Repel Ticks and Fleas with Essential Oils

If you're looking for natural flea and tick repellent for your pets I've got good news for you. essential oils are very effective insect repellents. In fact some essential oils are proving to be as effective as DEET.   

Many pet parents are, with good reason, concerned about using chemicals treatments on their pets for tick and flea prevention. Adverse reactions to both topically applied and oral doses of insecticidal chemicals can have devastating consequences.  

Essential oils are a healthy alternative to putting chemicals in or on your pets. Essential oils easily protect dogs while walking through neighborhood parks and even through the woods. But, depending on where and when you go, you may need to reapply after being outside for more than an hour. The problem is that essential oils evaporate quickly, generally within 1-3 hours of being applied. 

There are times when they may not be appropriate, such as during weekend camping or hunting trips, cats that are outdoors for days, those living in rural, heavily wooded areas, or any areas where tick or flea infestations are high. When it comes to protecting your fur baby, do your research and make the best decision for your family.

Best essential oils for repelling fleas and ticks

Despite the fact that mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are all distinct species, the same essential oils are used, though you may need to experiment with what works best for your dog in your area. With so many citronella products available, you might think it’s the best. After all, the EPA approved it.  While citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is effective, current research is showing there are other choices that are equally, if not more, effective.

Here are several essential oils that are known to have insect repelling properties…

Cedarwood has long been used as an insect repellant. Do you recall cedar chests? They used Cedarwood to protect clothing from insects. But, not all cedarwoods are created equal. The most effective cedarwood species are Cedarwood Virginian (Juniperus virginiana) or Texas Cedarwood (Juniperus mexicana). 

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) is a powerful insect repellant and insecticide. Yes, I said eucalyptus, but this one is chemically different and safer for our animals than the more common Eucalyptus globulus.  Eucalyptus citridora is the only eucalyptus that is proven to repel bugs. Substituting a different eucalyptus will not work and may cause unpleasant reactions for your pet. 

If you want to learn more about the various eucalyptus essential oils, check out Which Eucalyptus Should You Use?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, and var. flexousos) is as effective as citronella, if not more so. (Did you notice the latin names? They belong to the same genus family). Personally, I prefer the more citrusy scent of lemongrass. 

Geranium, or Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens or Pelargonium roseum), is a beautiful, flowery essential oil that excels as an insect repellant. 

Catnip (Nepita cataria) is a newcomer to the insect repellant scene. Research is showing it’s potentially 10 times more effective than DEET.  

Patchouli, peppermint, spearmint, and lavender are also good bug repellents, but they work best when combined with other essential oils. In fact, a recent study discovered that combining peppermint and patchouli repelled mosquitoes for 210 minutes and that Spearmint could be as effective as DEET. 

If you're concerned about using peppermint with your pets, check out Is Peppermint Essential Oil Toxic to Pets? 

You may see non-essential oils like Apple Cider Vinegar or a drop of dish soap added in recipes blends. These may help and won't hurt.

How to repel ticks with essential oils

Essential oils repel bugs best when combined with a carrier oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO).  FCO works well in a spray bottle, and is easy to rub onto your dog’s coat (or your skin) for heavier coverage, and easy to reapply.  

Not sure where to begin? Here is a recipe for a  blend I use on myself and my dogs. (For cats, see below.)

No More Bugs Blend (Makes 1 oz./30 ml) 

2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) 

2 drops Geranium (Pelargonium roseum)

1 drop Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus 

1 drop Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)

1 drop Catnip (Nepita cataria)

1 drop Virginia Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) 

How To Use: Fill 1 oz. bottle with FCO then add essential oils . This dog-friendly blend is a 1% concentration. Apply to your dog’s neck, belly, back, and legs. Simply double (or triple) the amounts to make a larger batch. On the trail, I use a handy 1 oz. PET plastic spray bottle that fits nicely in my pocket or fanny pack.

This blend is also  appropriate for children and adults. Keep in mind that every dog, person, and environment is unique. This formula repels ticks and mosquitos for about an hour in Minnesota woodlands, but its effectiveness may vary depending on where you live.

If this recipe doesn’t work for you or your dogs, experiment. Using the same essential oils, add 1 drop at a time, up to doubling or tripling the recipe, or substitute one of the essential oils on the list for another. For sensitive dogs and dogs under 10 pounds, I recommend doubling the carrier but keeping the same amount of essential oils, then add more essential oils if you need it stronger.

Cat-friendly options

Most indoor cats aren’t at risk for ticks or fleas unless Rover brings them in with him. Cats being self-groomers often ingest whatever is on their fur, so applying essential oils topically is not advised. However, hydrosols are safe to use topically. 

For outdoor cats, and dogs, a safe way to deal with fleas and ticks is diatomaceous earth. Commonly referred to as DE powder, diatomaceous earth dehydrates the exoskeleton of the fleas and ticks, making it an effective pesticide.

When applying DE powder topically to animals, make sure to use food grade DE powder. A spice jar with holes at the top, works well to gently sprinkle the powder on to the skin. Avoid inhaling the powder or getting the powder in the eyes. Reapply if the animal gets wet.

Diatomaceous earth can also be combined with neem powder and/or yarrow powder. A basic formula is 2 parts DE powder mixed with 1 part neem or yarrow powder. Apply as above- gently sprinkle on and rub onto the skin.

I hope this helps you and your fur baby enjoy the outdoors, bug free.  If you have any questions about how to use these essential oils or DE powder with your furry family, email me.

Watch Which Cedarwood Should You Choose in these video links Part 1, Part 2