We love creating a natural biodynamic garden environment and use natural remedies whenever possible. Living in the woods with dogs and a cat, we wanted to learn about plants that repel ticks and fleas that might help control these pests if planted in our yard and garden.
Gardening is an absolute joy and our place of peace and solitude, and while the yard and garden may feel like a sanctuary, it comes with tiny stealthy pests that plague pets and are happy to feed on our humans too. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos will inevitably show up.
If you’re health conscious, and want to go the natural route as often as possible, the good news is that there are some surprisingly strong alternatives to harsh manufactured bug sprays. And… there may be plants that repel ticks and fleas by virtue of growing in your yard and garden.
However, the details aren’t easily discernible, and scientific studies of plants in the ground is scant.
First, an Important Note on the Science and the Lore
Many of these plants that repel ticks and fleas work best as homemade sprays.
Some may work by nature of the growing plant, however, most plants repel best when the leaves are brushed or crushed to release the essential oils that deter ticks. And beyond that, as tinctures and essential oils used alone or in natural remedies such as homemade flea and tick repellent sprays.
Even after exhaustive research, we’ve not yet found scientific studies with proof of any plants-in-the-ground that repel ticks and fleas, versus as essential oils, extract repellents, or by being crushed enough to release the fragrant oils.
However, an absence of scientific research doesn’t prove that the planted or potted plants are not effective repellents. It simply means that there hasn’t yet been documented studies. If the oil of a plant deters ticks, it’s logical to consider that planting the plant might also tend to deter ticks.
So this article provides a look at several perspectives on flea and tick repellent plants.
Two Perspectives on Flea and Tick Repellent Plants
- Anecdotal reports of plants that help deter ticks and fleas in your yard and garden. This can be based on native traditions, folklore and direct reporting of experience from our readers
- Scientific studies of plant extracts that repel ticks and fleas
We get into each of these in the sections to follow.
Anecdotal Reports on Plants That Repel Ticks and Fleas
This is a compilation of stories shared from the experiences of our readers. We find merit in considering “field testing” by those with boots on the ground. That said, what works for one in one environment, may not work for another in another environment.
But we enjoy experimenting and growing plants with multiple uses. So if there’s a possibility of repelling common pests, even if it requires crushing a leaf or two as we pass by it in the yard or garden, then it’s worth a try. Beyond that, homemade repellent sprays are easy to make from the plants we grow, and can be sprayed on people and pets alike.
We are growing many herbs such as basil, oregano and mints and have not had any issues with ticks in our garden. However, that in and of itself is not conclusive as to the efficacy of plants for repelling ticks.
Without documented research, we look to direct experience and anecdotal reports of others, which often vary. However, varying results in an of itself is also not conclusive.
Dog Yards Benefit by Herbs That Repel Ticks and Fleas
“I had excellent results planting herbs around the dog yards. They self medicate and enjoy laying in most of these plants.”
Lesley Cole
Editor’s Note: See the list of plants for some of the herbs Lesley Might have used.
Does Mint or Oregano Repel Ticks?
While many articles cite mint and/or oregano as an effective tick repellent, most do not specify whether it is the plant or an essential oil extract. The scientific research shows that mint oils, especially peppermint oil, are effect at repelling ticks.
A reader shared a different experience:
“I have a large section of my yard planted in mints and oregano. My chickens graze there. This is the place I am most likely to pick up a tick.”
~Theresa Hornstein
Planting Pennyroyal May Reduce or Eliminate Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes and Flies
“We have encouraged pennyroyal on our meadows. We no longer have ticks, fleas, flies, or mosquitoes after cows brought pennyroyal up river to our meadows.
Elizabeth Glenn Brewer
Pennyroyal followed us to the house on our tires. Years later we no longer have tics, fleas, flies or mosquitoes bothering us or our dogs & cats. Pennyroyal integrates into the lawns nicely. Mowing it creates more plants.”
Native American Indians Used Sweetgrass to Repel Ticks and Fleas
Sweetgrass, a Perennial Plant That Repels Ticks, Fleas and Mosquitos
Using plants to repel ticks and fleas is not a new concept. The Flathead tribe of Montana and the Blackfoot people of Alberta, Canada, used sweetgrass as a natural insect repellent for thousands of years. They would burn sweetgrass and soak their clothing or sachets in the smoke.
Sweetgrass oil was recently tested for its efficacy, and it turns out that it repels 88% of mosquitos (this test did not test on ticks).[1]https://www.acsh.org/news/2016/11/01/sweetgrass-deet-traditional-native-american-herbal-remedy-acts-mosquito-repellent
Another study in Boston was able to prove that sweetgrass oil matches the same repellency as DEET. So if you’re looking for plants that repel ticks and mosquitoes, sweetgrass oil or smudging with sweetgrass may be for you.[2]https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/this-sweet-smelling-herb-can-ward-away-mosquitoes-180956291/
Today, you don’t have to soak your clothing or belongings in smoke to repel ticks, though. We’re going to share some of the most effective plants and their oils that will repel ticks and possibly make you smell really good in the process. Let’s get into it!
Native North American Indians have used sweetgrass as a natural insect repellent for thousands of years.
The Most Effective Plants That Repel Ticks
While the scientific studies referenced in the footnotes are all studies using essential oils or extracts, many people report experiencing beneficial results from the plant itself. In particular, if the plant is brushed against or purposefully rubbed onto a pet for instance.
Creeping Thyme and Citronella Oils
Swedish scientists learned that by combining Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), and Citronella oil (at a 1.5% concentration of each), you get a 91% repellency against Ornate Dog Ticks.[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28645519/
At 3%, creeping thyme alone, will repel 82% of ticks. Creeping thyme is also a lovely edible ground cover.
Clove Tree
Slovakia-United Kingdom Scientists discovered that clove bud repels 83% of ticks when it is diluted to 3%.[4]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/