be rubbed between the hands until it becomes liquid. The oil can then be spread over the skin like a body lotion.
Since ticks always prefer warm and moist areas of skin, the following parts of the body should always be particularly well protected:
- ankle
- lower leg
- behind the knees
- hands
- wrists
- poor
- armpits
- neck
- ears
- head, but also
- shoes and socks
In the head area of small children, the ears, neck and hairline are particularly at risk. However, not only the repellent should be relied on, but after each stay in the open air it is necessary to check the body for ticks. Normally, coconut oil offers protection against ticks for up to six hours. It is therefore advisable to apply the oil several times a day.
notice: Coconut oil has a slight UV protection with a sun protection factor of 4. However, it is not a substitute for sunscreen in strong sun.
Protection for dogs and cats
Dogs and cats are also very susceptible to tick bites. This can cause dogs to contract babesiosis (canine malaria) and Lyme disease. The trade has various spot-on preparations, i.e. anti-tick agents with chemical active ingredients, ready. However, these are not good for all animals. Native coconut oil is better suited as a repellent against ticks. it can easily be rubbed into the fur to form a protective coat that keeps ticks away. Many four-legged friends love the smell of the oil and, by the way, it is not dangerous if the fur is licked.
Depending on the size of the animal, a piece of coconut fat the size of a pea or a walnut is sufficient. This is heated between the palms of the hands and then rubbed into the fur. Need special protection next to it
- ears
- head
- neck
- stomach
- neck
- legs
- inner legs
But be careful when rubbing in that nothing gets into your eyes. Initially, the coat can be a bit greasy. However, after a few hours, nothing is visible anymore. It can sometimes be a problem for cats. These are not so easy to smear something into the fur. Due to their constant need to clean, they can lick the oil out of their fur. They should therefore be distracted with games, cuddling or treats until they move in. It should be used on four-legged friends several times until complete protection against ticks has developed.
- once a day for two to three weeks
- after that twice a week and finally
- then once every four to six weeks
However, after every walk, the body must be checked for the presence of ticks.
Coconut oil as a tick bite treatment
After a tick has been bitten, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. The pathogens need between two and twelve hours to get into the bloodstream. The bloodsucker must be removed completely with its piercing tool. A special tick tweezer should always be used for this. The procedure is then as follows:
- Do not squeeze the tick
- otherwise bacteria will get into the wound
- Grab the animal with the tick tweezers just above the skin
- Pull out the tick by turning it gently and slowly
- do not tear or straighten
- The head can tear off and remain in the wound
- then apply the oil to the wound
- this kills all pathogens
If the puncture site is red, swollen, hot and painful, a doctor or veterinarian should be consulted.
tip: Only virgin cold-pressed coconut oil with a certified organic seal against ticks should be used. Products from “Dr. George" and "Rapunzel". Discounter goods can contain harmful substances such as mineral oil and plasticizers.