Homemade Tick Repellent Spray
Mix up this easy homemade tick repellent using all natural ingredients.
I used to think it almost humorous when friends would move into our area in the Midwest, and immediately panic once they encountered a tick.
Growing up here, I really never thought much about them. Ticks have always been in our ecosphere.
As a kid, you knew to check your clothes, yourself and always shower after being outside during “tick season”.
We never used any kind of tick spray in the past, but I do understand the worry about tick-borne diseases these days. It’s something I’ve had to realize is just more prevalent and can even be life-altering.
Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and now Alpha-gal are no laughing matter. I’ve had multiple friends and relatives who have had to face the consequences after what seemed like just another pesky tick bite.
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Why natural remedies for ticks?
The worry about the chemicals used in commercial tick sprays is also no laughing matter.
I mostly crossed my fingers for a long time when it came to preventing tick bites, to be honest. All because I didn’t want to douse myself or my kids in Deet.
And really: we have to remember that we can’t prevent every exposure or tick bite, even with chemical sprays.
My philosophy has always been to use caution and carry on. Don’t let the fear of ticks keep you indoors!
Today, there are thankfully many more natural pest repellents you can find, some that are more wallet-friendly than others. When you make them yourself, you can know exactly what’s in the recipe, and you’ll typically save money in the process.
I have made our own bug spray for several years now using different essential oils, but this year I knew I wanted to try a repellent specifically for ticks.
NOTE: This homemade tick spray is not meant to kill ticks or protect you from any and all tick bites. It’s meant as a deterrent, not a cure-all! Use this (and any natural remedy) at your own risk.
Ingredients for homemade tick repellent
There is a long list of essential oils that are well documented for repelling ticks, including:
- Lemon Eucalyptus oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Thyme oil
- Geranium oil
- Citronella oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Peppermint oil
- Tea Tree oil
- Clove oil
So when it comes to making your own tick repellent, you really can customize it multiple ways, based on what oils you might already have or are comfortable using.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another ingredient that has gained popularity as a tick (and general insect) repellent is apple cider vinegar.
Some people add it to the water bowls of their pets or chickens to help keep away fleas, and the same principle is being used in our tick spray.
Bonus: You might find this spray helps deter other bugs as well.
Instead of using a carrier oil and applying this directly on the skin, we’re using this mainly to spray on our clothes and shoes.
The essential oils are still diluted by the apple cider vinegar, but instead of clogging our spray bottle with a carrier oil, we’re going to take advantage of ACV’s potent properties to add some oomph to our DIY spray.
Vinegar is also a preservative, which is perfect for keeping our spray more shelf-stable over time.
Just make sure you SHAKE your bottle often before using it, as it is not an emulsifier and the oils will float on top otherwise.
Use & Caution with Kids
Simply mix the ingredients for your homemade tick spray below, shake well and spray frequently when outdoors. I would recommend spraying your clothes and shoes at least every hour.
For young children, you might want to do a test patch first for BOTH the essential oils you’re using and the apple cider vinegar.
I would also use half the recommended drops of oil for each 2-oz bottle and label that as your designated kids’ version.
Homemade Tick Repellent Spray
This recipe uses essential oils commonly known to repel ticks, along with the potency of apple cider vinegar.*
Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar (enough to fill the bottle: slightly less than 4 Tablespoons)
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 8 drops citronella essential oil
- 6 drops lemongrass essential oil
Instructions
- Add the essential oils to the apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup.
- Then pour the mixture into the spray bottle, using a small funnel.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray on shoes, socks, clothing, backpacks, and lightly on exposed skin while avoiding the eyes and mouth.
- FOR CHILDREN: Use with caution and consider doing a test patch before using any essential oils. Consider only using on clothing, hats, socks, shoes instead of skin.
Notes
*Please use caution and common sense with any natural remedy. This recipe, like any natural spray, is not meant to be repel any and all ticks or prevent every tick bite.
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