How to choose an essential oil from ticks for dogs, cats and people: persistent "fragrant" protection against blood-sucking pests
Holidays outside the city can be easily overshadowed by an encounter with ticks. The bite of these parasites causes negative consequences: from irritation and itching to serious diseases: tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis. It is possible to protect yourself from this, even without a chemical repellent, with the help of natural remedies. To do this, you need to know which essential oil repels ticks.
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How essential oils repel ticks
It has long been noted that if fragrant plants are planted next to crops, they will scare away parasites. The action of essential oils is based on this principle: ticks are afraid of strongly odorous substances - bitter, spicy or sour.
Insecticidal, acaricidal and nematocidal action of essential oils
In addition, some of them have properties due to which they not only repel insects, but also kill them. These properties include insecticidal, acaricidal and nematicidal.
Molecules of essential oils penetrate the tick's body through the respiratory system and chitinous cover, affect its nervous, circulatory system.
Advantages and disadvantages of using aromatic oils
Natural fragrances have several advantages over chemical repellents.
Among the pluses:
- non-toxic, can be applied directly to the skin and do not harm the environment;
- have an affordable price;
- can be used for other purposes;
- do not have a strong unpleasant odor.
Also, these funds have a number of disadvantages:
- may cause an allergic reaction;
- are used in the form of a solution that must be made independently;
- some aromas are contraindicated in certain diseases (for example, mint and basil aroma cannot be used for hypertension).
What types of mites can you get rid of with oils
Aromatic substances are effective in combating any kind of ticks that can be found by humans and animals in nature: meadow, steppe, taiga, dog. In addition, they can be used to destroy parasites found in everyday life: scabies, spider mites and other mites.
The most effective essential oils against mites
The following oils have the highest repellent properties and are the least toxic to humans:
- eucalyptus;
- carnations;
- anise;
- lemon;
- peppermint;
- pine trees;
- fir;
- rosemary;
- thyme.
When choosing a product for the manufacture of natural repellent, it is necessary first of all to focus on its properties, availability, and also take into account for whom the composition will be used.
Ways to use essential oils for children and adults
Aroma oils are never applied to the skin in their pure form due to their high concentration: this can cause irritation or allergies. For the preparation of protective agents, the aromatic component is most often mixed with an alcohol or oil base.
The following types of protective mixtures are most often used:
- spray;
- aroma mixture;
- hygiene and cosmetic products.
Making repellents with your own hands
There are several ways to make tick repellants. Let's take a closer look at a few of them below.
How to use essential oil for ticks for dogs and cats
To repel ticks from cats and dogs, it is better to use the aroma of thyme, lavender as part of a spray or mixture. To prepare a spray, mix 1 drop of oil with a teaspoon of cologne. Spray the resulting mixture on the animal's coat with a spray bottle, comb thoroughly.
To prepare the mixture, combine 50 ml. vegetable oil with 2 drops of essential. Apply the resulting product against the animal's hair all over the body, comb.
It is also recommended to apply the product on the collar of the animal before a walk, 2-3 drops are enough.
Contraindications and precautions
Along with the benefits for humans and animals, aromatic oils can also cause undesirable consequences.
Before using the product, you need to check if there is any sensitivity to it. To do this, at least 12 hours before use, you need to apply a few drops of aroma mixture on your wrist (a teaspoon of the base liquid and 1 drop of the substance). If there is no itching and redness, the mixture can be used.
Aroma mixtures have and other contraindications:
- any allergic reactions in history;
- kidney disease and epilepsy - thyme and basil are prohibited;
- hypertension - basil, mint;
- hypotension - tea tree, lemon, lemon balm;
- oils should be used with caution during pregnancy, including in animals.
Additional Precautions:
- do not apply oil formulations to the skin in hot weather, but only to clothing;
- do not violate the ratio of components for the repellent;
- avoid contact with eyes, use protective goggles when spraying.