These Six Plants Are Tick-Repellent, Providing A Natural Solution For Combating The Pests In Your Garden
As we spend more time outdoors this season, the threat of ticks becomes a real concern for people around the country.
These pesky little creatures not only make their presence known with itchy bites but can also transmit diseases like Lyme disease.
But, while there are chemical solutions available to combat ticks, many people prefer a more natural approach.
Enter the world of tick-repellent plants! These plants can add beauty to your garden while helping keep ticks at bay.
So, here are some of the best plants to include in your garden if you’re looking to repel ticks while maintaining your landscaping.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as just mums, are famous for their vibrant blooms that can light up any garden. Yet, beyond their visual appeal, they also contain a natural compound called pyrethrum – a neurotoxin that is used in many insect repellents and pesticides.
Pyrethrum is highly effective at deterring ticks, making chrysanthemums a smart addition to your tick-repellent strategy.
These flowers thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and while they appreciate regular watering, they are still relatively low maintenance. Simply plant chrysanthemums in borders or as edging to create a natural barrier against ticks.
iryna_l – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
Marigold
Marigolds are widely known for their bright, cheerful flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
However, these hardy plants also release a subtle fragrance that deters ticks, along with other pests like mosquitoes and aphids. The natural compounds in marigolds, such as limonene and pyrethrum, make them a powerful tick deterrent.
These flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are even drought-tolerant – making them perfect for those who may not have the greenest thumb. Regular deadheading will also help promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
Lavender
Everyone knows that lavender is loved for its soothing scent and beautiful purple blooms. But while the aroma might excite our senses, ticks actually find it repulsive.
The essential oils in lavender are known for their insect-repellent properties, making this plant a must-have for any tick-repellent garden.
In terms of care, lavender grows best in well-drained soil with full sunlight. It’s also a drought-resistant plant, so be careful not to overwater it!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees and shrubs may be famous for their aromatic leaves, but they’re also strong insect repellents.
The oil derived from eucalyptus is a common ingredient in natural insect repellents – so when planted in the garden, the natural oils released by the leaves help deter ticks.
If you’re thinking of adding eucalyptus to your tick-repelling repertoire, keep in mind that this plant prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location.
It’s also a fast-growing plant that can reach impressive heights, so make sure you have enough space for it to flourish.
Rosemary
This herb may be popular in the kitchen, but its benefits extend to the garden as well. The aromatic oils in rosemary are – you guessed it – extremely effective at repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests.
Plus, you’ll get a fresh supply of rosemary for cooking right at your fingertips by adding this plant to your garden!
Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The best part? It’s relatively drought-tolerant, making it an ideal plant for those who might forget to water it occasionally.
Garlic
Last but not least is garlic. It’s not just great at warding off vampires – it’s also perfect for repelling ticks. The strong sulfur compounds in garlic simply make it unappealing to ticks and other pests.
If you’d like to add garlic to your garden, it grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. You can also interplant garlic with other veggies to naturally deter ticks throughout your property and enhance the health of your garden.
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