How can you use birch tar against ticks? - briefly
Dilute birch tar with a carrier oil and spread a thin coating on clothing, footwear, or exposed skin; the resin forms a barrier that repels ticks. Regular reapplication after sweating or washing maintains effectiveness.
How can you use birch tar against ticks? - in detail
Birch tar contains phenolic compounds, resin acids and terpenes that act as neurotoxic agents for arachnids. Contact with these substances disrupts the tick’s nervous system, leading to rapid immobilisation and death.
To create a topical preparation, dissolve birch tar in a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil at a ratio of 1 % by volume (10 ml tar per litre of oil). Stir until homogeneous, then store in an amber glass bottle to protect from light. For sprayable solutions, mix the same concentration with ethanol (70 % v/v) and a surfactant like polysorbate 80 (0.5 % v/v) to improve dispersion.
Apply the oil‑based formulation to exposed skin areas at least 30 minutes before entering tick‑infested zones. Re‑apply every 4–6 hours during prolonged exposure. Avoid application to mucous membranes, broken skin or sensitive regions. After removal, wash skin with mild soap and water to eliminate residue.
Treat clothing and equipment by immersing items in the ethanol‑based spray for 5 minutes, then allowing them to air‑dry completely. Re‑treat after each wash. For fabric, a concentration of 0.5 % tar in the spray is sufficient to retain repellent activity without compromising material integrity.
For environmental control, apply a diluted solution (0.2 % tar in water with a non‑ionic surfactant) to vegetation and ground cover where ticks quest. Apply early in the morning to minimise volatilisation. Repeat applications every 7–10 days during peak tick activity; effectiveness decreases after rainfall.
Safety considerations include potential skin irritation; conduct a patch test on a small area 24 hours before full application. Keep the product out of reach of children and pets. Store at temperatures below 25 °C, away from direct sunlight. Use only products complying with local pesticide regulations.