Tapp's Tips

Spring is upon us and with it- Ticks. Yucky, crawly, lymey ticks. Lyme, as many of you know, is no small thing. It is a difficult disease to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. I should know.  I have had it for many years. My solution for lyme? Don’t get it in the first place.
I have found the most effective tick repellent is actually a natural oil combination. No need to spray yourself with harsh chemicals to keep the critters away.

Start with 1 8oz bottle of Grapeseed Oil. It is inexpensive and can be bought in any health food store. Grapeseed is a good base because it puts a film on your skin and makes it more difficult for a tick to take hold.


Add 30 drops of Eucalyptus Oil. Ticks hate the smell. This is really what keeps them away.


Add 30 drops of Geranium Oil. Ticks don’t like this smell much either but really I add it because it makes the oil smell better to me. It is also effective at keeping mosquitos away.

Add 20 drops of Tea Tree oil. This doesn’t smell great. I refer to it as a “people repellent” but when it is mixed with the geranium and eucalyptus oils the smell is not as strong. It is very effective though, so it’s worth it.

I put the mixture of oils on myself and my kids every day. I apply it just like a body lotion. Make sure to put the oil on your feet and also around the hairline. We live in a tick infested area, and, since I have been using this oil, I have not seen one on me or my children. I apply in the morning and then, if we are going somewhere ticky in the afternoon, I reapply.

Using this oil is not a replacement for a thorough tick check. Check yourself and your kids carefully every day. Don’t forget to check behind ears, in the bellybutton and in between toes. You can’t be too cautious.