Ticks aren’t just pesky little bugs—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you enjoy spending time outside, whether it’s gardening, playing with your pets, or just soaking up the fresh air, the last thing you want is to worry about ticks lurking in your yard. Instead of reaching for chemical sprays, why not let nature do the work for you? Some plants give off natural scents that ticks absolutely hate, making them a simple, eco-friendly way to keep these pests away.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to seven amazing plants that repel ticks and show you how to use them to keep your yard tick-free!
How Do Plants Repel Ticks?
Some plants naturally produce essential oils that ticks absolutely can’t stand. Their strong scents help mask the smells that usually attract ticks to people and pets, making it harder for these tiny pests to find a host. Plus, some plants even contain special compounds that mess with a tick’s ability to sense its next meal!
By planting these tick-repelling plants around your yard, you can create a natural shield against ticks—no harsh chemicals needed. And the best part? Many of these plants also smell amazing, attract helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies, and can even be used in cooking or home remedies!
7 Plants That Naturally Repel Ticks
Lavender
- Why It Works: Lavender’s lovely floral scent isn’t just soothing for us—it’s a powerful natural repellent that keeps ticks and other pesky insects away.
- How to Use It: Plant lavender along walkways, in garden borders, or near patios to create a fragrant, tick-free zone. You can also dry the flowers and tuck them into sachets to keep bugs out of your home.
- Extra Benefits: Not only does lavender smell amazing, but it also attracts friendly pollinators like bees and butterflies while keeping mosquitoes and moths at bay!
Citronella
- Why It Works: Citronella is well-known for keeping mosquitoes away, but its strong lemony scent also makes ticks think twice before coming near.
- How to Use It: Plant citronella in pots or garden beds where it gets plenty of sunshine. For an extra boost, crush the leaves to release even more of their natural repelling oils.
- Extra Benefits: Not only does citronella keep bugs at bay, but it also acts as a natural air freshener and can be used in homemade insect-repellent sprays.
Rosemary
- Why It Works: osemary’s bold, herbal scent throws ticks off track, making it harder for them to sniff out their next meal.
- How to Use It: Grow rosemary in garden beds, pots, or even as a natural hedge. You can also dry the leaves and sprinkle them around outdoor seating areas for extra protection.
- Extra Benefits: Besides repelling ticks, rosemary is a tasty addition to your kitchen and even has natural antibacterial properties!
Lemon Balm
- Why It Works: As a member of the mint family, lemon balm gives off a fresh, citrusy scent that naturally keeps ticks and other bugs away.
- How to Use It: Plant lemon balm in containers to keep it from taking over your garden. For the best tick-repelling power, crush the leaves to release their full effect.
- Extra Benefits: Not only does lemon balm help fight off pests, but it also makes a soothing herbal tea and has natural calming properties!
Garlic
- Why It Works: Garlic’s potent smell, thanks to sulfur compounds, is a natural tick repellent that they simply can’t stand.
- How to Use It: Plant garlic around your garden or along yard borders to create a tick-repelling barrier. You can also crush garlic and mix it with water to make your own homemade tick repellent spray.
- Extra Benefits: Besides keeping ticks away, fresh garlic is perfect for cooking and is packed with immune-boosting benefits!
Marigolds
- Why It Works: Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that ticks and other pests find unbearable.
- How to Use It: Plant marigolds around your vegetable garden, along pathways, or near entrances to keep ticks and other bugs at bay.
- Extra Benefits: Not only do marigolds help repel pests, but their bright, cheerful flowers add a splash of color to your garden and attract helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies!
Sage
- Why It Works: Sage has a strong, earthy scent that ticks dislike, and it can even be burned as a natural insect-repelling smudge to keep bugs away.
- How to Use It: Plant sage in your garden, and dry the leaves to use in smudging rituals or as a bug-repellent tool.
- Extra Benefits: Besides keeping ticks away, sage is perfect for seasoning your food and has natural antibacterial properties!
How to Use These Plants to Keep Ticks Away
Planting tick-repelling plants is just the first step. Here are some extra tips to maximize their effectiveness:
- Strategic Placement: Plant these herbs and flowers around patios, walkways, and seating areas to create a natural tick barrier where you spend the most time.
- Companion Planting: Combine these plants with other pest-repelling favorites like basil, mint, and eucalyptus for even stronger protection.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your plants healthy and trimmed to help them continue releasing those powerful scents that keep ticks away.
- Crush the Leaves: For an extra kick, crush the leaves of lemon balm, rosemary, or lavender when you’re outdoors to release more of their natural oils.
- Use Essential Oils: For an added layer of protection, make your own tick repellent spray using essential oils from these plants!
Other Natural Ways to Keep Ticks Out of Your Yard
Besides planting tick-repelling plants, here are some extra ways to keep ticks from taking over your space:
- Keep Grass Short: Ticks love tall, unkempt grass, so mowing your lawn regularly can help reduce their hiding spots.
- Remove Leaf Piles: Ticks thrive in dark, damp areas, so clear away fallen leaves and debris to make your yard less inviting.
- Create a Mulch Barrier: Use gravel or wood chips around the edges of your yard to make it harder for ticks to move in.
- Use Natural Sprays: Essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and cedarwood can be diluted and sprayed around tick-prone areas for extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best plant to repel ticks?
Lavender is one of the best plants for repelling ticks due to its strong floral scent that they find intolerable. Citronella, rosemary, and garlic are also highly effective. These plants create a natural barrier in your yard, making it less inviting for t
What smell do ticks hate?
Ticks strongly dislike scents like lavender, citronella, rosemary, lemon balm, and garlic. These plants produce essential oils that disrupt a tick’s ability to detect hosts. The strong aroma also makes the environment unappealing for ticks, reducing their presence in your yard.
Does lemongrass repel ticks?
Lemongrass, which contains citronella, is an effective tick repellent. Its strong citrusy scent confuses ticks and keeps them away from areas where it is planted. Crushing the leaves releases even more of its natural oils, enhancing its effectiveness.
