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Is lemongrass the newest tick repellent?

A bottle of lemongrass essential oil and fresh lemongrass Photo by SherSor/Shutterstock

Another spring, another flock of ticks to avoid—and dealing with them is a common challenge for cottagers.

While synthetic repellents such as DEET are a go-to for many, concerns over side effects and environmental impact have researchers at Nova Scotia’s Acadia University exploring natural alternatives. One promising possibility? Lemongrass.

In a news release, researchers Nicoletta Faraone, Luis Anholeto, Kirk Hillier, and Kayla Gaudet shared that lemongrass can hinder a tick’s ability to detect humans. Since ticks are blind, and rely on scent, citral and geraniol—two compounds in the lemongrass oil—block their ability to sniff, potentially preventing them from choosing you as their next meal.

Debunking 4 common myths about ticks

Lemongrass also appears to mask human-produced scents that attract ticks, such as butyric acid and carbon dioxide. In the news release, Faraone explains, “Ticks exposed to lemongrass oil are less likely to crawl on you, and even if they’re brave enough to do so, they’re far less likely to bite.” She adds, “The tick will likely be repelled or become so disoriented that it drops off.”

Lemongrass may also be a safer option for the environment. In their published paper, the researchers note that DEET has been linked to environmental and health risks, especially for aquatic life. The paper explains that it can build up in the water and soil, disrupting local ecosystems; in humans, it can potentially cause skin irritation, hypertension, and even tremors. (It is worth noting that Health Canada says DEET is safe when applied according to instructions and in the right concentration.)

The early results of the team’s research are positive: when tested on both lab-reared and wild ticks, lemongrass kept most of them away. That said, the team plans to continue studying ticks and how shifting environmental conditions might affect their behaviour.

Three diseases carried by ticks, and how to stay safe

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