5 Easy Ways To Defeat Ticks In The Battle To Keep Summer Fun – Game On!
You know how there are certain things you encounter in life that just give you the willies. Well for me only two things in life send me running needles and ticks. Seriously as I am sitting here writing this blog I am scratching just thinking about the little creepies. Safe to say also, that ticks are here to stay and we'd better figure something out and soon. Then add to it that whole brain swelling disease powassan they now carry and I was headed indoors. Keep in mind that I am not a person who is fearful of bugs of any other kind at all so killing bugs has never been high on my agenda. Luckily and thanks to the internet there are things we can do to protect our yards, pets, families and ourselves and be free to live in the outdoors we love.
- 1
Create A Fluffy Little Army
As this video will show you mice can be your nemesis or your ally in the battle against ticks. You see studies have shown that mice are very resilient to ticks and can carry hundreds and not be adversely effected. Now because of their reproductive capabilities you are never going to rid the world of mice. Therefore it only makes sense to sign them up to fight on your side. Enter the tick tube. Highly effective and if the price scares you there are some great DIY instructions, so start saving those toilet paper rolls and have at it.
- 2
Make Ticks Avoid You For The Same Reason Canabils Don't Eat Clowns
DAJDAJ Why is that you say? Because they taste funny of course. According to the food network and other sources there are foods that when you eat them frequently make you less desirable host for the skeevy little devils.
Some of the foods if regularly eaten that make you taste funny to a tick are:
- Citrus
- Garlic
- Onions
- Beans and Lentils
- Chili Pepper
- Bananas
Or a little more out there 3T of Apple cider vinegar 3 time a day. Blah!
- 3
Destroy Their Habitat
Tomasz WyszoÃÂÃÂâÃÂæÃÂÃÂâÃTomasz WyszoÃÂÃÂâÃÂæÃÂÃÂâà There are many yard sprays on the market to protect your yard from ticks. That said I am not a fan of chemicals nor do I want to kill beneficial insects. So how pleased was I to find a natural alternative. Called Wondercide. It is all natural, made in the US, safe for pets, kids and even butterflies. It was even shown on Shark Tank.
- 4
Dress For Battle
Hard to do in hot summer months sis wear long pants with your cuffs tucked into your socks. Quite a fashion statement, I know. Still know that ticks love wet places so if you are headed into swampy areas light colored clothing that covers you up is advisable.
Now when all those clothes are really an option you can still protect your self with a good bug repellent. Again not being a fan of harsh chemicals I use to great success a DIY repellant made with essential oils (see video)
- 5
Surround Your Yard With An Army Of Plants Ticks Hate
I did a post on this idea recently. I have a shady garden and although there are many plants that ticks don't like the smell of not everything will grow well where I am . The three ticks fighters that I have found will grow just about anywhere are lavender, marigolds and lemongrass. I like the smell and if you research them a bit more you'll see there are all kinds of benefits of having them in your yard.
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