Coconut oil emerges as a natural ally in urban tick battle
Ticks can be quite dangerous, but there are home remedies that can help repel them. One product that combats parasites may already be in your kitchen cupboard.
Ticks have long ceased to be a problem solely for those who enjoy forest walks or meadows. However, they are increasingly appearing in urban parks and thickets. It is well known that encountering ticks is unpleasant and can lead to serious conditions such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis. In addition to chemical means, it is worth trying home remedies to protect against bites.
Above all, prevention
Ticks often inhabit forests, uncut meadows, and riverbanks. Avoid tall grass and thickets, whether in forests or urban parks, to minimise the risk of being bitten. If you know you'll be in an area where the risk of being bitten is high, ensure you wear appropriate clothing. Pay particular attention to your ankles, knees, and neck. Cover as much of your body as possible; tuck your trouser legs into your socks, and wear a hat or cap.
After any walk in the forest or meadow, thoroughly check your entire body, especially where the skin is thin and warm (armpits, groin, knee bends, neck, scalp). Also, take care of your pets — ticks can attach to an animal's fur.
If you find a tick, don't panic. The important thing is to remove it quickly. Various tools are available for removing ticks, but a regular pair of tweezers will work just as well. If you encounter problems with removal, consult a doctor.
Reach for coconut oil
Coconut oil is valued for its tick-repellent properties. It contains lauric acid, which effectively deters these arachnids. It is believed that lauric acid disrupts the olfactory receptors of ticks, disorienting them and preventing them from locating a host. The effectiveness of coconut oil can be enhanced by adding a few drops of essential oils with insect-repelling properties, such as tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender oil.
A thin layer of coconut oil should be applied to exposed areas of the body, especially in places where the skin is thin and warm, such as:
- behind the knees,
- elbow bends,
- armpits,
- groin.
Ticks are attracted to heat and sweat odours, so it's worth protecting these areas. Coconut oil can complement traditional tick protection methods, but it should not be the sole measure used.
Home remedies like coconut oil, appropriate clothing, and caution can effectively protect against ticks. Remember to thoroughly check your body and clothes after spending time in nature.
