Are you having a problem with ticks in your outdoor space? Ticks are a major nuisance in the garden. Not only do they bite humans and animals, but ticks also latch on and feed on their host for several days. These parasitic arachnids carry bacteria and other parasites and spread several diseases. In particular, Lyme disease and spotted fever are common diseases that are associated with ticks.
But, not to worry, there are a few plants you can easily grow outdoors to keep these pests away. Discover five of the best plants to repel ticks in the garden.
1. Chrysanthemums
Plant a few chrysanthemums, also called mums, in your garden to keep ticks at bay! These flowers contain a naturally forming chemical called pyrethrum, which is effective at repelling pests like ticks and fleas. Pyrethrum is toxic to ticks and affects their nervous system. They quickly recognize the smell of chrysanthemums and will stay away.
To care for mums, plant in a sunny location that receives about six hours of sunlight. Feed your plants monthly with compost or a well-balanced fertilizer, as mums are heavy feeders and need a steady supply of nutrients. Watering is equally important for mums. They require consistently moist soil to grow properly. Ensure the soil is well-draining, however, as mums dislike growing in standing water. Water your plants deeply, avoiding contact with the leaves, and provide about 1 inch of water per week. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the plants to better retain soil moisture.
2. Lavender
Lavender repels ticks from the garden due to its strong aroma. While humans enjoy its beautiful blooms and soft fragrance, ticks despise it. Planting a few around the garden dramatically reduces your chances of ticks. On top of this, you can harvest a few leaves and rub them directly onto your skin. This releases its scent and acts as a natural repellant! The smell of lavender also keeps away rodents like mice and rats.
Plant lavender outdoors when soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Lavender is more challenging to start from seed, as seeds may take up to three months to germinate. Instead, purchase transplants or propagate a cutting from another plant. Grow in full sun, at least six to eight hours daily, and in well-draining soil. Water lavender plants one to two times a week until they reach maturity. From there, water every two to four weeks as mature plants need less frequent watering.
3. Sage
Another option to reduce the presence of ticks in the garden is to grow sage. Like lavender, ticks (and fleas!) do not like the strong smell of sage and its leaves. Enjoy cooking with sage in the kitchen while it protects your outdoor space from these pests.
Sage likes full sun and soil temperatures from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This perennial herb does not tolerate overly wet soil, so be careful not to give the plant too much water. Sage can handle periods of drought and can survive on less water. Harvest sage and use it in various dishes — regular pruning encourages new growth on your plant.
4. Mint
If you're having a problem with ticks in the garden, grow a few mint plants to deter these arachnids naturally with their pungent smell. Not only does it repel ticks, but mint also keeps away insects like fleas and mosquitos. Popular species to grow in the garden include spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita).
Mint is an aggressive plant that grows best in its container or raised bed as it quickly takes over a space. It proliferates and stretches out by runners and underground rhizomes. Regular harvests and pruning keep the plant from growing too unruly in your outdoor space. Plant in a location of the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil moist and water mint regularly — every two to three days. Mint plants will be happy with about 1 to 2 inches of water weekly. You may need to water plants in containers more often as they can dry out quickly.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is another fragrant herb that repels pests like ticks, fleas, flies, and mosquitos. When touched, it releases an aroma that overwhelms these arachnids. In fact, one study done by the Pesticide Toxicology Laboratory at the Department of Entomology at Iowa State University of Science and Technology showed that rosemary essential oil is a more effective tick-repellant than even DEET, a staple ingredient in store-bought insect repellents.
Grow rosemary in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Rosemary prefers slightly acidic soil — aim for a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Do not overwater rosemary plants. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. This plant is from the Mediterranean region, where it is accustomed to growing in hot, dry conditions.
Harvest the leaves often and use them to make your own tick repellant. To do this, boil 4 cups of water and add 1 ounce of dried rosemary after removing from the heat. From there, strain the water into a spray bottle, add 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, and mix thoroughly. You can use this spray on your pets as well as yourself! Alternatively, trim a few leaves and rub them directly onto your skin. This releases rosemary's pungent aroma and will deter ticks from biting.
Keep Ticks Away
Grow any of these five plants to keep ticks away from your outdoor space. Ticks are most active when the temperature increases during the spring, summer, and fall. For the best results, consider planting a few of these plants in combination and enjoy a relatively pest-free garden!
Are you planting any of these tick-repelling plants? Which ones are your favorite to grow? Leave a comment down below and share.