When the weather's warmer and the ground is wet with rain, it's time to start thinking about protection from irritating and dangerous external parasites. You and your pets are going to be spending more time outside, so you need to be on alert, especially when it comes to blood-sucking pests like fleas and ticks. External parasites can carry and transmit diseases to humans and animals, so it's important to remain diligent to avoid health issues. While it may seem like harsh pesticides are the only answer, you can actually turn to a few key garden plants to help deter fleas and ticks. It's better for the environment (and a whole lot prettier!).
About Fleas and Ticks
Many people make the mistake of thinking fleas and ticks are in the same family. Fleas are insects while ticks are arachnids, more closely related to spiders. Fleas are noticeably smaller than ticks, but both can be difficult to spot on the skin. Unlike ticks, fleas are known to cause home infestations.
Both pests feed on blood and cause an irritating bite that leaves behind a red mark on the skin. Fleas can transmit tapeworms and certain types of ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
The warmer months of the year are known as flea and tick season since both pests prefer moist, humid areas. As overall temperatures rise across the United States, both fleas and ticks pose a larger problem for humans and pets. Ticks, in particular, are spiking in population, resulting in more reports of tick-infested disease.
Plants That Deter Fleas and Ticks
Like other garden pests, fleas and ticks are deterred by plants with particular smells. By planting these plants in your garden, you can cut down the number of pests entering your yard and avoid problems like infestations and disease.
Rosemary
Many fragrant herbs are good options for natural tick and flea repellent. Herbal essential oils are often used in eco-friendly pest repellents. Rosemary, in particular, has a scent so strong that you can sprinkle sprigs around the garden to keep pests at bay. This herb also repels aphids, mites, and flies.
Wormwood
Wormwood, also known as artemisia, is a compact ornamental perennial that has dense, silver foliage. The leaves are aromatic and deter fleas and ticks from your garden. Besides being a repellent for moths, ticks, and fleas, it can be used to make tea and is the main ingredient in absinthe.
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