Something is happening with ticks right now, and farmers are starting to talk.

I am hearing directly from farmers in the Midwest about unusual tick activity in their fields. Reports of boxes of ticks being found. Reports of ticks being seen in ways that feel out of the ordinary.

At the same time, we are seeing a very real increase in tick populations across our region. Longer seasons. More exposure. More aggressive environments.

And in my practice, I am seeing the impact.

More Lyme
More chronic symptoms
More alpha gal

As someone who has personally walked through Lyme, this is not something I take lightly. And it is not something I am willing to ignore.

Whether every single report has an explanation yet or not, one thing is clear. Ticks are increasing. Exposure is increasing. And so are the health challenges that come with it.

This is not about fear. This is about awareness.

If you live on land, have animals, or spend time outdoors, this matters more than you think.

7 Natural Tick Remedies That Work - Farmers' Almanac
Essential oils, neem oil, apple cider vinegar, and tick-repellent plants are among the most effective natural ways to repel ticks.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are widely recognized for their tick-repelling properties. Oils such as lemongrass, cedarwood, citronella, geranium, peppermint, lavender, and rose geranium can be applied to skin or clothing in diluted sprays to deter ticks effectively. For example, a spray can be made by combining apple cider vinegar with essential oils like geranium, cedarwood, citronella, and lemongrass, then filling the rest of the bottle with water.
Farmers' Almanac

Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural repellent that can be applied directly to exposed skin or diluted with a carrier oil like almond oil for pets. It has a strong odor that ticks dislike and can also help remove ticks if applied directly to them.
Farmers' Almanac

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used both topically and internally. A topical spray made with water, apple cider vinegar, and neem oil can be applied to skin, clothing, or pets. Some people also add a teaspoon to drinking water, which may help repel ticks from the inside out.
Farmers' Almanac

Tick-Repellent Plants
Certain plants naturally deter ticks when grown around your yard or garden. Lavender, rosemary, marigolds, sage, catnip, and feverfew are effective at creating a natural barrier along the perimeter of lawns and garden beds. These plants not only repel ticks but also enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor space.
Farmers' Almanac

Yard and Environmental Management
Ticks thrive in shaded, moist areas. Maintaining a sunny, dry lawn, removing leaf litter, trimming overgrown shrubs, and creating a wood chip or gravel border between wooded areas and your yard can significantly reduce tick populations. Introducing natural predators like chickens or guinea fowl can also help control ticks in your property.
Family Handyman

Other Natural Methods
Cedar oil sprays can be applied to skin, clothing, or garden perimeters to repel ticks.
Garlic oil can be used as a lawn spray to reduce tick presence, though multiple applications may be needed.

Salt or boric acid can help kill tick larvae indoors, particularly in carpets or furniture.


By combining these natural repellents with proper yard management and personal protective measures, you can effectively reduce tick exposure without relying on harsh chemicals. https://www.farmersalmanac.com/7-natural-tick-remedies-work