How to Kill Ticks Inside

Ticks are more than just annoying bugs that can latch onto your pet or family members if they find their way inside your house. Some ticks also carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease and other potentially debilitating conditions. You can make your own natural tick-killing spray to safely destroy any ticks that may hiding in your home. According to a study by A. Mikiver published in the journal "Phytomedicine" on January 5, 2006, several essential oils are as powerful as the insecticide DEET in repelling ticks and are safer to use indoors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray bottle
• Water
• Clove essential oil
• Citronella essential oil
• Lily of the valley essential oil

Homemade Tick Killer

1. Buy essential oils of citronella, clove and lily of the valley from a reputable vendor or health food store.

2. Add ten drops of each essential oil to one cup of water.

3. Mix well and pour into the spray bottle.

4. Spray all houseplants with the mixture. Ticks can live on plants before jumping onto a human or animal host.

5. Spray all carpets, furniture and rugs. You may want to use a more diluted mixture for white or light-colored furniture to avoid staining.

6. Spray any clothing item that you suspect of being tick-infested and let sit overnight. Then wash the clothes in a washing machine with the hottest water that's safe for the fabric.

7. Spray any areas around your house that may be hosting ticks, including lawns, trees and gardens.

Tips & Warnings

• The spray will be very strong-smelling and the scent may last for days or even weeks.
• These essential oils are non-toxic as long as they are not ingested. Do not spray food items, plates, cups or cutlery.

References

• Phytomedicine, Jan. 5 2006 (abstract)
• Beware the Deer Tick