How to Make Anti-Tick Citronella

Citronella oil is derived from shrubs and trees that grow in tropical areas of Asia. The properties of citronella allow for an array of uses. Citronella is a safe and natural insect repellent, and is made in a variety of forms, such as lotions, creams, sprays and candles. Citronella repels mosquitoes, insects and ticks. Applied topically, citronella can kill head lice, body lice and ticks. Citronella is safe for animals and humans, when diluted and used as directed.

Things You'll Need

• 32 oz. shampoo
• Citronella oil
• Carrier oil
• 16 oz. or larger spray bottle
• Tweezers

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Instructions

Anti-Tick Citronella Shampoo

• 1

  Combine citronella oil with a carrier oil when using topically to remove ticks. To make anti-tick citronella shampoo, use 32 oz. of any natural-ingredient shampoo. Add four to six drops of citronella oil and four to six drops of any carrier oil, such as rosemary, sage, cedarwood, peppermint, sweet orange, eucalyptus or pine needle. The carrier oils dilute the citronella, which is necessary because pure citronella can cause a chemical burn to the skin.

• 2

  Remove any visible ticks with tweezers or commercial tick-removing device before using the citronella shampoo.

• 3

  Use the anti-tick citronella shampoo as you normally would any shampoo; just wet, lather and rinse. This anti-tick shampoo is safe for humans and animals.

Anti-Tick Citronella Spray/Repellant

• 4

  Combine 16 oz. of non-chlorinated water in a spray bottle with two to three drops of citronella oil. If this repellent will be used on an animal or person, a carrier oil is needed. Add two to three drops of carrier oil, such as tea tree, rosemary, sage, cedarwood, peppermint, sweet orange, eucalyptus or pine needle, for dilution.

• 5

  Spray anti-tick citronella repellent on bedding and tents. Use as a repellent on humans and dogs.

• 6

  Treat the living environment frequently with anti-tick citronella spray if ticks are a persistent problem.