Nasty Uptick in Ticks Expected in Northern Illinois Over the Next Few Months
The little bastards of summer will be roaming nature like a tiny little army this year. I'm talking about ticks and you can blame the mild winter for this. These pains in the skin are most active in April, May, and June and can carry more than just Lyme disease.
Some of the diseases ticks can carry sound like something straight from a science fiction movie. Check out part of an article shared by MyStateline.
Some others listed by the CDC include babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, southern tick-associated rash illness, tick-borne relapsing fever and tularemia.
Babesiosis? Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever? Tularemia? I'm not looking up the symptoms of any of those. I'll leave that to and spare myself nightmares and unnecessary anxiety.
The article goes on to explain a few ways to repel these little demonic monsters, including using bug spray with DEET and wearing light-colored clothes (which make it easy to spot them.)
5 Natural Ways To Keep Ticks Away
Farmers' Almanac listed a few other ways to guard yourself against ticks, one which you may already do regularly.
- Eucalyptus Oil
Just combine 4 ounces of purified or distilled water to a small spray bottle along with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Shake before using and spray on skin, pant cuffs, and shoes.
It's safe for dogs too but must be diluted with water before applying to your pet.
- Certain Aromatherapy Essential Oils
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.
There's also a note to make sure the oil is 100% organic.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
2 cups of water
4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of organic neem oil
Not only can it be applied to skin and clothing, but also lawn furniture.
- DIY Tick & Insect Repellent
9 drops citronella essential oil
6 drops Tea Tree essential oil
6 drops Peppermint essential oils
1 tablespoon almond oil or jojoba oil
That concoction is meant for exposed skin only. If you're not feeling that ambitious the next option might be perfect for you.
- Garlic
The garlic causes the body to excrete a scent that ticks hate.
Eating garlic regularly may give you bad breath but it'll serve you well on the battlefield against ticks.
You can read a few more tips and caution reminders here.