Place these 5 plants around your MS home to keep ticks away, experts say
Gardening season is in full swing — and with a little strategy, your yard can do more than look good. Certain plants can help keep ticks and other unwanted pests away from your home.
Ticks aren’t just a nuisance. Each year, about 476,000 people in the United States are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some plants naturally produce strong scents and oils that can keep ticks at bay, and adding them to your garden can be one more layer of protection, according to experts.
Here are five plants to consider adding this season to help deter those dangerous parasites, according to the Global Lyme Alliance.
1. Lavender
Lavender’s fragrance might be calming for humans, but ticks hate it. Planting lavender makes your garden look beautiful with its purple blooms and adds a line of protection against ticks.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary’s aroma is repulsive to ticks, but planting it in your garden isn’t just a beautiful, low maintenance addition — it’s also useful in the kitchen.
3. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a great addition to your garden as they have a natural insect repellent toxic to ticks.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are cheerful and have a scent that repels ticks — sounds like another win-win.
5. Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citronella oil which helps prevent ticks and other irritating bugs.
If you have pets that like to hang out in your yard, be sure to double-check if what you’re planting can hurt them. Some of these plants are toxic for cats and dogs.
What to do if you find a tick on yourself
Here’s what to do if you find a tick on your body, according to the CDC:
- Remove the tick as soon as possible by grasping it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible.
- Dispose of the tick by putting it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet.
- Thoroughly clean the area around the tick bite with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
- Check to make sure there are no other ticks on your body.
- See your doctor if you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing the tick.
