Tiny Invaders: A Natural Approach to Ticks and Tick Bites

Lately, it feels like every time I step outside, I’m thinking about ticks, feeling a phantom tick, or removing an actual tick from myself.   Living in Florida, I’m pretty used to bugs,  but this year, ticks seem to be making an extra big appearance. In fact, I’ve lived at my current home for over 10 years, and in that time we have seen maybe 3 ticks, until this past month or so, where between the 4 of us here in my home, we have had 5 ticks on us! What is the deal? These tiny little arachnids are on the move. I love nature, I do, but some bugs I’ve yet to embrace. I mean, I love them when they are doing their thing in the wild, but when they crawl on me… that's a different story!  I’m hearing from others that ticks seem to be busy near their homes all across the country this year. 

Most ticks are just annoying little hitchhikers, but some can carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease, so it’s wise to be proactive.  Thankfully, we don’t have to reach for harsh chemicals first. So, before you douse yourself in Deep Woods Off, let’s explore some of the things nature has gifted us with to protect ourselves naturally,  and even handle tick bites in a holistic, gentle way.

Natural Ways to Repel Ticks

 Essential Oils that Ticks Can't Stand Some essential oils have been found to naturally deter ticks:

• Geranium oil- extremely effective against several types of ticks.

• Cedarwood oil - disrupts a tick’s breathing and repels them.

• Lemon Eucalyptus oil - a favorite natural bug repellent.

• Lavender oil - calming and lightly repellent.

Simple DIY Spray: In a small spray bottle, combine:

• 20–30 drops of essential oil

• 2 oz distilled water

• 1 oz witch hazel (or vodka to help disperse the oils)

• Or you can order some Soap & Salve Company- Don’t Bug Me spray from Mountain Rose Herbs. 

Spray on shoes, socks, pants, and exposed skin before heading outdoors. (Patch test first to make sure you don’t react!)

 Herbal Helpers You can make and carry little sachets of rosemary, mint, or thyme in your pockets — old-fashioned but surprisingly effective.

Dress Smart Long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and light-colored clothes help you see ticks before they latch on. For the Florida Summer heat, long sleeves, pants, and socks may be tough, but try light colors at least and implement the other tips.

Try Tick Tape- A practical way to stop ticks from climbing up your legs.They get stuck on the tape! When you're done hiking, just peel it off and throw it way. This would be handy to keep in the car in case of spontaneous adventures and no herbs or oils on hand.

Enjoy the Outdoors, but when you're done, be Sure to shower and do “Tick Checks.”(This is especially true if you’ve been in tall grasses or in the woods. )

Once you’re back indoors for the day, thoroughly check for ticks on your body. If available, ask a friend or family member to look through your hair, ears, and neck. If you find any, be sure to also check the clothes you removed before tossing them in the hamper.

 Tidy Up the Yard 

• Keep grass trimmed.

• Remove or burn brush piles.

• Use cedar mulch around your gardens and paths (ticks hate it!).

  
  

If You Find a Tick

First: Stay calm! Most bites do not transmit illness, especially if the tick is removed promptly.

Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers, grab the tick close to the skin, and pull straight out steadily. Don’t twist or crush it. Ticks are very hard to smoosh, so it's best if you flush them but make sure they go down. Some people choose to burn them, but I can’t, it just feels too mean, lol. 

 Aftercare: Once the tick is out, wash the area with soap and water. I personally like to apply a natural herbal salve, like the Lakota Made Summer Relief Salve . It’s soothes any irritation, and supports skin healing. You could also dab a bit of diluted lavender essential oil or colloidal silver on the bite.

 Support Your Body Naturally: Consider a few drops of echinacea tincture to boost immune function for a few days after a bite.

Watch and Listen

Always monitor the bite site for any unusual changes, redness, expanding rash (especially a bullseye shape), or flu-like symptoms. If anything concerns you, seek advice, ideally from a holistic healthcare provider who understands natural treatments for tick-borne illnesses.

Wild and Wise

Nature is beautiful, and sometimes, a little feisty. Staying connected to the outdoors is part of living a full, vibrant life, and with a little awareness and a few natural tools, we can enjoy it without fear.

Here's to walking wild, walking wise, and staying well. 

Tamara

Disclaimer: None of this info is intended to be "medical advice," but simply to offer prevention tips and support natural options.

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Bonus Tip:

 I'm working on a free printable "Natural Tick Defense Cheat Sheet" and will share it on my Social Media and the Link will be added here later. Stay tuned!