In this blog post you’ll learn more about Lyme disease, various natural preventative methods you can add to your routine, and what to do if you have a tick attached to you.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of some ticks, commonly found in wooded or grassy areas where they feed on the blood of animals, such as mice, deer, and birds.

The time of year when Lyme disease is a particular concern varies depending on the region. In the United States, it is most prevalent in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest regions. Ticks are most active during the warm months, typically from spring to early fall, but they can remain active in milder climates or during the winter if the temperatures are not freezing. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and take preventive measures throughout the year, especially during periods when ticks are active.

Protecting your family from Lyme disease requires taking certain precautions when they spend time outdoors in tick-infested areas. Here are some measures you can take to minimize their risk of tick bites and Lyme disease:

DRESS YOUR FAMILY APPROPRIATELY: Dress in light-colored clothing with long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks or shoes. This helps prevent ticks from easily accessing their skin. Tucking pants into socks or shoes creates a barrier, making it more challenging for ticks to crawl up their legs.

ADD THESE NATURAL REMEDIES TO YOUR ROUTINE:

1. Try doTERRA Essential Oils

You KNOW I will tell you this AND so does Farmers Almanac. 

“Not only smell great, but they are also known to be natural tick repellents. Ticks hate the smell of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium so they’ll avoid latching on to anything that smells of those items. Any of these or a combination can be used in DIY sprays or added to almond oil and rubbed on exposed skin.”

Want to try essential oils as a repellent for ticks and other pests?  Make it easy for yourself and try TerraShield – doTERRA’s repellent blend pre-made with Citronella, Lemongrass, Thyme, Cedarwood, Geranium, and Peppermint essential oils in a base of Sesame Seed Oil. 

One of the great things about essential oils, is you can use them for a variety of health concerns.  As an example, doTERRA peppermint may repel ticks, AND it is also great for freshening your breath, resolving head discomfort, helping you have more energy, cooling in the hot weather, helpful for car sickness, and is a wonderful flavor to add to various recipes.  I am happy to help you learn how to leverage your essential oils for various reasons. 

To make it easy for you, I built a shopping cart for you including all the essential oils mentioned in the Blog Post.  With this link you can save 25% off retail, and you can add or remove items in the cart to only get what you want.

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2. Try Cedar Oil Spray

Cedar oil is a non-toxic, natural tick and insect repellent. It can be sprayed directly on clothing and skin. It is safe for use on humans and pets. Not only does cedar oil repel ticks and other irritating insects, but it kills them. Cedar oil spray can be purchased online and at most pet stores and big-box retailers.

Or make your own! Just combine 4 ounces of purified or distilled water to a small spray bottle along with 20 drops of doTERRA Cedarwood essential oil. Shake before using and spray on skin, pant cuffs, and shoes.  

3. Homemade Tick and Insect Repellent

Try this simple recipe. Just mix and apply to exposed skin before heading outdoors:

9 drops doTERRA citronella essential oil

6 drops doTERRA Tea Tree essential oil

6 drops doTERRA Peppermint essential oils

1 tablespoon almond oil or jojoba oil

4. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is known as an effective tick repellent. Just combine 4 ounces of purified or distilled water to a small spray bottle along with 20 drops of doTERRA eucalyptus essential oil. Shake before using and spray on skin, pant cuffs, and shoes.  

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar to the rescue once again! This wonderful natural remedy also helps to repel ticks. The following solution can be sprayed on clothing and exposed skin, even lawn furniture. Combine the following in a spray bottle:

2 cups of water

4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons of organic neem oil

6. Neem Oil

Need oil is used as a natural remedy to repel ticks. To use, add several drops to the palm of your hand and rub on exposed skin. It can also be diluted and mixed with almond or other light carrier oil.   

7. Eat Garlic!

We all know that garlic has excellent health benefits, and now we can add one more to the list. Regular consumption of garlic or garlic capsules reduces the risk of tick bites. The garlic causes the body to excrete a scent that ticks don’t like very much.

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PERFORM TICK CHECKS: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your family members’ bodies for ticks. Pay close attention to their scalp, behind the ears, underarms, groin area, and other hidden areas where ticks may attach. Promptly remove any ticks you find. Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information on removing ticks safely and next steps.

MODIFY OUTDOOR AREAS: Make your yard less attractive to ticks by keeping lawns well-maintained, clearing leaf litter, and creating a barrier between wooded areas and play areas. Consider using wood chips or gravel to create a buffer zone.

EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY ABOUT TICKS: Teach them to recognize ticks and the importance of avoiding them. Instruct them to stay on trails, avoid tall grasses and shrubs, and refrain from playing in leaf piles or areas known to harbor ticks.

SHOWER AFTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Encourage your child to take a shower or bathe within two hours of coming indoors. This can help remove any unattached ticks and reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.

CREATE AWARENESS AMONG CAREGIVERS: If your child attends a camp or daycare program, communicate with the staff about tick prevention measures and ensure they follow proper tick checks and safety protocols.

CHECK PETS FOR TICKS: Pets can carry ticks indoors, increasing the risk of exposure. Regularly inspect your pets for ticks, use tick prevention products recommended by a veterinarian, and keep them out of areas where ticks are prevalent.

What may early symptoms of Lyme Disease feel like?

Know the signs and symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a bull’s-eye rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches. If you suspect your child may have been exposed to ticks and is displaying symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

By implementing these preventive measures and promoting tick awareness, you can help protect children from Lyme disease and minimize their risk of tick bites.

What if you have a Tick that’s attached to the Skin? Here’s What Should You Do:

Not all ticks carry Lyme disease but it still can be unsettling. Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information on removing ticks safely and next steps.