Repel Ticks and Fleas with Essential Oils: A Dog and Cat-Safe Guide

Good news: certain essential oils can help repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), and catnip (Nepeta cataria) are among the most studied. For dogs, a 1% blend in a carrier oil is a good starting point, then adjust for your dog and where you're walking, and reapply every hour or so. For cats, skip topical essential oils and use hydrosols or food grade diatomaceous earth instead.

Many pet parents are, with good reason, concerned about putting chemical tick and flea products on or in their animal companions. Adverse reactions to topical and oral insecticides can be serious, so it makes sense to look for gentler options.

Essential oils are one of them. They can help protect your dog on walks through neighborhood parks and even through the woods. The tradeoff is that essential oils evaporate quickly, generally within 1 to 3 hours, so you'll need to reapply after an hour or so outdoors.

Are essential oils enough to protect my dog or cat from ticks and fleas?

Sometimes, and it depends on where and how long you're outside. (Cats are a different case, so I cover them in their own section below.) Essential oils work best as a repellent for everyday outings. They may not be enough for:

• Weekend camping or hunting trips
• Dogs who spend long days outdoors
• Rural, heavily wooded areas
• Places where tick or flea infestations are high

In those situations, talk with your veterinarian about the best plan for your animal family, and consider layering approaches. Whatever you choose, a quick tick check after time outdoors is always worth it. Run your hands over your dog's neck, ears, armpits, belly, and between the toes.

Which essential oils repel ticks and fleas?

Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are different species, yet many of the same essential oils are used for all three. You may need to experiment to find what works best for your dog in your area. (Research on ticks and mosquitoes is stronger than research on fleas, so keep your expectations realistic for fleas.)

With so many citronella products on the shelf, you might assume it's the best choice, especially since the EPA has approved it. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is effective, but current research points to several other oils that work equally well, and sometimes better.

Cedarwood: Cedarwood has long been used as an insect repellent. Think of cedar chests, which protected clothing from insects. Not all cedarwoods are created equal, though. The most effective are Virginia cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) and Texas cedarwood (Juniperus ashei, also sold as Juniperus mexicana).

Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora): A powerful insect repellent. Yes, I said eucalyptus, but this one is chemically different from the more common Eucalyptus globulus and is considered safer for our animals. It's the eucalyptus with proven bug-repelling action, so substituting another eucalyptus won't work and may cause unpleasant reactions. Want to learn more? Read Which Eucalyptus Should You Use?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus): As effective as citronella, if not more so. (Did you notice the Latin names? They belong to the same genus.) Personally, I prefer the more citrusy scent of lemongrass. For animals with extra sensitive skin, look for lemongrass CT Rhodinol (Cymbopogon citratus CT Rhodinol). This rarer chemotype is rich in rhodinol and low in citral, the component that can make standard lemongrass harsh on skin, so it's gentler.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens, also sold as Pelargonium roseum): A beautiful, flowery oil that excels as an insect repellent.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): A newcomer to the insect repellent scene. In a 2021 lab study, catnip oil at 5% repelled ticks about as well as DEET, the active ingredient in many commercial repellents (Hogenbom et al., Molecules).

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), spearmint (Mentha spicata), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Also good bug repellents, though they work best blended with other oils. One study found peppermint and patchouli together repelled mosquitoes for 210 minutes, and spearmint may be as effective as DEET. Concerned about peppermint around your animals? Read Is Peppermint Essential Oil Toxic to Pets?

You may also see non-essential-oil ingredients like apple cider vinegar or a drop of dish soap in recipes. These may help and won't hurt.

How do I make a natural tick repellent for my dog?

Essential oils repel bugs best when blended into a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil (FCO). FCO works well in a spray bottle, rubs easily into your dog's coat (or your skin) for heavier coverage, and is simple to reapply.

Not sure where to begin? This is the blend I use on myself and my dogs.

No More Bugs Blend (makes 1 oz. / 30 ml)

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fractionated coconut oil (FCO)
• 2 drops geranium (Pelargonium roseum)
• 1 drop lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
• 1 drop lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
• 1 drop catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• 1 drop Virginia cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

How to use: Fill a 1 oz. bottle with FCO, then add the essential oils. This is a 1% dilution, appropriate for most healthy adult dogs. Apply to your dog's neck, belly, back, and legs, avoiding the eyes and nose. To make a larger batch, double or triple the amounts. On the trail, I carry a 1 oz. plastic spray bottle that fits in my pocket or fanny pack.

Good to know: Every dog, person, and environment is unique. In Minnesota woodlands, this blend repels ticks and mosquitoes for about an hour, and your results may vary depending on where you live.

Sensitive dogs and dogs under 10 pounds: Double the carrier oil but keep the same number of drops. You can always add more essential oil if you need it stronger.

Extra sensitive skin: Swap the lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) for lemongrass CT Rhodinol (Cymbopogon citratus CT Rhodinol), using the same 1 drop. It's gentler on the skin.

If the recipe doesn't work for you: Experiment. Using the same oils, add 1 drop at a time (up to doubling or tripling the recipe), or swap one oil on the list for another.

Can I use essential oils to repel fleas and ticks on cats?

Not topically. Cats are self-groomers and tend to ingest whatever is on their coat, so applying essential oils to their fur isn't advised. Most indoor cats aren't at risk for ticks or fleas anyway, unless Rover brings them in with him.

Here are gentler options, starting with the mildest:

1. Hydrosols. Hydrosols are safe to use topically on cats. Learn more in Hydrosols: Safe Aromatherapy for You and Your Pets.
2. Diatomaceous earth (DE powder). For outdoor cats, and dogs, DE powder is a safe way to deal with fleas and ticks. It dehydrates the exoskeleton of fleas and ticks, which makes it an effective natural pesticide.

How to apply DE powder:

• Use food grade DE powder only.
• A spice jar with holes in the lid works well for gently sprinkling it onto the skin.
• Avoid inhaling the powder or getting it in the eyes.
• Reapply if your animal gets wet.
• For extra support, combine it with neem powder (Azadirachta indica) and/or yarrow powder (Achillea millefolium). A basic formula is 2 parts DE powder to 1 part neem or yarrow powder. Gently sprinkle on and rub into the skin.

For more on keeping cats safe around oils, read Are Essential Oils Safe for Cats? What the Research Actually Says.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I reapply an essential oil tick repellent?

Plan on every hour or so when you're outdoors, since essential oils evaporate within 1 to 3 hours. Reapply sooner after swimming, heavy rain, or a romp through wet grass.

Is it safe to use essential oils on puppies or small dogs?

Use extra gentleness. For dogs under 10 pounds, sensitive dogs, and young puppies, use a lower dilution and check in with your veterinarian first. Offering your dog a chance to sniff the blend and walk away if they aren't interested is a good habit with any new oil. Learn how in How to Let Your Dog or Cat Self-Select Essential Oils.

What should I do if I find a tick on my dog?

Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out. Then wash your hands and the area. If your dog seems unwell afterward, or you live in an area with tick-borne illness, contact your veterinarian.

Can I use these oils in a diffuser to keep bugs away?

Diffusing is a different use from topical repellent, and it isn't a reliable way to protect your animal outdoors. If you diffuse indoors, keep sessions short, ventilate the room, and let your animals leave when they choose. See Diffusing Essential Oils Safely Around Pets.

Are essential oils a replacement for veterinary flea and tick prevention?

Not necessarily. Essential oils are one supportive tool, and the right choice depends on your region, your animal's lifestyle, and their health. I'm not a veterinarian, so please talk with yours about the best plan for your animal family.

I hope this helps you and your animal companions enjoy the outdoors, bug free. If you have questions about using these essential oils or DE powder with your furry family, email me.

Amy Williams DeLong is a professional aromatherapist (NAHA Level II) with 25+ years of experience with animals and the creator of the Animal Aromatherapy program at Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary care.