Natural Cures for Ticks

Ticks are pests that attach themselves to a host animal or human by their mouth, and feed on the blood of the host. In addition to this parasitic behavior, they pose a serious health risk because they carry infections, including Lyme disease. For this reason, the sooner a tick infestation is removed, the less likely any infection it carries can be transferred to the host. This can be done using either commercial formulations or natural cures. Read on to learn more about natural cures for ticks.

Apple cider vinegar is effective in preventing and removing ticks. It can either be taken orally or used externally. To take it orally, stir two tablespoons of vinegar into an 8-ounce glass of water and have the person with the tick infestation drink this twice a day; use 3 tablespoons in a pet's drinking water. Alternatively, have the person take a daily bath, with a cup of apple cider vinegar added to the bath water; use three to four cups in your pet's bath.

Apply a coating of Vaseline petroleum jelly over the tick. This will smother the tick and cut off its air supply. Remove the smothered tick using a pair of tweezers as described elsewhere in this article. You can substitute the Vaseline petroleum jelly with rubbing alcohol or clear fingernail polish.

For a dog, dilute one drop of tea tree oil in a gallon of water and use this as a rinse. For a cat, dip a cloth into the tea tree oil and water solution, wring it out and then wipe this over its fur. Comb the cat's fur once you are done.

Use a pair of tweezers to pluck each tick from the skin. It is essential that you ensure that the head and mouth parts are completely removed. If any parts remain, there is a greater likelihood of infection, inflammation and disease. Use the tweezers to turn the tick onto its back, position the tweezers as close to the skin as you can and pull the tick out gently. Disinfect the area.

Preventing ticks is safer and healthier than having to get rid of them. Rosemary is an herb that contains active ingredients that repel ticks and fleas. To make a homemade tick repellent spray, place two tablespoons of rosemary into a spray bottle, and pour in one quart of boiling water. Let steep for 15 to 20 minutes, strain out the solids and pour the resulting infusion into a spray bottle. Spray this rosemary repellent over the body once a day to repel ticks.