A Nova Scotia researcher has proven that lemongrass essential oil can effectively be used to repel ticks.
The finding is especially important in the province, which has seen an increase in black-legged ticks in recent years.
“This is the tick that can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Unfortunately here in Nova Scotia, we have a very big population of black-legged tick and we need to be very careful,” said Dr. Nicoletta Faraone from Acadia University.
She says essential oils’ biodegradable properties can make them safer for humans and the environment in comparison to synthetic formulas.
“Our study shows us that natural products can be a very great alternative to protect us against tick bites,” said.
“What a repellant does, it masks a tick’s nose and not allow the tick to smell us. This is a good way to understand ticks’ behaviour and this will help us for future studies to select the …