Tick repulsion properties of the essential oil Rose Geranium (Pelargonium capitatum x radens) are widely known. However, it’s crucial to be aware that there are two types of rose geranium oil.
What geranium oil keeps ticks away?
Ticks are emerging and spreading more widely at this time of year. What therefore can we do to keep these host-seeking bugs away from our family and dogs? One of the most widely used repellents is DEET, although excessive usage of it has been shown to be neurotoxic. Today, the majority of research define excess as utilizing it three to four days in a row. That doesn’t seem excessive to me because I have active children who play outside every day, but according to research, this is the upper limit at which DEET can begin to harm the body. So what natural remedies are accessible to our families?
This summer’s answer to your quest for a quick and efficient tick deterrent is “ROSE” GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL. This is the common name, however the Latin binomial name Pelargonium graveolens, often known as Pelargonium X aspen, is better known in the industry. It’s quite perplexing because there are so many articles regarding which “rose” geranium works best. let me set the record straight. Here is what I can say for sure. Although the scent of each rose geranium variety varies slightly, the species’ chemical makeups are quite similar. And to be really honest, depending on weather and environmental variations, the very same essential oil that is grown and distilled in one place can produce a somewhat different product every year, both in terms of scent and chemical makeup. So, in terms of how they combat ticks, do they actually differ from one another? We’ll see.
According to the majority of articles I’ve read, rose geranium’s scent deters ticks for a few different reasons. Whether deciding when to jump onto their host, ticks rely on their sense of smell. The scent of geranium repels ticks and masks the natural smell of CO2 that humans emit, which is a key factor in tick selection. Compared to the traditional, more prevalent Pelagorium gravelons, which has a rosy perfume with a faint note of mint, some kinds of rose geranium (Pelargonium capitatum & Pelargonium radens) have a more flowery, rosy scent. The majority of articles you can find online are written by people who claim that the smell of roses is the secret to keeping these bothersome pests away. However, a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry in 2013 determined that Pelagorium gravelons (Egypt) was equally or even more efficient than DEET based on the plant’s 10-epi-y-eudesmal chemical makeup. One of the several compounds included in this rose geranium essential oil is the one that was successful in keeping ticks away. Also keep in mind that Pelagorium gravelons is one of the less flowery geranium species and variations.
So, is one superior to the other? Based on the data conducted over the past few years, I would equalize the playing field for all “rose” geranium essential oil variations. Having stated that, I would advise you to select the essential oil that you want. Pelagonium graveolens, which has a rose scent with a trace of mint, and Pelargonium graveolens var. roseum, also known as Geranium Bourbon, are the two most typical varieties you may encounter (highly floral smell). All three would function well.
When your kids and dogs return inside from playing outside, be vigilant about checking them for ticks, whether you’re using DEET or a natural tick repellent.
The tick recipe
the oils we carry
Investigation of Geranium Essential Oils as Natural Tick Repellents Under the Influence of Bioactivity. 2013 ACS PUBLICATIONS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Does geranium rose oil keep fleas away?
It’s crucial to pick the appropriate essential oil for the job, whether you’re using it for aromatherapy, a DIY home treatment, or flea prevention.
Particularly, not all oils that repel fleas also kill them, and the opposite is also true.
Essential Oils That Kill and Repel Fleas
- Spraying a dog’s skin with heavily diluted cedarwood essential oil can kill any fleas that are already there and stop new ones from landing and biting.
- Along with routine vacuuming, cedarwood and cedar oil are the finest options for securing a home. They can be applied with a garden hose sprayer to get rid of fleas in the yard or in a diffuser to protect a home’s interior.
- Clove Essential Oil: To kill and repel fleas, dilute clove oil and apply it to a dog’s collar or bedding. However, clove oil should not be sprayed directly on skin.
Essential Oils That Repel Fleas
- Applying diluted lavender essential oil to a dog’s skin will help it stay flea-free.
- Thyme, basil, and lemongrass essential oils can all be diluted and sprayed on a dog’s skin to act as repellents, but they shouldn’t be applied topically to a dog’s skin undiluted. Only for large breed dogs, peppermint oil can be used sparingly; however, do it with caution as many dogs are highly sensitive to the aroma.
- Rosemary essential oil can be used in diluted form in a dog’s bath to offer long-lasting flea repellant properties.
- Rose geranium oil can be used topically to deter fleas from biting dogs by applying a few drops to their coats.
Two More Suggestions
- Before spraying your dog with an essential oil, you might add a few drops of citronella to the spray bottle as an added defense against fleas and other insect bites. As a tick spray, citronella, thyme, and water work especially well.
- Dogs can also be dusted with non-toxic, food-grade diatomaceous earth to prevent fleas from settling on them. This method is also organic, safe for pets, and it works. Worms can also be treated and removed by adding the item to their food (one teaspoon daily for smaller dogs, one tablespoon daily for large dogs) for 30 days.
Several other essential oils are often recommended for flea control, but you should steer clear of them. Tea tree oil is poisonous whether consumed by people or animals, and pennyroyal oil is harmful to both dogs and cats whether applied topically or swallowed.
Is geranium oil and rose geranium oil interchangeable?
- The Rose Geranium is a member of the botanical Pelargonium family, popularly known as the “Scented Geraniums.”
- Rose geranium essential oil is said to be superior due to the rosy floral note in its scent, although having nearly identical qualities to geranium essential oil.
- Rose geranium essential oil provides a calming sedative effect when used in aromatherapy applications that fosters stronger sensations of relaxation, emotional stability, and optimism. It also aids in bug repelling and deodorizing musty indoor spaces.
- Rose geranium oil is said to balance the skin’s natural oil production, reduce the look of enlarged pores, get rid of bacteria that cause infections or acne, improve circulation, lessen the appearance of cellulite, varicose veins, and dull skin, promote body relaxation, deodorize, hasten the fading of scars and blemishes, soothe itchy skin conditions, and generally rejuvenate the complexion.
- When applied topically, Rose Geranium Oil is said to aid in the body’s detoxification process, ease the discomfort associated with inflammatory skin problems and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as speed up the healing process for cuts and scrapes.
Do geraniums appeal to ticks?
Herbs are useful for more than just cooking. Some herbs are insect-repellent. Here are a few plants that can ward off those nasty and feared ticks!
There are numerous types of lavender. Lavender is a perennial plant with lovely flowers and a pleasant scent. Another excellent feature of this plant is its lovely blossoms. Ticks, moths, mice, the bothersome black fly, mosquitoes, and fleas are also claimed to be repelled by it!
Apparently, lemongrass keeps ticks away.
Lavender and lemon grass are excellent gardening partners. Lemongrass can be consumed. Lemongrass does smell like lemons. Some individuals believe it has a faint ginger flavor, while others believe it has a faint lemon flavor.
Not all cats and dogs will automatically avoid plants that are poisonous to them. So exercise caution.
Ticks are supposedly repelled by geraniums, particularly the Rose variety. If you are concerned that a cat will enter your garden and devour your geraniums, you can plant Rue to assist deter cats from doing so. Fleas can be repelled by the plant rue.
Ticks are supposed to be repelled by sage, catnip, and mints. Catnip and all mint kinds are safe to use around pets, which is another appealing feature. To help ward off ticks and fleas, dry out these plants and distribute them around your home and in your pets’ bedding. It won’t harm your pet if they consume some of the plant. It’s crucial to keep in mind that all mints are invasive, therefore it’s better to grow them in containers. They grow swiftly in the ground if you plant them there.
Try Cedar Oil Spray
Natural, non-toxic insect and tick repellents include cedar oil. It is sprayable straight onto skin and clothing. Use on both people and animals is safe. Ticks and other bothersome insects are not only repelled by cedar oil but are also killed by it. Online, at the majority of pet stores, and at big-box stores, cedar oil spray is available for purchase.
Homemade Tick and Insect Repellent
Try out this easy recipe. Just combine, then use on exposed skin before going outside:
- Citronella essential oil, 9 drops
- Tea Tree essential oil, 6 drops
- 6 drops of essential peppermint oils
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba or almond oil
Eucalyptus Oil
Ticks are known to be effectively repelled and killed by eucalyptus oil. Simply add 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a small spray container with 4 ounces of filtered or distilled water. Spray over skin, shoe laces, and pant cuffs after shaking the container. It’s okay to use on dogs (eucalyptus oil must be diluted with the water before application on dogs).
Neem Oil
Ticks can be repelled and removed naturally by applying need oil. Add a few drops to your hand’s palm before applying to exposed skin. Additionally, it may be thinned and combined with almond or another clear carrier oil. Dogs can use it safely when diluted. Applying a few drops of neem oil directly to a tick can cause it to immediately extract itself.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Once more, apple cider vinegar comes to the rescue! This great organic treatment aids in tick deterrence. The following solution can be sprayed on skin that is exposed, lawn furniture, and clothing. In a spray bottle, mix the following ingredients:
- 2 glasses of water
- Apple cider vinegar, 4 tablespoons
- two tablespoons of natural neem oil
Certain Aromatherapy Essential Oils
They not only have a wonderful scent but are also considered to be effective tick deterrents. Ticks will stay away from anything that smells like lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium because they detest the scent of such plants. Any of them, individually or in combination, can be used to make DIY sprays, or they can be mixed with almond oil and applied to exposed skin. Any of the aforementioned concoctions should be made using 100% organic essential oils, which are available online at PennHerb products.
Eat Garlic!
We may now add one more benefit to the long list of advantages garlic provides for our health. Regular garlic ingestion or the use of garlic supplements lowers the risk of tick bites. Garlic causes the body to produce an unpleasant odor.
*Cautions:
- Please with your veterinarian before feeding garlic to your pet.
- It is not advised to use essential oils on cats. For advice on how to effectively treat cats for fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian.
How is rose geranium spray made?
Recipe for Homemade Tick Spray
- 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka.
- 40 drops of the essential oil of rose geranium (I’ve been using THIS one).
- one-third cup of distilled water
What odors entice ticks?
At any given time, ticks could be anywhere near you, including your house, office, library, school, garden, playground, etc. When they bite you or a member of your family, they will spread a variety of diseases. Therefore, you should be cautious of these creatures, especially if you see any of these tick species nearby.
You should be aware that ticks never infect people accidently. When they scent anything alluring coming from you, they frequently bite you. If you want to know how to naturally repel ticks from your lawn or property without using any chemical repellents, it’s necessary to understand about several scents that ticks love and dislike.
You will exhale and discharge carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. One of the most prevalent odors that will draw ticks is this substance. These ticks will locate their hosts by smelling this carbon dioxide.
Some ticks will also detect additional odors, such as ammonia. You will draw a lot of ticks to you if you urinate in the woods because they want to feed on you. Your perspiration will also produce ammonia. As a result, ticks will be able to find you as a meal as soon as you enter their territories.
Can I apply rose geranium oil to my dog without risk?
Can we safely apply rose geranium oil to our dogs and cats, you might wonder? Yes, it is the answer. It is effective, but you need dilute it before using it on your dogs. Additionally, this organic substance is entirely non-toxic. Therefore, it’s beneficial for our dogs as well! Learn more by reading on.
Rose geranium essential oil is frequently used in aromatherapy for pets because it effectively repels ticks from both people and animals. Its abilities to deter ticks are equivalent to those of DEET, and it also has a pleasant scent. Rose geranium oil works best on cats and dogs to get rid of ticks, while certain essential oils may have traces of the nasty pesticide.
Your pets can be effectively and naturally protected from ticks by using rose geranium oil. The rose Pelargonium graveolens is used to produce this essential oil. Ticks find the rose aroma to be extremely repulsive, which stops them from biting. Additionally, geranium oil has anti-fungal properties and can be used to combat fungi like yeast.
Consider rose geranium oil if you’re thinking about using essential oils on your dog or cat. The perfume of this essential oil is rose, sweet, and spicy. Additionally, it has a reputation for warding off fungus and ticks. Although you shouldn’t use it as a shampoo, you can saturate your pet’s fur with it by combining it with olive oil.
Cat and dog ticks can be effectively treated with rose geranium oil to keep your pets safe from these pesky insects. Due to its ability to disguise the fragrance of the pet, this essential oil is very good at keeping ticks away. Your pet is safe to use this natural remedy, but you should be sure to appropriately dilute it in a carrier oil. Two or three drops of rose geranium can be added to a teaspoon of diluted olive or coconut oil if the aroma bothers you. Another choice is to apply it topically to your pet’s body and neck as a shampoo. This approach is particularly helpful if you take your dog for walks along grassy trails.