Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses, so combining smart landscaping with natural tick‑repellent plants is a great strategy.
Key Tick‑Repelling Plants
- Catnip is one of the most effective at repelling ticks—scientists even found it beats DEET in lab tests
- Rosemary, with its strong aromatic oils, is tick‑repellent, drought-resistant, and useful in the kitchen
- Lavender offers a double benefit: its lovely scent repels ticks and creates a calming garden atmosphere
- Lemongrass contains citronella-like compounds that help deter ticks and mosquitoes
- Mint delivers a refreshing aroma that ticks dislike and also boosts pollinator activity
- Garlic and onions planted along borders serve as a natural barrier against ticks
- Geraniums (rich in geraniol) offer color and tick protection, though caution around pets is advised
- Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum compounds commonly used in natural insecticides .
How to Use These Plants
- Border Plantings: Line pathways, patios, and yard edges with fragrant herbs like rosemary, lavender, mint, and garlic.
- Companion Planting: Blend geraniums and chrysanthemums around play areas or garden beds to create a tick‑unfriendly zone.
- Container Gardens: For patio spaces, potted mint or lavender can offer protection and pleasant fragrance.
Complementary Yard Practices
- Maintain short grass and clear away leaf litter
- Create wood-chip or gravel barriers along wooded edges to block tick migration
By combining these plants with proactive yard maintenance, you’re designing a garden that is as beautiful as it is protective—reducing tick exposure naturally and stylishly.
Inspired by https://www.thespruce.com/
