Why Essential Oils Probably Won’t Protect You From Ticks This Summer

Experts break down the most preventative insect repellents to keep you safe during tick season.

Tick season is here, and of course you want to do everything you can to keep the bloodsucking critters away from you and your family. Tick-borne diseases, such as lyme disease, have more than doubled in the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Applying an effective tick repellent to your skin, clothing, and gear is one of the best ways to protect yourself before you head outdoors.

Still, some people are cautious about using chemical-based insecticides and prefer to turn to natural options. One claim you’ll see a lot online: Essential oils can act as a chemical-free tick repellent.

But are they a reliable way to repel the disease-carrying bugs? Here, experts break down what you should know before you turn to essential oils as a tick repellent.

Read the full article by Korin Miller on Prevention's website here.