Tick season is in full swing, so spending time outdoors is often associated with the risk of dealing with these bloodsucking critters. Looking to protect yourself and your dearest from ticks? Today, I’m going to share the best essential oil tick repellent reviews with you, take a look at each item, and learn how it can help you to get rid of ticks.
If you’re on the fence about which essential oil to opt for, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’m going to cover this topic in-depth, allowing you to make your own decision.
Using Essential Oils to Keep Ticks Away
Similar to mosquitoes, ticks are carriers of dangerous diseases. However, unlike mosquitoes that dine on your blood and fly away, ticks tend to plunge into the skin of their victim and often stay there for quite a long time.
Tick-borne diseases, such as tularemia, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, etc., annually affect a great number of people (and pets!) throughout the United States. Some of these diseases are very dangerous and can even be fatal, which is why repelling these critters is vital.
While common essential oils are usually not as powerful (read as aggressive) as chemical-based stuff when it comes to deterring tricks, using essential oils to repel ticks on humans has proven to be effective. Wondering how essential oils work to repel ticks? It’s easy. Ticks can’t stand the smell of cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, as well as orange and lemon. Therefore, they won’t latch on anything with the aforementioned smells.
Wondering which essential oils repel ticks? Find the list of some of the most potent of them below.
Eucalyptus Oil: Potent & Powerful
A nice-smelling oil, eucalyptus is often utilized to deter ticks and other nasty critters. It’s also very potent. Therefore, always remember to use water to thin eucalyptus oil prior to utilizing it on your pets. Only in this case eucalyptus can be safely utilized on dogs. In a small-sized bottle, mix 4 ounces of water with 20 drops of this type of oil. Don’t neglect to shake the bottle prior to applying the substance to your skin or clothes.
Lemon Oil: Another Natural Tick Repellent That Works
Just like eucalyptus oil, lemon oil should be thinned before using. The best option is to purchase it in sprays, soaps, and lotions. Don’t apply it directly to your skin or pet fur. Instead, sprinkle it around your house, on pet beds, and on your clothes. So if you’re on the prowl for essential oils for tick prevention, lemon oil might be just what the doctor ordered.
Cedarwood Oil: How It Works to Repel Ticks
Aside from repelling ticks, cedarwood oil (also referred to as cedar oil) eradicates other bugs, such as fleas, mosquitoes, mites, etc. It’s an all-organic tick repellent. It’s safe for both humans and domestic animals, which means you can spray it directly to your skin or clothes. What’s good about cedarwood oil is that it not only repels ticks, but it kills them.
Curious how cedarwood oil works when it comes to eradicating ticks and other insects? The answer is pretty straightforward. Most insects are very vulnerable to moisture loss. Cedarwood, in its turn, is very good at depriving moisture from the aforementioned bugs and, i.e. literally killing them. Also, cedar oil messes with the bugs’ breathing capacity and body chemistry.
Geranium Essential Oil: All-Natural and Effective
Geranium oil also referred to as rose geranium essential oil is another effective all-natural tick repellent. You can put this oil directly on your dog’s back to save it from ticks. If you’re not comfortable with applying potent essential oils directly to your pet’s skin, feel free to thin the substance by mixing it with water, apple cider vinegar, and (optional) cedar essential oil.
What is the best essential oil to repel ticks? If this question has been on your mind for some time already, it’s time to take a look at my selection of the best essential oils for tick prevention published below. Read on and make your conclusions.
1. Edens Garden 100% Pure Essential Oil: Excellent Quality
Package Dimensions LxWxH: 2.91 x 1.02 x 0.98 inches
If you have kids and don’t like to use chemicals, this oil is a great choice. Aside from repelling ticks, it’s also going to help you with burns, cuts, rashes, and other disasters. You will love the longevity of the scent of this oil.
Pros:
Cons:
Excellent-quality oil;
Effective and cheaper than specialized sprays and lotions;
Can also be used to ease sore muscles;
Perfect for stress relief;
Works great whenever you need respiratory help.
The smell is way too potent, but it’s not that bad, for it makes the oil more economical.
2. Gya Labs Cedarwood Essential Oil: More Than Just a Great Tick Repellent
Aside from protecting your pets from annoying pests, this oil is also great at improving blood circulation, boosting hair growth, and enhancing your skin tone. Versatile, rich, and fragrant, this item is sure to exceed your expectations.
Pros:
Cons:
Top-notch quality;
Fantastic fragrance;
Just a few drops are enough (very potent);
Great customer service;
Affordable price.
Some people say it’s too potent for them, but it’s just a matter of preference.
3. Handcraft Lavender Essential Oil: Best for Going the Natural Route
You will love everything about this oil: the packaging, the glass dropper, the energizing scent, and the way this oil works. It’s versatile and is good at both repelling pests and enhancing your health. Make sure you store it in a bag to prevent your shelves from smelling like lavender.
Pros:
Cons:
Great-quality product;
Very potent and economical;
The glass dropper is a nice touch;
Fantastic tick repellent;
Reasonably priced;
Responsive customer service.
Potency (some people consider it a con, but not me).
4. Edens Garden Rose Geranium Essential Oil: All-Natural Tick Repellent
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Specifications:
Scent: Rose
Item Form: Oil
Liquid Volume: 0.17 fl. oz.
Package Weight: 1.59 Ounces
Package Dimensions LxWxH: 6.9 x 3.6 x 1.5 inches
If your dog loves jumping into bushes, then you’re probably familiar with the tick problem. This product is a great tick repellent. Therefore, it’s a great gift for people who live in tick-infested areas.
Pros:
Cons:
Works wonderfully as a tick repellent;
The smell is just perfect for a dog’s nose;
Very long-lasting;
Great price.
Some people say the smell is pungent, but it’s just a matter of preference.
This multipurpose product is great at keeping ticks at bay. Aside from this, you can use it for aromatherapy, skin care, and even add it to your hair conditioner. If you love organic products, this oil might be exactly what you need.
Pros:
Cons:
Clean and pure;
Great tick repellent;
Can be used for many other purposes;
Wonderful fragrance;
Features a dropper cap – very convenient.
No cons detected.
Essential Oils for Repelling Ticks: Answering Your FAQ
Does Peppermint Oil Kill Ticks?
No, mostly it just repels them. The thing is, menthol (the main chemical component of peppermint oil) is powerful stuff. Applying it to sensitive skin may even cause burns. Now imagine swimming in the stuff (probably like a pool of the meanest hot sauce in the world). That’s what the ticks are going through when you sprinkle them with peppermint oil-based solutions.
Can Essential Oils Help You Win the Fight Against Ticks?
Essential oils work great when it comes to preventing ticks from getting on your (or your pet’s) skin. Therefore, in this sense, you can say that yes, essential oils are sure to help you with the fight against ticks. Just make sure you approach essential oils wisely and use them correctly.
What Smells Do Ticks Hate?
These awful critters can’t stand the smell of lemon, orange, garlic, cinnamon, peppermint, and rose geranium. That being said, you’re welcome to make the most of the essential oils with these scents to repel ticks.
Cutting to the Chase with the Tick Talk
You’re probably aware that there are plenty of effective chemical-based insecticides out there. But a lot of people prefer to use essential oils when aiming at discouraging ticks. Naturally obtained, essential oils can be used on clothes or applied directly to skin to keep the annoying pests away.
Now that you know which essential oils repel ticks out of the ones you may already have in your cupboard, you’re very well-armed against the pesky blood suckers. So take action and get the problem solved asap! Have any tick-related questions? Ask them away in the comment box below!
References:
Tickborne Diseases of the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/index.html
Essential Oil Handout (Dr. Josh Axe, The King’s Medicine Cabinet): https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u135/2017/Essential%20Oil%20Handout.pdf
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology (The Pennsylvania State University): https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.658.8668&rep=rep1&type=pdf
When the spring season comes, the pests come with it. They annoy us, bite us and our animals and can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease. So with the first warm days, people start treating yard for ticks using special chemicals.
It is crucial to maintain your yard disinfested to protect your family and pets. The leading method against unwelcomed insects is outdoor tick spray. Let’s check the top 5 substances and preventive methods to keep your territory safe.
Both a professional insect fighter and a regular homeowner do not doubt the efficiency of this approach spray treatment. But without at least basic knowledge about it, you may choose the product with the wrong formula or function.
Some sprays have chemicals dangerous for humans and pets, so it is allowed to use them only outside the house. Others are effective only for indoor disinfestation. I decided to review the most popular ones to help you find the most suitable solution for your yard.
1. Outdoor Tick Spray: Permethrin SFR
No products found.
Permethrin is a concentrated insecticide created for protecting yards with their plants, lawns, and outside building constructions. According to reviews, this is the best tick spray for yard as its effect lasts up to 30 days outside the house and up to 90 inside.
Its developer, Control Solution Inc., is a US mid-sized company that specializes in developing solutions for pests problems. The selection of their products is wide and is one of the most popular on the market.
The main component of Permethrin is a pyrethroid that has a similar effect to the natural insect repellent pyrethrum. It can be used not only against ticks but also ants, bagworms, caterpillars, termites, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and other unwelcomed insects.
Permethrin is mostly used for gardens, lawns, and building exteriors, but indoor usage is also possible with some precautions. The spray can disinfest carpeting, wood, concrete, or other materials. Detailed recommendations can be found in the instruction. When the spray is dried, the treated area is safe for pets and humans.
Target Species: Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes and Hundreds of other pests
Wondercide brand focuses on producing natural pest solutions without harsh chemicals, that is why their Natural Flea, Tick and Mosquito Spray is the suitable option for tick fighting. Its main active component is cedarwood oil that is a natural tick and insect repellent. You can use Wondercide if you look for safe for pets tick spray for yard.
For spraying, you will need a garden hose to attach the bottle, and then treat the area up to 5000 sq. ft. There is no need to wait until it dries as the territory remains even right after spaying. To terminate tick infestation completely, it is recommended to spray the area twice within a week and repeat this procedure every 30-45 days to maintain the results.
Pros:
Cons:
natural components;
easy in use;
safe for pets and humans.
not water-resistant;
a bit overpriced.
3. SaverPak JT Eaton: Kills Bedbugs, Ticks & Mosquitoes
Target Species: Mosquitoes, Ticks, Chiggers, Mites, and More
The producer of the SaverPak Spay, Thunder Mountain International LLC, claims its mission to offer effective but safe solutions for its customers. So they produce a multifunctional spray that can be applied for treating yard for ticks and other insects on different surfaces, including clothes, gears, and pets.
This is a water-based mixture of 0.50% Permethrin, so you do not have to dilute it before use. It claims to be effective against over 16 types of pests and serves as a repellent for new colonies. The effect lasts for up to 6 weeks, or after 6 times you wash your clothes or the surface.
This product is suitable for indoor and outdoor yard tick control. It is a universal tool to disinfest your furniture, floors, carpets as well as clothes and gears to fence off insects. According to instruction, it is not safe for cats, so keep your whiskers away until the spray dries out.
Pros:
Cons:
multifunctional;
ready to use consistency;
remains active up to 6 weeks.
harmful for cats when wet.
4. Dominion: Lawn Spray for Ticks
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Another representative of Control Solutions Inc. is Dominion Insecticide. This termite and tick killer for yard is widely applied for fighting other insects. Its active component is imidacloprid that kills all kinds of pests, including ticks. Along with ticks, you can beat fleas. This spray stays on the surface up to 3 months before it biodegrades.
To apply the spray, you have to mix Dominion with water at a rate of 0.6 fluid oz. per gallon of water. Shake it before usage. Diluting one bottle of the product, you receive 50 gallons of spray. This amount is enough to cover the area up to 20 feet. You’ll need a backpack sprayer to distribute the mixture evenly.
Pros:
Cons:
universal for killing different types of pests;
long-lasting effect;
one bottle of the product equals 50 gallons of spray.
BioAdvanced brand promises users that a Complete Insect Killer can remove ticks from yard and outdoor surfaces. It becomes rainproof in 1 hour and remains so for up to 30 days. It fights not only ticks but cockroaches, crickets, spiders, wasps, and many more. Its active components are imidacloprid and beta-cyfluthrin that have a similar effect to Permethrin SFR.
It has a ready-to-use formula, and you need to attach the bottle to the garden hose. However, there are complaints that the attachment is not safe enough, so be careful and use a low water head. You can spray this pesticide on lawns, trees, sidewalks, porches, flower beds and other garden areas.
One bottle is enough to cover up territory less than 5000 square feet.
Pros:
Cons:
rainproof up to 30 days;
fights many types of pests;
ready-to-use formula.
no secure attachment to the hose;
only for outdoor use.
Treating Yard for Ticks With Spray
Want to know more about how to treat yard for ticks? It requires a comprehensive approach. There are several preparatory actions you have to do before spraying your lawn to terminate ticks in the yard.
Mow the Lawn
This can also be a preventive measure to keep ticks away from your yard. Most of these insects prefer to hide in the shadow and moist places. Mowing your lawn, you expose them and make the short grass unattractive to them. Try to cut the grass as short as possible with your mower. Do this regularly to keep ticks away from your yard.
Choose the Right Weather
Do not spay the tick treatments for yard during the rain, as well as right before or after it. The chemicals will be washed away before they do something for your tick battle. Make sure that there’s very little to no chance of rain for at least 24 hours after the spaying session. Avoid windy days as well, especially if there are other houses in the neighborhood. The perfect timing for spraying is morning when there’s no wind, mild temperature, and humidity over 45%.
Define Disinfestation Area
Calculate the size of your yard and figure the amount of the spray. You need to treat the entire yard and all places where ticks can hide, so you have to be sure that the prepared mixture is enough and it has the right proportion.
Apart from the conditions, choose a suitable way for yard treatment:
Killing ticks. This approach is understandable – you do everything to put ticks to death. The ingredients of the pesticides you use for this purpose are combined in the proportion that ensures the killing effect. No insects – no problems.
Repel insects. On the other hand, not letting ticks in is also a good strategy. Spray with the mixture of essential oils, that is a natural tick repellent for yard, and permethrin makes your lawn unpleasant for pests, so they leave the treated area. However, this approach can be ineffective for some species, so it is better to combine the approaches to clean the yard for sure.
Interrupt their life cycle. Another method of fighting insects is not letting them mature. For this cause, insect growth regulators are used. Without maturing, they cannot reproduce and their population gradually comes to an end. Keep in mind that it takes time to get rid of the ticks using this method.
You can achieve the best effect and get rid of ticks quicker if you combine the mentioned methods. Professionals in disinfesting do it all the time so you can follow their example in your fight.
How to Use Tick Treatments for Yard?
There is no need to spread the lawn spray for ticks all over the yard. Ticks avoid direct sun or areas where there is a lot of movement. They hide in warm, moist, and quiet places, so you have to focus on those areas. This approach also helps not to waste the spray and not to pollute the entire lawn meaninglessly.
Territories with a warm and nice Mediterranean climate are perfect for tick population breeding, especially if your yard has many quiet, shadowy areas with trees and dense grass. Also, the perfect conditions for their population are in the pet zones, where your dog or other domestic animals live, like kennels or dog huts. Ticks can hide under the decks or sheds as well as along the house base.
Choosing chemicals for treating your yard, pay attention to their purposes and specifications. Spays made for indoor use do not work outside. Outdoor chemicals also can work differently and some of them lose their effectiveness under the direct sun. So study the selection of spays before you start using them for fighting ticks.
FAQ
Here are the answers for the most common questions considering tick killer for lawn usage:
Where Do Ticks Live Outside?
Depending on the species, ticks can live in different conditions. For example, the black-legged ticks like moisture, so the forests with dense trees and grass are their favorite. The lone star ticks are less freakish and can survive even near pavements and sandy pathways. The same is with American dog ticks, which can live in dry conditions near roadsides and lawns.
Where in the Yard Are You Most Likely to Get Ticks?
As I said, ticks mostly live in shadowy warm and quiet areas. So the main places for them are long grass, and trees and bushes. In yards, they also can be found in stored cut wood and grass left from the spring cleaning, so it is better to throw them away as soon as you can. Playground structures and treehouses can be infested for the same reasons.
Why I Have Ticks in My Yard?
Ticks can get to your yard and live in it if you have tall trees, dense grass, and other convenient areas for their breading and maturing. Insects can appear even in your perfectly cleaned territory with mice and squirrels, which can come across your property.
When to Spray for Ticks in the Yard?
The spaying period starts in spring when the ground is dry and the temperature is mild. To prevent ticks in your yard, you should repeat this procedure every 6-8 weeks during summer and autumn seasons. Here are perfect conditions for spraying:
mild temperature;
dry ground and grass;
humidity over 45%;
not windy.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that ticks are tricky insects, and it takes persistence to keep them away. It is not enough just mow the lawn and use the tick pesticide for yard once. You have to repeat sessions according to the instruction and combine approaches killing and repelling insects from your house.
I hope my recommendations were useful. What pesticides did you try to kill pests in your yard? Do you have your proven method of fighting ticks? Share your experience in comments.
References:
Preventing Ticks in the Yard (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services): https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/in_the_yard.html
Two Year Life Cycle of a Tick (McHenry Country Illinois): https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/health-department/environmental-health/nuisance-control/two-year-life-cycle-of-a-tick
The summer season is coming. It’s essential to be aware of the dangers that we can face during long walks in parks and forest hiking.
I am talking about biting insects that can not only annoy, but also transmit serious diseases. One of them are ticks. That is why you should use tick repellents to ensure a safe and pleasant time with nature.
There are numerous options for protecting yourself, your family, and pets from tick invasion. But you have to find a solution that will suit your needs and conditions. I prepared a list of 7 best repellents I tried. Each review contains basic information you need to know about the product as well as its pros and cons. Check it out!
1. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent: Perfect for Repelling Ticks
Sawyer company is known for the advanced technologies for developing its products for the whole family. Their Picaridin Insect Repellent is my top pick tick spray for humans.
It has a safe and effective formula that also repels flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Its main component is Icaridin (aka Picaridin), which is recommended for protection from ticks by The World Health Organization.
This repellent comes in lotion and spray form, so you can pick the convenient application option. The spray is easier to apply and better for use for both skin and clothing protection and remains active for up to 12 hours.
Lotion evaporates slower, so it stays longer on the skin, ensuring the repelling effect for up to 14 hours. There are different bottle sizes so that you can get a small 4-oz bottle for short walks or a gallon lotion dispenser for family and public use.
They have the same amount of Picaridin (20%) that is known to be more effective than DEET. This repellent does not have any smell, which is a plus.
Pros:
Cons:
no smell;
no greasy feel;
active for up to 14 hours;
safe for clothes and other materials.
not resistant to sweat.
2. Natrapel Tick and Insect Repellent: Picaridin-Based Spray
Natrapel’s Tick and Insect Repellent comes in spray form and allows good coverage for skin. But it comes only in a 3.4-oz bottle that is convenient for personal use, but you cannot buy a bigger bottle for company or family use.
This tick repellent for people should be applied to the skin, but it is also safe for cloth and synthetic materials. Notice that the formula is not resistant to sweat or water. So if you are going to swim, or it is a hot day, or it is going to rain, be prepared for repetitive spaying. It has a floral scent that can be pleasant for some people while irritating for others, so it is a matter of your personal preferences.
The repellent’s active ingredient is Picaridin (20%) with dosage according to CDC recommendations. This component is proven as an effective repellent against ticks, mosquitos, and other biting pests who transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme Disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and others.
Pros:
Cons:
picaridin based;
affordable;
works for up to 12 hours;
bottle size is convenient for personal use.
not resistant to sweat or water;
has a strong smell.
3. Wondercide Insect Repellent: Natural Tick Repellent for Families
Insect Repellent from Wondercide is a chemical-free, safe tick repellent. It comes in two forms: spray and wipes. The spray is better for a quick application, while with wipes, you can cover the skin more thoroughly. The product does not contain dangerous chemicals, comes in a selection of fragrances, and can be used for the kids’ protection. It works not only against ticks but a wide range of other insects that are repelled by natural oils.
However, Wondercide spray is less effective compared to the chemicals used in other solutions. But if you are looking for an eco-friendly anti-tick solution, this product can meet your requirements.
According to some comments, it may cause minor skin irritation due to active ingredients that might be allergens to some people. So, check its content before use to make sure you are not allergic to its ingredients. Also, it may leave greasy stains on your clothes.
Pros:
Cons:
natural without pesticides;
safe for kids and pets;
works for different types of insects, including ticks;
selection of scents.
its scent may be irritating for allergic people;
leaves a greasy layer on the skin.
4. Nantucket Spider Tick Spray for Humans: Extra Strength Tick Repellent
Nantucket Spider is a US-based company that focuses on developing and producing DEET free tick repellent solutions. It may be important for some consumers to maintain local manufacturers. Their Extra Strength Tick Repellent consists mostly of the mixture of essential oils that mask the human scent that attracts insects.
The manufacturer claims it repels 92% of deer ticks according to independent laboratory tests. With vanilla scent, it differs from other sprays and lotions with lemon, cedar, and other aromas. For better effect, shake the bottle well before use to mix oils.
As most of the natural repellents, this spray can cause allergy, so checking the ingredient list before use is mandatory.
Pros:
Cons:
DEET-free;
affordable compared to other products;
convenient spray form;
made in the USA.
strong smell;
cannot be used for dogs.
5. Ben’s 100% DEET Tick and Insect Repellent: Effective Protection
This DEET-based spray contains the maximum allowed concentration of this active ingredient, so the manufacturer claims that this ensures the decent protection against ticks, mosquitos, and other biting pests. It is recommended for cases when you walk in forest or tropical areas where there are a lot of insects to repel.
A convenient form of spray and the size of the bottle can be handy for long walks and hiking. As soon as you cover your skin with this repellent, you can count on up to 10 hours of protection. Some people complain it leaves greasy marks on clothes, so be careful until the spray is dry. Among its advantages, I can name the smell-free formula that allows enjoying natural forest fragrance instead of the spray.
This anti tick spray for humans is produced in the USA and is registered with the EPA.
Pros:
Cons:
long-lasting more than 10-hour effect;
effective against big groups of ticks in forests or tropics;
easy to apply;
convenient bottle size;
smell-free.
DEET-based solution;
may leave a greasy layer and stains on clothes.
6. Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen: Tick Protection for Humans
Suitable for campers, golfers, bikers, and other outdoor lovers, Repel Insect Repellent Sportsmen comes in different forms: aerosol, pocket spray, wipes, or lotion. Aerosol and spray are handy on the go when you need to apply the protection quickly, while with wipes and lotion you get better coverage.
Its formula contains 40% DEET with Picaridin and lemon eucalyptus oil that ensure better effect against insects. Protection lasts up to 8-10 hours as other average sprays.
Due to chemicals in it, this product can damage some synthetic, leather, and plastic materials. But it is safe for natural cloth and nylon.
Pros:
Cons:
contains the mixture of DEET with Picaridin and oils;
affordable;
Comes in 4 forms: spray, lotion, wipes and aerosol.
not safe for delicate fabrics and materials;
its scent may seem too strong.
7. Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent: Alternative Tick Protection for Humans
Unlike other solutions above, this tick spray for clothes cannot be applied to your skin. But its formula with 0.5% Permethrin remains on fabric for 6 weeks, even after laundry (you can wash it up to 6 times). Repellent works against ticks, mosquitos, chiggers, mites, and other nasty insects.
It does not leave stains and has no aroma. This solution is recommended for the fans of outdoor activities, like hikers, hunters, and others. In some cases, it can be applied to dogs.
For better protection, Sawyer manufacturer advises combining this spray with Picaridin insect repellent for the skin.
Pros:
Cons:
remains active for up to 6 weeks;
stays on the fabric after washing;
does not leave stains;
no smell.
cannot be used on the skin.
How to Repel Ticks: Preventive Measures
It is important to take a set of measures to prevent tick bites. Taken separately, these actions are less effective for repelling ticks, but combined, they help to minimize the danger. Here’s what you need to do:
Be aware of the places where you can get ticks
Educate yourself considering the tick danger. You should know the places where there are high chances to get ticks. Their favorite spots are long grass, dense bushes, and trees.
Also, they like to hang out in the wet wooden logs, autumn fallen leaves and cut grass piles. So if you like to hike, run, bike, or camp in parks or forests, you should remember about the risky areas.
Gardeners and people who work a lot near the grass and trees should be on alert too. In yards, the places attractive for ticks are leaf litter, porches, wall cracks, and sand.I do not encourage you to avoid these places at all. But this means you should be cautious and take additional measures to protect yourself from insects.
Maintain your yard clean
Everything starts with your yard. Keep ticks away by maintaining the safety of your garden and home. Mow your lawn regularly and take away the leaf-grass-wood litter. During the summer-autumn season, disinfest the yard with special sprays focusing on the shadowy and moist zones.
Repel not only insects but also wild animals like deer, mice, squirrels, etc. as they can bring ticks even to the clean yard.
You cannot make the surrounding completely safe, that is why you should apply tick protection for humans on both your skin and clothing. Any time you garden, go for a walk or plan camping, make sure you use spray, lotion, or another tick repellent.
Natural methods, such as applying essential oils on your skin are not effective enough. CDC gives the list of components that should be in repellents from tick bites:
DEET;
Picaridin;
Oil of lemon eucalyptus;
IR353.
These chemicals and oils are aimed at distracting the sensory organs of ticks, as they usually sense the scent and feel the heat of their prey. But to work effectively, sprays and other repellents should contain at least 20-30% of active ingredients.
DEET can be harmful to children, so in kids, the product should not be more than 30% of this component. Choosing the repellent, check whether it is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Read the instructions before use.
Use clothes and gear protection
Ticks can attach not only to your skin and hair but also clothes. To protect them from the insect invasion, you can use special sprays with Permethrin that are applied to the fabric. This insecticide can be used for yard treating as well, but keep it away from your skin.
It works not as a repellent, but as a pest killer. It remains on surfaces for up to 6 weeks ensuring long term protection.
Check your body regularly
As soon as you are home, you still can be in danger. If you suspect that ticks could reach you, or you visited the risky areas, do the full-body check immediately. Examine carefully your scalp, ears, armpits, belly button, groin, and areas behind your knees as these are the most common places for ticks to attach.
Do not forget about your clothing and check it too. Then throw it in the dryer and heat for at least 10 minutes to kill stragglers according to CDC recommendations. Then take a shower to wash away any possible unattached ticks. Pay more attention to risky areas.
Protect your pets and check them after every walk
Ticks are very attracted to our pets, and animals, in their turn, are less cautious considering pests danger. You have to protect their skin as well for the benefit of both their and your health.
Because even if you are covered with repellent and stay away from trees and bushes, your curious dog still can get a tick and bring it to your house eventually. Learn more about how to repel ticks from your dog using protections for pets and check their skin after every walk during the warm seasons.
Common Ingredients for Repelling Ticks
I already mentioned that there are basic components for every tick repellent. Every product aimed at fighting ticks contains at least one of them. I want to tell you more about the specifications and effect of the most common repelling ingredients:
DEET. This chemical has been used in the USA for over 50 years and remains one of the main weapons against ticks and other biting insects. It is mainly used in repellents for campers, hikers, climbers, etc., as they need long-term protection in dangerous conditions. Numerous formulas contain DEET. There could be a 10% DEET product with adding one or two additional repelling ingredients with a 2-hour protection guarantee. For over 10-hour protection you should seek for 100% DEET. Protective products can have various forms like spray, lotion, and even wipes.
Picaridin. A great alternative to DEET. This is what repels ticks the best way. Moreover, it does not have color or smell, remaining active against ticks and other insects, including mosquitoes, chiggers, fleas, etc. That is why more and more repellent producers use this ingredient in their products. The formula should contain at least 20% of the active component, but no more than 30%.
Lemon eucalyptus oil. This is the only natural ingredient that is proven to be effective against ticks without additions. It is recommended by the CDC as a safe and ecological repellent. Used in spays, lotions or wipes, you can get 6-hour protection against ticks or mosquitos. Note, that CDC doesn’t recommend using pure lemon eucalyptus oil.
Permethrin. This is also a very common active ingredient that, however, is different from others. Unlike them, it cannot be used on the skin. It does not repel insects but kills them. Permethrin is mostly used in yard and gear treatment. But outdoor enthusiasts use it for protecting clothing and touristic equipment. The protective effect stays for 6 weeks and even after washing.
Ways to Use Ticks Repellents for Humans
You might notice that I constantly highlight the importance of the comprehensive approach in tick prevention for humans. So it is never excessive to take different preventive measures. Here is a list of using repellents:
Skin applying
The most common and simple way to cover the unprotected areas of your body and not let ticks attach to your skin. I’ve already mentioned a few times that there are many forms of skin repellents. You can choose spray, lotion, wipes, or aerosol depending on the conditions you are in and the required level of protection. However, there are some important instructions considering this method:
cover only unprotected areas, do not apply it under your clothes;
apply the protection on the skin regularly according to the instruction;
do not use on cuts, wounds or irritations;
do not apply too much of the product;
sprays and aerosols should only be used outdoors;
after you return home, wash the covered skin with soup.
Clothing covering
Apply sprays with permethrin on the clothing items you are about to wear to get rid of insects that might stick to the fabric before getting on your body.
Also, there is special clothing for campers or gardeners where the fabric is already covered with or soaked in Permethrin. So you do not need to apply additional repellent on it. In both cases, the effect remains even after 60 washings.
Repelling bracelet
Just like pretreated clothing, you can wear this accessory for insect protection. There are some “wearable” repellents in the form of wristbands that contain natural oils that keep away ticks and other pests from your skin.
It seems like a very convenient option. However, there is no 100% guarantee as it cannot cover the entire body and every open skin area.
FAQ
Does Bug Spray Work on Ticks?
You can use insect repellent for ticks if the product contains one of the active ingredients that keep these insects away from humans. Bug spray will work against ticks if there is DEET, Picaridin, or Permethrin in its formula. For DEET, it is at least 10%, while for other chemicals it should be no less than 20%.
Why Is Flea and Tick Repellent for Dogs Not Used on Humans?
Products developed for dogs and other pets cannot be applied to humans and vice versa. There are significant differences in behavior and skin sensitivity. For instance, human skin can be injured by some chemicals that work for dog skin covered with fur.
Moreover, products for dogs cannot be used for other animals too. Each product contains the number of active ingredients allowed for the targeted individual.
What to Eat to Repel Ticks?
Among the food that has repelling properties there is garlic. It contains allicin that is known for keeping off insects. This component can also be found in onions, chives, shallots, and leeks. One more natural tick repellent is lemongrass that is common for Thai and Asian cuisine.
What Is the More Effective: DEET or Picaridin?
They are both effective against ticks, so the choice depends on personal preferences. Some people choose DEET as it is proven to be effective since 1946 and can protect you for 10 hours. Others choose picaridin as it does not have a smell or greasy residue and is safe for synthetic materials.
When Should I Worry About a Tick Bite?
Go to the doctor after a tick bite if:
the injured area has signs of the infection like swelling, warmth, and pain;
you have other symptoms like headache and fever, tiredness and muscle pains;
you did not remove tick’s jaws from the skin completely.
No Repellent – No Walks
The season of insect activity has always been dangerous. But we constantly discover new diseases and viruses that can be transmitted by animals or pests. That is why using tick repellent for humans is not a matter of comfort, but of health and life.
Share in comments how you are going to protect yourself during the tick season.
References:
Prevent Tick and Mosquito Bites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/about/prevent-bites.html
Find the Repellent that is Right for You (United States Environmental Protection Agency): https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
DEET (National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.html
Picaridin (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html
Lyme Disease (State of Rhode Island Department of Health):https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ticks/?parm=68
Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods (John-Paul Mutebi, John E. Gimnig USA.gov): https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/noninfectious-health-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods
Permethrin (Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency): http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PermGen.html
As the spring and summer seasons are heading our way and that long-desired vacation is everything you have dreamt of for the past few months, you may feel as if there is nothing that can keep you away from the time of your life.
Regardless of how disappointing it may sound, I feel the need to inform you that there is a danger one can easily succumb to – ticks and other little malevolent insects. Those fellas are capable of not only ruining your dreamy holidays but can also cause more serious concerns leading to health issues, as well as lethal outcomes.
Below, I am aiming at giving you some answers to the most frequent questions on how to avoid ticks and get rid of them.
Before getting to deal with them, let’s learn a bit more about the bugs themselves.
What Do We Know About Ticks?
Ticks are a breed of arachnids, which makes them more like a house spider than a common bug in your bedroom. Studies suggest that the insects have been around for more than a couple of tens of million years. Though the majority of them do not transfer diseases and are mostly harmless, those which do have a tick-borne illness are extremely dangerous to humans.
Tick Lifecycle
There are around 900 kinds of ticks that vary in size, coloring, insignias, etc. However, most of them share the same life-span which is divided into the egg stage, the seed stage, and the nymph stage.
The Egg
The eggs are mostly laid during the spring season and may vary in numbers and sizes depending on the dimensions of a tick that has laid them. The better nourished it is, the more eggs it can lay ranging from 1000 up to 4000 units. An egg hatches in the next two weeks which depends on the humidity and temperature of the environment.
The Seed
When the egg has hatched, the newly born larva and starts its new stage of life where it commences its first host search. Generally, such a host happens to be a small or medium-size animal, like a dog or squirrel. When a seed is fed, it separates itself from the host and descends into the ground where it starts to shed its corpus, or molt.
The Nymph
In about a two week period, a seed turns into a nymph and is ready to find a new host, this time bigger and stronger, like a human. During this stage, ticks are known to transmit diseases, if they possess such, since they are utmost active. After this, they repeat the process of disjoining themselves from the host and molt for another week or two.
The Adult
As of this time, a tick bite is the least harmful compared to its previous life stages. It finds a new environment and: (male) feeds for a certain time before detaching and dying, or (female) feeds until it lays another set of eggs, either on a host or somewhere in the grass, and dies.
Classification of Ticks
Though there are hundreds of tick bites species, two most common types are known due to their harmfulness. Both of them differ in their lifespan and living conditions.
Hard Ticks
Or also known as Ixodidae, have a life cycle similar to the one described above and are easily recognized due to their large reddish oval body with a half-transparent belly. Their name, ‘hard ticks’, relates not only to their constitution but also to the way they attach to their host through a sharp bite which deposits a neurotoxic poison aimed at leaving their small-size victim motionless.
Soft Ticks
Or Argasidae, differ from hard ticks in a few ways.
First of all, their lifecycle is rather extensive since the Nymph stage may include up to five different transformations accompanied by cycles of feeding and resting.
Second of all, their bites are usually not followed by any pain and can stay completely unnoticeable to their host which makes them hard to identify.
Here are some other types of tick bites that can often be encountered:
American Dog Tick
This species is known to be hosted mostly by dogs and rodents; however, it can also favor a human if it happens to get on their skin. It’s distinguishable for its dark brown color and a pale spherical plate on its back. They are often found in mountainous areas since they prefer moist and cool air conditions.
Lone Star Tick
A Lone Star Tick has a distinct pale dot on their corpus. Even though it’s hard to imagine, this kind of bug is considered one of the most determined and hostile. The reason for that is that it is known to follow a host-to-be after it has targeted them.
Eastern Blacklegged Tick
Inhabiting forest and shrub areas, these ticks tend to attach their bodies to deer and other large mammals. Their salmon coloring makes them visible to the naked eye only when they are swollen with one’s blood. Only female representatives of this species are considered dangerous since males have no tendency to feed.
What’s the Difference Between Ticks and Lice?
It can be hard for an untrained eye to distinguish between these parasites since they may look alike and have similar constitution features. On the other hand, their interaction with hosts is different in a number of ways and it can also have parallel outcomes.
Tick
Louse
Similarities
Both of the species are mites and they tend to inhabit animal and human skin where they find a source of feeding. Lice and ticks feed on blood by sucking it directly from a host’s upper skin layer.
They transmit diseases as a result of blood consumption.
The parasites have resembling life cycles and are extremely dangerous during their Nymph stage.
They spend their whole lives as parasites and don’t prioritize laying eggs, that is, producing progeny.
Differences
A louse has a separate body composition where the head and the abdominal parts are not joined; whereas a tick has a steady molded body structure which makes it more durable.
The lifespan of both species is drastically different: a louse lives up to one and half a month, when a tick can survive up to two years.
Lice inhabit human personal use items, such as clothes, beds, fabrics, etc. However, a tick finds its habitat in wooded and densely-grown forestlands and attaches itself to a passer-by.
Ticks don’t mind sticking to any part of the human body, especially when it’s close to the bloodstream system, but lice prefer human scalp where, apart from blood, they find dead skin to feed off, as well.
Dangers of Tick Bites and Diseases
Apart from being annoying and extremely unpleasant, being bitten by a tick is seen as a huge risk for your health as it may contain a variety of tick-borne diseases. Though a vast majority of the parasites are harmless, some can be bearers of highly dangerous sicknesses. Here are a few of them:
Lyme Disease
Carried by black-legged ticks, Lyme disease may manifest through the following symptoms:
high body temperature;
headache;
skin inflammation;
overall body pain.
It is investigated that this condition can be transmitted by the parasite during a two-day period of time if such has not been removed initially.
Encephalitis
This disease is one of the most common conditions caused by ticks. Brain inflammation and spinal cord disruption being the outcomes of the infection, make it extremely difficult to treat and, in most cases, lethal for a human.
The illness is usually diagnosed by the following symptoms:
stable high body temperature;
muscle- and headaches;
muscle stiffness;
somnolence.
Babesiosis
This blood attacking illness has a similar strain to the one of malaria. It may spur out along with Lyme disease as they are both found in the same parasite transmitted by ticks.
The symptoms are akin to common flu or a seasonal cold, but their harshness depends on a person’s immune system, thus it can occur without any symptoms at all.
Symptoms:
drowsiness;
headaches;
yellow pigmentation;
mood swings.
Of course, besides the stated ones, there can be a range of other diseases that are caused by tick bites. However, these are the most common and may spur dangerous health complications.
Having acquainted with the basics about ticks, it’s time to get to know how to get rid of ticks at home and what to do during the tick infestation season.
What to Do If You’ve Got Yourself a Tick?
If you think you have been bitten by a tick, what you have to do is to make sure that it really is one of those things. Generally, a tick infested area on your skin has one or a few of the following signs:
painful and swollen skin;
inflammation or burning;
sharp and punctuating pain.
In case it is a parasite, you have to remove it as promptly and carefully as possible. For the longer it stays there, the higher the chances that it can transmit an infection.
In order to remove it, you are going to need a pair of tweezers. However, the ones you use for plucking your eyebrow won’t do, since a tick squirts a kind of substance that resembles cement so that it remains there untouched. Use good-quality tweezers that you can buy in a tools shop.
Step 1
Before dealing with it, you may apply some oil onto the area and wait for a few minutes. When the tick is covered with such a dense substance, it becomes more difficult for it to breathe and, therefore, it feels the need to move its head out of the skin to gasp.
Step 2
Hold the tweezers upwards and get a hold of the exposed tick body as close to the skin as possible and start pulling. Mind, that you shouldn’t twist the tweezers as the tick’s head can stay firmly stuck in the skin.
Step 3
Once the tick is out, you need to apply some disinfectant to the area. You can use either alcohol or other alcohol-including substances.
I advise you to not even try to apply a home remedy to treat an infected site because most of those can be more harmful than useful. So, DON’T:
…use your hands for removal. Ticks can vomit when they experience blunt pressure which will direct their saliva into your bloodstream;
…apply fire onto a tick. This can also cause the tick to vomit into your bloodstream;
…spear the mite. If it crawls back onto you, it will surely try to attach itself to you again.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Got a Tick?
Firstly, it’s a good habit to have a tick control and examine your pet every time after a walk. The reason for this is quite obvious — dogs like to wander around in the grass and get into bushes, where ticks and all kinds of leeches can be. Checking your pet for any of those can save you a lot of time and nerve. Here’s a few guidelines on how to get rid of ticks on dog FYI.
Check the following to reassure yourself:
Toes;
Ears and eyes;
Around the tail.
However, if the matter on how to get rid of ticks on a dog should occur, then here is what you can do then apply the same technique as for a human (see above) and pull the tick slowly but firmly.
It’s essential to know how to control ticks and, more importantly, what the most common means of getting rid of ticks are. Although it doesn’t always mean tick extermination or killing ticks, sometimes all you need to do is attend to your yard or garden regularly.
By maintaining cleanliness of an area, you can create a free-of-ticks place that will prevent tick infestation. Follow these hints to keep your safe zone:
Hint 1
Always dispose of leaves. Tick bites find moist and warmth of tree leaves piles very comfortable. They can live and reproduce there waiting for a host to come around.
Hint 2
Maintain cleanliness of dense areas, such as bushes, shrubs, trees, etc. By cutting them down or, at least, trimming them from time to time you keep ticks from spreading all over the place.
Hint 3
Mount tall (up to 4ft) timbers or wooden logs to separate different parts of your garden. It will limit an area for tick bites to infest.
Hint 4
Buy either natural tick spray or professional tick insecticide and spray in all over your yard. Make sure to use personal protective equipment to stay safe while using the insecticide.
How to Prevent Ticks From Spreading in Your House?
As far as I’m concerned, instead of seeking for the best way to kill ticks, you should learn how to prevent them from spreading in the first place, especially if those are aiming at your house.
The multitude of fighting techniques is always based on a single principle, i.e. to maintain conditions that are utmost unfavorable for them. I’d like to suggest a few that I prefer to use myself.
Rule 1
You are unlikely to get ticks in your household if you don’t bring any along from the outside. To protect yourself, you can:
Apply tick repellent substances onto your body when you go into the wild and make sure that all members of your family do the same. You can always Google what kills ticks.
When going outside to dense forests or shrubs, put in white or bright color clothes. This will help you detect mites right on the spot.
If you are to go to a shady, moist area that ticks enjoy so much, make sure to cover all bare parts of your body by tucking in pants, wearing a hat and long sleeves, etc.
Rule 2
Avoid dog tick infestation by checking your pet after each walk. Use anti-parasite pet products and repellents.
Rule 3
Though it’s rather rare, you may have found tick in house. If it’s not always clear how to kill a tick at your household, you can always use natural (not harmful) pesticides and spray them over surfaces where a bug could possibly be.
Reduce your household’s humidity and temperature levels – ticks cannot survive in an environment with less than 90% of moisture.
Never throw away a tick into a sink or outdoors since it can easily crawl back into the house. A better option is to wrap it in a cloth or a piece of paper and flash it in the toilet.
The Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent is a great choice for outdoor use for both children and adults. Elaborated by Sawyer that has more than 30 years of experience in insect repelling products, it combines the best scientific and innovative approaches to protecting skin from a vast array of harmful insects.
The formula created specifically to repel insects that may carry serious diseases during the spring and summer season is potent against mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, and many other pests.
The lotion is pleasant to the touch without any waxy aftersense. Its conceited composition secures rapid evaporation and leaves no stains, thus making it safe for any apparel, plastic or steel accessories, as well as fabrics and jewelry. The 0.34-ounce containers assure comfortable and simple use.
Pros:
Cons:
non-greasy when applied;
doesn’t have the synthetic smell that repellents usually do;
effective against mosquitos and ticks;
reasonable price.
not very useful for indoors.
2. Natrapel 12-Hour Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent Pump Spray – Tick Control
The Natrapel 12-Hour Spray is a useful add-on both on a family trip and in the Thai jungles. Providing the skin with 12-Hour protection due to a substantial concentration of Picaridin, it repels mites and parasites in forests, shrubs, and brushes. It’s completely safe for the skin and doesn’t leave any greasy marks.
Using specifically selected elements, it’s aimed at making it repugnant for most insects though it gives off a slightly pleasant fragrant smell for its user.
Easy to utilize and carry along, it can be applied on both the skin and clothes for a better effect. Moreover, a handy and ample bottle is just the job for long-distance flights.
Pros:
Cons:
evaporates slowly;
sufficient for multiple uses;
effective against most mites;
very comfortable to carry;
safe for your skin.
has a floral scent.
3. Bayer K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention – Against Dog Tick Infestation
The Bayer K9 Advantix II Prevention exceeds any expectations. The formula is contrived to guarantee protection for your dog right after the first use. Unlike other products whose results you can see only after your pet has been bitten, Bayer K9 prevents it from happening, so that any risk for the dog is minimized. Infectious insects don’t die from biting the pet, they just avoid any contact with it.
The package contains four units with each dose lasting for a whole month, which I think is a great deal to strike. The substance spreads evenly all over the skin and is 100% safe.
Pros:
Cons:
starts working in the first 12 hours;
safe and pet-friendly;
acts as a repellent for insects and prevents them from biting;
harmless for the pet’s fur and skin;
doesn’t have an odor.
not applicable for cats.
4. Seresto Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats, 8-Month Flea Collar – Tick Treatment For Home
Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid 10.0% Flumethrin 4.5%
Age Range Description: All Life Stages
Scent: Odorless
Item Weight: 0.22 Pounds
Product Dimensions LxWxH: 4.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches
Target Pests: Fleas, Ticks
The Seresto Prevention Collar is an impeccable substitute for other means of fighting against fleas. Its structure is designed specifically for comfortable carrying and an almost invisible use.
Flumethrin emitted by the collar ensures constant and harmless extermination of fleas getting in contact with the cat, from top to bottom. Recommended by vets, this can also be a strong instrument in protecting the cat from ticks and other parasites.
Lasting for 8 months the Seresto Collar can be one of the most useful tools for a cat owner when it comes to protecting the pet from insects. It’s odorless and doesn’t interfere with your cat’s senses. Moreover, the collar’s dimensions are minute so it can be matched with their name collar, or used instead.
5. Control Solutions Inc. 36.8 % Permethrin SFR 32 oz Pest Control Insecticide – Best for Tick Extermination
No products found.
The Permethrin Pest Control can be quite handy at large and small households as a tick treatment for home. Control Solutions Inc. is a renowned insecticide producer with a top-notch expertise in handling infestations.
Carefully selected elements designed to exterminate more about 80 kinds of parasites, mites, and other insects. Soaking efficiently and thoroughly into soil, the solution gets rid of unwanted pests with no harm done for an infested area.
This product is rather suitable for all types of sites, including households, lawns, concrete and asphalt, as well as gardens and other recreational areas. 32 Fl.Oz bottles can be used for more than one extermination.
Pros:
Cons:
sufficient quantity for more than 1 use;
works on an array of common house and lawn pests;
effective in all seasons;
doesn’t harm surrounding areas.
not very eco-friendly.
6. Wondercide Natural Ready to Use Yard Flea, Tick and Mosquito Spray – What Really Kills Ticks
Target Species: Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes and Hundreds of other pests
The Wondercide Natural Spray is a multifunctional tool against ticks, fleas, and mosquitos that may inhibit both the in- and outdoor sites. An easy-to-use handle makes one’s cleaning experience comfortable and prompt without having to deal with manual appliances. The spray covers over 4,000 square feet of vegetation or around-house sites and needs to be reapplied once every 4-8 days until the infestation is over.
Infused with tree essences, it affects insects from inside by harming their vitals, which stops them from spreading in the area and repels the mites for good. Formula based on natural components, secures safe and harmless usage for adults, children, and pets.
Pros:
Cons:
сhildlike, easy to use;
сovers vast areas;
safe for people and animals;
can be used both indoors and outdoors;
pleasant smell.
isn’t resistant to water.
FAQ
Where Do Ticks Come From?
Ticks’ natural habitat is always shady, moist, and with lots of warmth. Thus, they normally live on brush and tree leaves, in dense vegetation or tall grass.
When Are Ticks Most Active?
Both reproduction and activity of ticks usually lie between mid-spring and the early fall. During this time they are in need of blood meals so that females can lay eggs (up to 5000) and cling to hosts.
You would never know even if you were staring right at one of them. A tick nest is so minute that it’s no bigger than the size of two female ticks. It is usually reddish-colored and looks like a spoon of caviar.
Where Do Ticks Lay Eggs?
Mostly, wherever they find suitable conditions, such are moist and dark places, like the back of a leaf or the bottom of a stem.
Can Ticks Live in Your Bed?
Technically speaking — yes, they can. However, this species of parasites is extremely picky when it comes to atmospheric conditions and typical house conditions, which are dry and cool, are not suitable.
How Long Do Ticks Live on Clothing?
Unfortunately, up to 3 days. But, if it’s dry and cool, they can last no longer than 24 hours.
Bottom Line
The warm seasons bring a lot of joy, but they also are accompanied by dangers, like ticks, fleas, mosquitos, etc. All means are acceptable in a fight against malevolent pests. However, the best way to come out as the winner at the end is always to prevent a fight from happening.
I hope you’ve found my expertise and advice in this article useful and interesting; and now you know how to protect yourselves, your beloved pets, and your home. Stay safe and well!
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