Summer is coming to a close, but I live in the South and the bugs will keep biting for awhile–including ticks. They are among those critters that gives me the heebie jeebies, We get them in abundance and they love attaching themselves under my horses’ tails and into that dark and sweaty crevice on the inside of their hind legs waaaaay up there under the stifle in the nether regions.
I found a concoction that works pretty well to combat those blood-sucking hitchhikers and my ponies smell sooooo good after I spray. I also give myself a good spritz before I head out for a hack. The tick population seems to have moved to easier targets, so I call it a success.
The recipe uses rose geranium essential oil, witch hazel and distilled water.
Witch hazel seems to be in short supply and my guess is because some do-it-yourself hand sanitizer recipes use the stuff. Now that hand sanitizer is easily found, I’m not sure why it’s so hard to find in the store. But then, I live in Hooterville.
I snagged this not inexpensive rose water witch hazel at Walmart but plain old witch hazel is cheaper. Amazon has some yummy smelling stuff with added aloe vera by Thayers but this plain witch hazel from Dickinson’s is also less expensive. Dickinson’s also offers a rose water version and who doesn’t want their horses smelling like roses?
homemade Tick Begone spray
As far as rose geranium essential oil, the oil with the the botanical name “Pelargonium capitatum x radens” on the bottle is recommended. It sounds kind of like a Harry Potter-ish spell, doesn’t it? Amazon* has some for $8. The essential oil; not the magical spell.
A brown or blue spray bottle is recommended, but I am partial to old Mrs. Meyer’s* cleaning products spray bottles. They are some of the best and most long-lasting spray bottles I’ve found. Armed with my ever-present label maker, the spray bottle serves its purpose and I just keep it out of the sunshine.
* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ticks Begone Spray
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- About 60 drops of rose geranium essential oil
- 1/2 cup distilled water
Add ingredients into a clean spray bottle in the order shown. Then, shake it, shake, shake it like a Polaroid picture.
(I love the backup singers, the Love Haters, with their velvet hardhats and green breeches.)
