Plants That Keep Ticks Away

Tired of worrying about ticks every time you step into your yard? You can create a beautiful, fragrant garden that also acts as a natural barrier against these pests. Certain plants that keep ticks away do so with their strong scents, which ticks find repulsive. This is a safe, chemical-free way to reclaim your outdoor space for you, your family, and your pets.

This approach is often called “companion planting” for pest control. By strategically placing these plants around seating areas, play spaces, and along property borders, you build a living defense system. It’s not a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces tick habitats and discourages them from settling in. Let’s look at how it works and which plants are most effective.

The power of these plants lies in their essential oils. When the leaves are brushed, crushed, or warmed by the sun, they release strong aromas. Ticks, who navigate primarily by smell, avoid these areas. For the best results, you’ll want to plant them where people frequently walk or relax.

Top Tick-Repelling Plants for Your Garden

Here are the most reliable plants to include in your tick-fighting arsenal. Many are also beautiful and attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Lavender: This classic purple-flowered plant is beloved by humans but hated by ticks, mosquitoes, and moths. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The dried flowers can also be used in sachets for your home.
Rosemary: A wonderful woody herb that’s as useful in the kitchen as it is in the garden. Its pungent scent is a strong tick deterrent. It grows well in pots or as a landscape shrub in warmer climates.
Lemongrass: This tall, grassy plant contains citronella oil, a well-known natural repellent. It’s a tropical plant, so in cooler zones it’s best grown in a large pot that you can bring indoors for winter.
Garlic: Planting a whole garlic bed is a great idea! When you plant garlic, its compounds enter the soil and help repel underground pests, and the smell above ground discourages ticks. You can also make a simple spray from crushed garlic and water.
Wormwood (Artemisia): This silvery-leafed plant has a very bitter scent and contains a compound called absinthin. It’s so effective that it can inhibit the growth of plants around it, so give it some space at the back of a border.
Chrysanthemums: These colorful flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide used in many organic pest products. They repel ticks, ants, and roaches. Note that pyrethrum can be toxic to cats and fish.
Catnip: Studies show that catnip can be even more effective than DEET at repelling some insects, and ticks dislike it too. The catch? It will attract every cat in the neighborhood, so plant it where feline visitors won’t cause a problem.
Mint: Peppermint and spearmint are excellent repellents. However, mint is incredibly invasive. Always plant mint in pots or containers to prevent it from taking over your entire garden bed.

How to Design Your Tick-Repellent Garden

Simply buying a few plants isn’t enough. Placement is key to making your garden work for you. Think about creating protective barriers and focusing on high-traffic zones.

Follow these steps for the best layout:

Map Your Activity Zones. Identify where you, your kids, and your pets spend the most time: patios, decks, play sets, dog runs, and pathways.
Create Borders. Plant taller varieties like lemongrass and rosemary along the edges of your property, especially near wooded areas. This creates a first line of defence.
Surround Seating Areas. Plant fragrant lavender, mint in pots, or chrysanthemums in beds and containers immediately around your patio or porch.
Line Your Pathways. Plant low-growing herbs like creeping thyme or Corsican mint between stepping stones. When crushed underfoot, they release their tick-repelling oils.
Maintain Your Plants. Regularly prune and water your plants to keep them healthy and robust. More growth means more fragrant oils.

Important Safety and Effectiveness Tips

Natural doesn’t always mean risk-free. Some plants can be harmful if ingested by pets or children. Always research a plant’s safety profile before adding it to your garden, especially if you have curious pets. Chrysanthemums and wormwood, for example, should be placed with caution.

Remember, a garden is just one part of a complete tick strategy. You should still:

Keep your lawn mowed and clear of leaf litter.
Create dry, wood-chip or gravel barriers between lawns and wooded areas.
Perform regular tick checks on yourself and your pets after being outdoors.
Use veterinarian-approved tick prevention on pets.

Making a Simple Tick-Repellent Spray from Your Garden

You can harness the power of your plants to make a quick spray for your shoes and pants (never apply directly to skin without a patch test). Here’s a easy recipe using rosemary:

Harvest a large handful of fresh rosemary sprigs.
Boil them in a quart of water for 30 minutes.
Let the mixture cool completely, then strain the plant material out.
Pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Add a tablespoon of witch hazel or apple cider vinegar as a preservative.
Label the bottle clearly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Spray it on your clothing before gardening or hiking.

Plants That Attract Tick Predators

Another smart tactic is to invite nature’s pest control to your yard. Many birds, insects, and even reptiles eat ticks. By planting species that attract these beneficial creatures, you add another layer of protection.

Consider adding:

Sunflowers: Their seeds attract birds like finches, who also eat ticks.
Native wildflowers: These attract beneficial wasps and spiders that prey on small pests.
Ground cover: Plants like clover provide habitat for ants and beetles, which are known to consume tick eggs and larvae.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What plants keep ticks and mosquitoes away?

Many plants that repel ticks also work on mosquitoes. Lavender, lemongrass, citronella grass, marigolds, and catnip are all excellent dual-purpose choices for your garden.

Are there any plants that repel ticks that are safe for dogs?

Yes, many are safe. Lavender, rosemary, and sage are generally considered non-toxic to dogs. However, always prevent your dog from over-ingesting any plant, and consult your vet if you have concerns. Avoid chrysanthemums if your dog likes to chew on plants.

How quickly do tick-repelling plants work?

They start working as soon as they are mature enough to produce oils, but the effect is localized. The plants create a protective zone around themselves; they don’t eliminate ticks from your entire property instantly. Consistent placement and a well-maintained garden are crucial for ongoing results.

Can I just plant these and forget about other tick prevention?

No. Using plants is a fantastic supplementary strategy, but it should not replace standard precautions. You still need to maintain your yard, use personal repellent in high-risk areas, and do thorough tick checks. Think of these plants as a helpful, natural layer in your overall defense plan.

Starting a garden with plants that keep ticks away is a rewarding project. It makes your yard smell wonderful, looks beautiful, and gives you more peace of mind. With the right layout and plant choices, you can enjoy your outdoor sanctuary with fewer worries about unwanted pests. Just remember to combine this approach with other smart habits for the best protection.