Awareness and prevention are key during tick season. In this blog, discover simple ways to reduce exposure and have a safe summer outdoors.
As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, tick exposure becomes a growing concern for many families. Whether you enjoy hiking, gardening, camping, walking trails, or simply spending time in your backyard, taking simple preventative steps can help support a safer outdoor experience.
Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, brush, leaf piles, and even backyard landscapes. Awareness and prevention are key during peak tick season.
Tips to Help Reduce Tick Exposure
Keep your yard maintained – because ticks thrive in overgrown areas. Keeping grass trimmed, removing leaf piles, and creating clean borders between wooded areas and your lawn may help reduce tick habitats.
Many families also choose to use products such as mosquito and tick barrier sprays around the perimeter of their property as part of an outdoor maintenance routine. At Rebekah’s, we carry mosquito barrier products designed for outdoor yard use to help support a more comfortable outdoor environment during bug season.
Wear protective clothing, including:
- Long sleeves and long pants when walking through wooded or grassy areas
- Light-colored fabrics because they can make ticks easier to spot
- Tucking pants into socks when hiking in heavily wooded areas
Check for ticks after outdoor activities, looking over clothing, shoes, gear, and pets. It’s best to perform full-body tick checks, especially around the scalp, behind the knees, underarms, and waistline. Finally, shower soon after being outdoors.
DIY Natural Tick Spray Recipe
While scents like lavender and peppermint might be pleasant to us, ticks avoid strong smells. So, essential oil-based sprays can be a natural source of prevention. We carry a variety of ready-made tick and outdoor sprays in our stores – or you can make your own blend! Below, we share one tick spray recipe to get you started.
When working with essential oils, know that they are extremely potent and can be harmful if applied directly to the skin. You’ll want to perform a patch test before doing a full application of the blend. To do this, apply the diluted oil to a small area of skin, like the inside of the arm. Wait 24 hours to see if your skin experiences any inflammation or irritation.
Supplies:
- 100mL spray bottle
- Mini funnel, optional
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. distilled water
- 2 oz. witch hazel
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray the blend lightly on clothing, shoes, socks, and outdoor gear before spending time outside.
Note: Store your tick spray in a cool, dark, dry place. Always keep essential oils away from children and pets. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive skin.
Supporting Overall Wellness During Tick Season
Spending time outdoors is important for physical and emotional wellness. Beyond preventative outdoor habits, it is also important to support your immune system through healthy lifestyle practices such as:
- Eating nutrient-dense foods
- Staying hydrated
- Getting quality sleep
- Managing stress
- Supporting gut and immune health
It may also be beneficial to explore a monolaurin supplement as part of your wellness routine. Monolaurin is a compound derived from lauric acid, which is naturally found in coconut oil. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement to support overall immune system health and microbial balance, especially during times of seasonal immune stress or increased outdoor exposure.
Suggested use varies by product and individual needs. Always follow the directions listed on the product label and consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement. Monolaurin supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent Lyme disease or any other medical condition.
When it comes to tick season, the goal is not fear — it is preparation and awareness.
Simple preventative habits, natural outdoor products, and supportive wellness routines can go a long way toward helping you and your family enjoy the outdoors more confidently this season.
At Rebekah’s, let us be your trusted guide. Our wellness coaches and experts are happy to help you navigate natural outdoor sprays, essential oils, immune-support supplements, and wellness products. Come in and see us!
With care,
Rebekah Lynn Spencer
Holistic Health Practitioner | NES Health Practitioner | Health Coach
Owner, Rebekah’s Health & Nutrition
Important Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products and information discussed in this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for advice from your physician or qualified healthcare provider. Always consult with your healthcare professional before beginning any diet, supplement, or wellness program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
