Ticks are common household pests that infest pets. That said, they can make an appearance even in non-pet households. They may come from reptiles and birds just passing through the yard. As soon as the weather starts warming up, one must watch out for these insects. One way to prevent tick infestations is by placing a few fragrant plants around the house. Here are some commonly used fragrant plants that are known to repel ticks.
1. Sage
Sage leaves are usually used to add flavor to food. They have a savory and warm taste. At the same time, they emit a strong, earthy aroma that can be calming for humans but repellent for ticks. Thus, sage plants can make a versatile addition to one’s home. Make sure to have multiple plants clustered together to emit a strong smell to repel the ticks.
2. Lemongrass
The lemongrass plant secretes a citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to that of lemons but slightly milder. They look like normal, tall grasses. While normal grass can attract mosquitoes and other pests, lemongrass is an effective repellent against ticks. Moreover, it can also be used in food prep or to make tea. In addition, these are quite low-maintenance plants. During the summer, keep them in a sunny and sheltered place. Make sure to water regularly to prevent the grass from drying out. During the winter, the plant can be kept indoors.
3. Lavender
This plant is known for its calming properties. It can be added to teas or soothing herbal beverages. While lavender’s delicate and sweet floral smell is attractive, it doesn’t smell so pleasant to insects. The fragrance of lavender repels mosquitoes, moths, and ticks. The color of the lander flower is also known to deter ticks from coming into close vicinity of the plant.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a bulb plant that belongs to the same category as onions. While it is packed with flavors, it also emits a powerful smell. This sharp smell makes the plant quite unappetizing to pests such as ticks. Fall and spring are the best periods to plant garlic in the garden. One can grow a garlic plant with just one clove. It must be placed in a sunny place, and the soil must be well-drained. For warmth during the winter, add a mulch layer for protection.
5. Chrysanthemums
The chrysanthemum plant is known to be a natural pesticide. This is because some chemical-based pesticides contain compounds that mimic the ones released by chrysanthemums. This plant repels and makes an aesthetic addition to one’s garden.
6. Rosemary
A common herb used in cooking, rosemary can be easily planted in one’s kitchen garden. It is known for its earthy fragrance, resulting from the plethora of essential oils in the leaves. In addition to releasing a pleasant smell, these oils repel insects and pests, such as ticks. To plant rosemary, one can use a cutting of another plant or use seeds. It is easier to grow from a cutting. Place it in a pot indoors. Once roots grow, plant them outside. It’s quite a hardy plant that prefers hot and dry conditions.