There’s something deeply satisfying about taking care of the people—and pets—you love with simple, intentional choices.
When it comes to ticks, though, that sense of care can quickly turn into concern. Whether you’re spending more time outdoors, hiking, gardening, or just enjoying your backyard, tick protection becomes part of everyday life—especially during warmer months.
Many store-bought repellents are effective, but they can also come with ingredients that don’t feel right for everyone—especially when using them regularly, on children, or around pets. That’s what leads so many people to explore DIY alternatives.
Creating your own tick spray puts you back in control. You get to choose what goes on your skin, what your kids are exposed to, and what’s safe for your animals. It also allows you to tailor recipes for different needs—because what works for an adult isn’t always appropriate for a child, dog, or cat.
This guide brings together simple, nature-inspired tick spray options designed with safety, effectiveness, and flexibility in mind—so you can feel more confident stepping outside.
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Important Safety Disclaimer
Before using any DIY tick spray, it’s important to remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean risk-free.
Essential oils and plant-based ingredients can be powerful, and when used incorrectly, they may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or be harmful—especially for children and pets.
Keep the following in mind:
- Always dilute properly. Never apply concentrated essential oils directly to skin or fur.
- Patch test first. Apply a small amount to a limited area and wait 24 hours to check for irritation.
- Use extra caution with children. Some essential oils are not recommended for young children or infants. When in doubt, use simpler, gentler formulations.
- Be especially careful with pets. Dogs and cats process substances differently, and certain essential oils can be toxic—cats are particularly sensitive and should never be exposed to many common oils.
- Avoid eyes, nose, mouth, and sensitive areas for both humans and animals.
- Consult a professional if unsure. A pediatrician or veterinarian can help guide safe choices for your specific situation.
These DIY options can be a helpful layer of protection—but they work best when used thoughtfully and alongside other prevention methods.
Recipe For Adults:
1 oz Witch Hazel
2 oz Apple Cider Vinegar
2 oz Distilled Water
30 Drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil
20 Drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
10 Drops Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
*Combine all ingredients in a 8oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. Spray on shoes, socks, and clothes. Reapply every 2-3 hours. Patch-test for optimal safety. (Safe for skin)
Top spots to find ticks on adults: scalp, nape of neck, inside/behind the ears, armpits, waistband, groin, behind the knees, belly button, between toes, ankles. Check clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear as well!
Recipe For Children:
1/4 cup Witch Hazel
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup Distilled Water
1 tsp Vegetable Glycerine
15 Drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil
15 Drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
*Combine all ingredients in a 8oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. Spray on shoes, socks, and clothes (avoid hands, mouth, and eyes). Reapply every 1-2 hours. Patch-test for optimal safety. (Safe for skin)
Top spots to find ticks on children: scalp, nape of neck, inside/behind the ears, armpits, waistband, groin, behind the knees, belly button, between toes, ankles. Check clothing, shoes, and outdoor gear as well!
Recipes For Dogs: (Not For Cats)
4 Tbs. Witch Hazel
1 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbs. Coconut Oil
1 ml (about 20 drops) Neem Oil
20 Drops Turmeric Oil
*Alternative Recipe:
1 Cup Distilled Water
1 Tbs. Witch Hazel
1 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp. Coconut Oil
10 Drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
5 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
*Combine all ingredients in a 16oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. Lightly spray on fur, focusing on legs and underbelly (avoid face and eyes). Or spray on hands and apply to fur. Reapply every 4 hours. Patch-test for optimal safety. (Cats can be sensitive to essential oils and some are toxic to them, so use cat appropriate recipes!)
Top spots to find ticks on dogs: between the toes, inside/behind the ears, eyelids, armpits, groin, under the collar, and under the tail. Check your pet well!
Recipe For Cats:
1/2 Cup Distilled Water
1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
10 Drops Neem Oil
10 Drops Catnip Oil
*Combine all ingredients in a 8oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. Lightly spray on fur, focusing on legs, underbelly, and low neck (avoid face and eyes). Or spray on hands and apply to fur. Reapply every 2-3 hours. Patch-test for optimal safety.
Top spots to find ticks on cats: between the toes, inside/behind the ears, eyelids, chin, armpits, groin, under the collar, and under the tail. Check your pet well!
What To Do If You Find A Tick
Finding a tick can be unsettling—but staying calm and removing it properly is what matters most.
Avoid the urge to scrape, crush, or pull it out quickly. Improper removal can increase the risk of infection.
Here’s a simple, safe approach:
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers
Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible—right where its mouthparts are attached.
2. Pull upward slowly and steadily
Use gentle, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause parts to break off and remain in the skin.
3. Clean the area
Once removed, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or an antiseptic.
4. Dispose of the tick properly
Instead of crushing it or dropping it in the sink, place the tick in:
- rubbing alcohol,
- a sealed bag/container, or
- flush it only after securing it (so it doesn’t escape beforehand)
Some people choose to save the tick in a sealed container in case identification is needed later.
5. Monitor the area
Watch for any unusual symptoms over the next few days or weeks, such as:
- rash (especially a bullseye shape)
- fever
- fatigue
- joint pain
If anything seems off, contact a healthcare provider.
A Reassuring Note
Most tick bites are harmless—but proper removal and awareness go a long way in reducing risk.
The goal isn’t to panic—it’s to be prepared.
With the right knowledge and a calm approach, you can handle tick encounters confidently and get back to enjoying your time outdoors.
A Simple Tick Prevention Routine
Tick prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small habits—done consistently—can make a big difference.
Think of it less as a strict system… and more as a rhythm you naturally fall into when spending time outdoors.
Before You Go Outside
Take a moment to prepare:
- Apply your DIY tick spray to exposed skin or clothing
- Use pet-safe spray on dogs (and only approved options for cats)
- Wear light-colored clothing (ticks are easier to spot)
- Choose longer sleeves or pants if you’ll be in wooded or grassy areas
This step isn’t about overthinking—it’s just setting yourself up with awareness.
While You’re Outside
Stay present, not paranoid:
- Stick to clear paths when possible
- Avoid brushing directly through tall grass or dense brush
- Do a quick visual check if you’ve been sitting on the ground
You don’t need to constantly check—just stay lightly aware.
When You Come Back Inside
This is one of the most important habits:
- Do a quick full-body check (especially warm areas like behind knees, under arms, scalp)
- Check children carefully
- Run your hands over your pets—especially around ears, neck, and belly
- Change clothes if you’ve been in high-risk areas
Optional but helpful:
- Showering soon after being outdoors can help remove unattached ticks
Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle
The key isn’t doing everything perfectly.
It’s creating a simple rhythm:
prepare → enjoy → check
When it becomes routine, it feels less like a chore—and more like a natural part of being outside.
Landscaping for Tick Prevention: Creating a Safer Outdoor Space
Tick prevention doesn’t stop at sprays—it starts in your environment.
Ticks thrive in specific conditions: shade, moisture, tall grass, and areas where wildlife frequently passes through. The good news is, with a few intentional changes, you can make your yard far less inviting to them—while still keeping it beautiful and natural.
Think of it as working with nature… not against it.
Reduce Tick-Friendly Habitat
Start by making your space less comfortable for ticks to live and hide:
- Keep grass trimmed short
Ticks wait on tall grass to latch onto passing hosts - Clear leaf litter and brush
Especially along fences, tree lines, and shaded areas - Prune low-hanging branches
Let in more sunlight—ticks prefer cool, damp environments - Create separation from wooded areas
If your yard borders trees, keep a defined edge
Small changes like these can significantly reduce tick activity over time.
Create Natural Barriers
Ticks don’t travel far on their own—they rely on hosts. You can create subtle boundaries that make it harder for them to migrate into your space:
- Add a gravel or wood chip border (3–6 feet wide)
Between lawn and wooded or wild areas - Use pathways or patios strategically
These break up the landscape and reduce tick movement - Keep play areas and seating zones away from edges
Place them in sunny, open parts of your yard
These barriers act like quiet boundaries—guiding where ticks don’t go.
Choose Plants That Help Deter Ticks
While no plant guarantees tick elimination, some are known to help repel insects due to their natural oils and scent.
Consider incorporating:
- Lavender – fragrant, low-maintenance, and widely believed to repel pests
- Rosemary – hardy and aromatic
- Mint – refreshing, but best kept contained as it spreads quickly
- Sage – drought-tolerant and useful in many climates
- Chrysanthemums – contain natural compounds used in insect repellents
Plant these around:
- patios
- entryways
- walkways
- seating areas
They add beauty and function.
Discourage Wildlife Carriers
Ticks often enter yards by attaching to animals like deer, rodents, and stray wildlife.
To reduce this:
- Avoid feeding wildlife near your home
- Secure trash and compost bins
- Keep bird feeders away/up high from high-traffic human areas
- Consider deer-resistant plants if deer are common in your area
The goal isn’t to eliminate wildlife—it’s to gently redirect it away from where you live and gather.
Keep It Sunny, Open, and Maintained
Ticks prefer cool, shaded, and humid environments.
So aim for the opposite:
- Open up your yard to more sunlight
- Keep areas dry and well-ventilated
- Avoid overgrown, dense planting near frequently used spaces
A bright, maintained yard is naturally less inviting to ticks.
A Balanced Approach
You don’t have to redesign your entire yard to make a difference.
Even a few thoughtful adjustments can:
- lower tick presence
- reduce exposure risk
- and give you greater peace of mind outdoors
It’s not about creating a sterile environment—
it’s about creating a smarter one.
Bringing It All Together
When you combine:
- DIY sprays
- simple daily habits
- an exposure plan
- and a supportive outdoor environment
…you create multiple layers of protection.
And that’s what makes the biggest difference.
More freedom to enjoy your space.
Less worry about what might be hiding in it.
Final Thoughts:
At the end of the day, tick prevention is about awareness, safety, and consistency.
DIY sprays can be a helpful part of your routine, especially when paired with other simple habits like checking for ticks after being outdoors, wearing protective clothing, and staying mindful of high-risk areas.
It’s also important to remember that natural doesn’t always mean risk-free—especially for children and pets. Paying attention to ingredients, proper dilution, and species-specific sensitivities (particularly with cats) makes all the difference in using these remedies safely.
What matters most is finding an approach that feels both effective and aligned with your values—something you’ll actually use and trust.
With a little preparation and intention, you can spend more time planning your next adventure and enjoying the outdoors—and less time worrying about what might come with it.
Ryne and Pixie 
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