What plants can be grown to help get rid of ticks? - briefly
Plants such as «lavender», «rosemary», «mint» and «garlic» repel ticks when planted around yard edges and garden borders. These herbs thrive in sunny, well‑drained soil and emit aromatic oils that deter tick attachment.
What plants can be grown to help get rid of ticks? - in detail
Ticks thrive in moist, shaded environments where hosts are abundant. Selecting vegetation that creates dry, less hospitable conditions and emits natural repellents can diminish tick activity around homes and gardens.
Plants possessing strong aromatic oils are especially effective. Their volatile compounds deter ticks by interfering with the arthropods’ sensory receptors.
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – dense foliage, high levels of camphor and 1,8‑cineole; plant in sunny spots, prune regularly to maintain airflow. - Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – essential oils rich in linalool and linalyl acetate; position along pathways and near seating areas, ensure well‑drained soil. - Mint (Mentha spp.) – menthol and pulegone act as repellents; grow in containers to prevent invasive spread, keep soil consistently moist. - Sage (Salvia officinalis) – contains thujone and camphor; cultivate in full sun, harvest leaves before flowering for maximum oil concentration. - Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – nepetalactone repels a broad range of arthropods; place in border rows, avoid over‑watering.
Groundcovers that reduce leaf litter and retain less moisture also limit tick habitats.
- Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – low, mat‑forming habit, aromatic leaves; tolerates foot traffic, creates a dry microclimate. - Sedum (Sedum spp.) – succulent leaves store water, leaving surrounding soil drier; suitable for sunny slopes and rock gardens. - Juniper (Juniperus communis) – evergreen needles release volatile terpenes; plant as a low hedge, prune to allow light penetration.
In addition to planting choices, cultural practices enhance effectiveness. Remove tall grasses and leaf piles weekly, keep lawns mowed to a height of 2–3 inches, and maintain a clear perimeter of at least three feet between vegetation and the house foundation. Soil amendments that improve drainage, such as sand or coarse compost, further reduce the humidity favored by ticks.
Combining aromatic repellents with low‑litter groundcovers creates a multilayered barrier. Regular maintenance of these plantings sustains their repellent properties and supports a landscape that discourages tick colonization.