Plants That You Can Use As A Natural Repellent For Fleas And Ticks

For some time now, many people have chosen to use a natural repellent when fighting fleas and ticks. Although the options they sell in the market are made, for the most part, of mild formulas and approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are those who prefer to use natural ingredients.

According to information published in Drugs , repellants are products that contain ingredients that make the person or pet unattractive to insects (in this case fleas and ticks). They act only in the area of ​​the skin where they are applied and close to the treated surface.

Flea and tick problems

Fleas are small insects that jump great distances and feed on blood that they ingest with their bite. According to a publication in the Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine , they can produce dermatological lesions that lead to hard scratching and, with this, to injury.

On the other hand, in the case of pets, these little critters can cause anemia and infections by parasites. Therefore, once they are detected, measures must be taken to try to eliminate them.

Meanwhile, ticks are mites that parasitize warm-blooded animals such as dogs, rabbits, sheep and, in the same way, people. They feed by sucking blood without causing burning or itching.

In children they can be harbored on the scalp. They are quite dangerous because, as a publication in the National Center for Biotechnology Information explains , they can cause Lyme disease and other chronic problems.

Plants as a natural repellent

It must be clear that plants are not as powerful a repellent as commercial ones. However, they can be useful in many cases. Do you know the options? In the following space we detail them.

Mint

Mint is an aromatic plant with a characteristic refreshing aroma. In addition, according to information in Home Guides magazine , it is one of the most chosen to eliminate fleas and ticks, since they are safe for your pets.

Garlic

A great idea is to plant garlic in the garden to prevent ticks from proliferating. You can also crush a few cloves and spread them around the edges of other plant beds. It is a good natural repellent for other pests and of course, for ticks. Be careful if you have cats, as for some it can be harmful.

Rosemary

It is a plant that grows naturally throughout the Mediterranean region. If you take good care of it you can have it perfectly in another climate. In addition to being a very effective natural repellent, it has two properties: one is that it has a light blue flower that fits very well as a decoration. On the other hand, it is a delicious seasoning that you can use in many dishes.

Chrysanthemums

This is a plant with beautiful and colorful flowers that beautify the gardens. In addition, they prevent fleas and ticks from entering your home. The flower is also used to keep lice and cockroaches away. Place the flowers around the edges of the garden or around other plants.

Lavender, the most chosen among plants as a repellent

It belongs to the mint family; It is beautiful, it has very colorful flowers and an exquisite aroma. This plant is extremely safe for pets. In addition to preventing the entry of fleas and ticks, it also repels moths and mosquitoes, as noted in a study published in BioMed Research International .

Catnip

The very mint-like catnip that most cats love. This plant secretes an intense minty smell that traps cats while protecting them from fleas. Its leaves are widely used in making toys to entertain cats.

Lemongrass

It is also known by the name of lemongrass. It has many properties, among which are antiseptic, digestive and natural repellent against fleas. It is also used in gastronomy due to the intensity of its aroma and flavor.

Daisies

Its full name is Margarita Fleabane Daisy, it is a beautiful white flower with white leaves and a yellow center. It is widely used in gardening for the beauty of its flowers.
In addition, it is a very good repellent against fleas, mosquitoes and flies that is not dangerous for your pets. A good idea is to rub the leaves of this flower on the animal’s hair.

Purple sage

In many places it grows wild but can also be planted in patios and gardens. Sage is a natural flea repellent that smells great. It is extremely safe for pets and its scent triples after the rain. Plant it in your garden and enjoy its benefits.

Veterinarian help is important

We can use these natural plants as allies to ward off fleas and ticks. However, if we cannot remove them, we will have to seek professional help. Remember that these insects can harm our health and that of our pets, therefore, it is essential to find effective methods to eliminate them.