Cedar Oil for Ticks

Cedar oil is a natural tick control.

Cedar oil is an active ingredient in natural pest control products and is recognized safe as a food additive by the Food and Drug Administration. It repels ticks and moths and controls fleas as a liquid spray for animal bedding. It also slows the growth of mildew. According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, the ingredient in cedar oil that interacts with various species of ticks repels some while killing others.

Ticks

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of birds, reptiles and mammals. The two families of ticks are the Ixodidae or hard ticks and the Argasidae or soft ticks. Both cause disease in animals and humans, transmitting the greatest variety of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens of any blood-sucking arthropod. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus, ticks can pass on diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrilichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Cedar Oil

Cedar wood oil comes from the family of plants that include the junipers, three of which are used for production of the oil; Juniperus occidentalis, verginiana and ashei. The oil is steam-distilled and when fresh is pale yellow with a sweet, woody scent. Its uses include pest control for mosquitoes, silverfish and other household or fabric insects; as a product for hair and skin issues; for digestive problems; circulatory improvement; and to prevent colds. Some cultural traditions attribute magical properties to cedar oils.

History

The ancient Egyptians used cedar oil for the mummification process as far back as 3,000 years ago and they and the Greeks used it to stave off infections. It served as an ingredient in beauty products of the day and was used in pest control. Early Europeans also used it to prevent disease and the English herbalist Culpeper treated heart problems, coughs and many other ailments with cedar oil. Native Americans cleanse the spirit with the oil and ward off evil.

EPA Recognition

All pesticides used in the U.S. must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency based on studies showing no unreasonable risk to people or the environment. Cedar oil was registered with the EPA in 1960 as a moth repellent for clothing, and in 1993 the agency proposed an exemption from regulation for natural cedar products, believing them to be of little or no harm to the environment or humans. All pesticide products containing the oil must be properly labeled when intended for use on animals and must specify which animals the product treats.

Pros and Cons

Ticks can infect humans and animals, sometimes causing severe health issues. While pesticides marketed as tick control have the advantage of speed, they also carry their own dangers and toxicity. Cedar oil offers a healthy alternative to pesticides. Cedar products take a longer time to work effectively, but the danger of toxicity to humans or pets is virtually eliminated. If used in excessive amounts, any essential oil can cause reactions, but when used properly, cedar oil is proven safe and effective in the control of ticks.

References

• Department of Entomology, UC Davis: Background Information on the Biology of Ticks
• ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment: Cedarwood Oil: Its History, Harvesting, Processing, Yield and Uses

Resources

• International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry: Biologically Active Compounds From Bryophytes
• Environmental Protection Agency: Wood Oils and Gums (Cedarwood Oil)
• Chemical Selection Working Group: Summary of Data For Chemical Selection, Cedarwood Oil