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The Uses of Tea Tree Oil for Chiggers & Ticks

Tea tree oil originates from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a member of the myrtle family. The oil acts as an antimicrobial and carries soothing properties. Tea tree oil is useful for treating chiggers and ticks, but for different reasons. The oil calms itching caused by chiggers, and possibly prevents infection due to scratching. The oil is only good for removing ticks; it will not prevent disease or ease symptoms caused by a tick bite.

  1. Chiggers

    • Contrary to popular belief, chiggers are not insects. Related to ticks, chiggers are actually tiny mites, practically invisible to the naked eye. After biting you, the chigger deposits saliva into your skin, and it is this process that generates the intense itching associated with chiggers. Soon after the chigger bites, red bumps or welts appear on your skin. Remove chiggers easily by light rubbing or washing with soap and water. Unfortunately, the bite will continue to itch since the chigger itself is not responsible for the itching.

    Use Tea Tree Oil for Chigger Bites

    • After washing, you still need to treat the itchy, red bumps. Apply tea tree oil to the bumps three or four times daily. The itching peaks one to two days after the bite, and gradually subsides after seven to 10 days. In addition to treating the itch, tea tree oil helps to prevent infection that can result from scratching with dirty hands and fingernails.

    Ticks

    • Unlike chiggers, ticks can carry diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Some species of ticks, such as deer ticks, are tiny and difficult to see. Ticks flourish in moist environments and in areas of long grass and heavy vegetation. After being outdoors, check yourself thoroughly for ticks.

    Removing Ticks

    • If you are bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Apply tea tree oil to the tick, and leave it on the skin for 20 minutes. If the tick does not fall off, remove it carefully using tweezers. Grab the tick by the head and gently pull straight out. Do not crush the tick.

    Warning

    • Tea tree oil can be irritating to the skin, and allergic reactions are possible. Do not take tea tree oil orally. Reported severe reactions include abdominal pain, nausea, drowsiness and even coma.

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