Ticks in the garden: These plants & herbs are vermin killers

Ticks have always been one of the most dangerous disease carriers in this country. The parasites transmit two highly dangerous diseases, Lyme disease and TBE, which in the worst case can lead to death. Although most people associate the bloodsuckers with the forest, the number of ticks is now also increasing in the vicinity of homes. Some planning is required so that the eight-legged friends cannot gain a foothold in the home garden. A whole range of cultivated plants act as natural protective barriers.

Ticks are a growing threat: How to get rid of the arachnids in your garden

Contrary to old popular belief, the eight-legged creatures do not jump down on their victims from trees, but thrive in the damp greenery. If you have a well-kept lawn or a natural meadow in front of the house, you should be particularly careful. To infect a Illness with serious consequences, there is no need for a long walk in the forest, with a bit of bad luck it is enough to step outside your own front door.

Also read: TBE by ticks: who should refresh their vaccination

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) warns of a growing threat. The health authorities identified three new risk areas in 2023. According to an observational study by the Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance Physician Care (Zi), between 240,000 and 312,000 Germans are infected with Lyme disease every year, which affects the skin, nervous system and joints. With several hundred registered cases, TBE is much less common, but this disease can deadly consequences have, especially among vulnerable groups and the over 60-year-olds.

One ticks to drive them out of their own garden, hobby gardeners have two creative options. On the one hand, there are a number of plants that naturally have a repellent effect on arachnids. On the other hand, animals can be attracted that have ticks on their menu.

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Gentle aromas for humans – repellent pheromones for ticks: these scented plants help

Sage, lavender, rosemary and mint are among the most popular scented plants in Germany’s allotment gardens. But they not only look good and can be used for tea infusions. Unknown to most people is their repellent effect on many arachnids. But all four plants give off pheromones and scents that drive away several species of vermin.

All four plants thrive best in a sunny spot and should be cut back throughout the year. While the first three plants mentioned provide a colorful hustle and bustle of pollinating bees, bumblebees and other flying insects in spring, catnip attracts – no surprise – cats. Also in the Kitchen All four are used, with rosemary being the ideal potato spice. As a positive side effect, the herbs also have a healing effect and are suitable as balcony plants thanks to their aromas.

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From poison club, spice and medicine: these plants and herbs are vermin killers

Marigold, beauty fruit, bug powder herb and garlic are very different garden plants. But they have one thing in common: they fear bloodsuckers. Not only ticks, but also fleas and other parasites react to these plants by fleeing. While the sulfur content of some garlic flavors is too harsh for ticks, calendula and insect powder herb are considered vermin killers. Their venom was used as an antidote hundreds of years ago.

What you should know: Alongshan virus in ticks: how dangerous is the pathogen?

An all-purpose weapon is the American beauty fruit. While its sweet fruits are used in the production of wine or fruit jelly, the root can be used as a Tee be brewed. In addition, the Callicarpa americana drives away mosquitoes, ticks and other parasites. The pioneers took over the secret weapon from the Native Americans and rubbed farm animals such as horses and donkeys with the leaves early on. However, the beauty fruit develops its strongest effect in autumn when it bears fruit. Because then it attracts numerous species of birds that are also after ticks.

Defense against ticks in the garden: birds and essential oils – tips for hobby gardeners

There are other ways to make the garden as tick-resistant as possible without driving away welcome guests. Because the parasites find shelter in damp, shady places, the lawn should at least not be neglected. Flower beds should best be enriched with cedar mulch, which not only helps with plant growth, the essential oils have a parasite-repellent effect. Also help birds always when fighting vermin. A bird feeder is just as welcome as a variety of fruit-bearing plants.

Caution: Garbage fly spreads rapidly and causes danger

With the feed dispensers, however, the commandment of the cleanliness. Don’t let fallen food pile up under the houses, as this attracts rodents like mice and rats, which make perfect tick hosts. If you want to be on the safe side here, you can also upgrade your garden enclosure. A vole screen is guaranteed to keep even the smallest rodents away. The disadvantage, however, is obvious: valuable animals for the ecosystem, such as hedgehogs, are also affected by the structural measure.

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