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8 plants that naturally repel ticks from your garden
Ticks are becoming a growing concern in gardens across the country
Ticks are small, spider-like insects that hide in long grasses and shrubs during warmer months. These small parasites thrive in warmer and more humid temperatures and can hide in shady, moist areas in our gardens over the summer.
As numbers rise across the UK, it's important to control ticks in your garden before they can bite you or your pets – which can, in some cases, result in Lyme disease. Thankfully, certain fragrant flowers can be used as a natural repellent to keep the creatures at bay.
"Ticks are becoming a growing concern in gardens across the country, but certain plants have natural properties that help prevent these pests," Hannah Rowson, Assistant Garden Manager at J. Parker's, tells Country Living.
Take a look at the plants that can repel ticks from your garden...
Rosemary
Rosemary is more than just a versatile culinary plant. The herb is a powerhouse when it comes to repelling ticks, thanks to its naturally potent essential oils that help keep the pests away. You can plant rosemary bushes or create your DIY spray to spritz around the garden.
Sage
Sage contains plenty of different aromatic compounds. With its woody stems and grayish leaves, its distinct scent keeps ticks away. It's great to use in landscaping borders around decks, walkways, patios, and other areas.
Marigold
Marigolds are beautiful flowers with vibrantly coloured blooms. The flower has a pleasant, earthy aroma that is known for repelling ticks and other unwanted insects.
Hannah agrees, adding: "Marigolds are vibrant in colour and easy-to-grow annuals that prevent ticks with their strong scent. They also contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide."
Mint
Mint is a brilliant plant for defending your garden from annoying insects, such as ticks. With its signature scent, mint is an effective way to keep ticks from certain areas as they find its aromatic properties repulsive.
Garlic
"Garlic's strong smell is disliked by many pests, including ticks. Planting garlic around the garden or using it as a companion plant can help reduce tick infestations," says Hannah.
Lavender
Lavender's distinctive scent keeps fleas and ticks away. Its fragrance is unpleasant to ticks, so they usually avoid areas where it is growing.
"Lavender not only smells great, but its strong scent is highly effective in repelling ticks and other insects," says Hannah. "The essential oils in lavender are toxic to ticks, making it a superb addition to any garden."
Lemongrass
Similar to lemon balm and mint, lemongrass packs a powerful punch when it comes to keeping unwanted ticks away. The plant, which is native to Asia, has a strong citrusy scent that stops ticks from hiding in its grassy leaves.
Chrysanthemums
"Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, natural compounds that act as insecticides. These chemicals are effective against ticks, making chrysanthemums a beautiful and functional addition to any garden," says Hannah.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
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