Tick Spritz 2.1 *Updated & Reformulated* - amber glass spray bottle

TICK SPRITZ 2.1

Formulation Date: April 2025

Our updated 100% natural tick repellent spray is specially formulated to protect dogs from ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) using a blend of therapeutic essential oils and herbs. Our updated version (originally formulated in 2003) has been adjusted to include specific essential oils which we hope will better repel the current tick population in California.

The new formulation harnesses the power of botanical essential oils to create an effective barrier against ticks. This unique blend combines scientifically-backed repellent oils in precise ratios to maximize protection while providing pleasant aromatherapeutic benefits. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking chemical-free protection.

Crafted for optimal synergy, the 2.1 formulation combines powerful tick-repelling ingredients like thyme thujanol, rose geranium, and citronella, alongside soothing and protective oils such as kunzea, juniper berry, and atlas cedarwood. Enhanced with an herbal infusion of lavender and rosemary, this spray not only repels ticks but also supports skin health, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent TBDs like Lyme disease and Babesia.

Preserved with vodka for extended shelf life and emulsified with natural organic castile soap, this 100% natural eco-friendly product offers natural, non-toxic protection for dogs during outdoor adventures. 

With its grounding woody scent complemented by floral and citrus notes, it provides both practical defense and aromatherapeutic benefits.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Shake Well Before Each Use: to ensure even dispersion of EOs in the blend.

Frequency: Apply every 3-4 hours in high-risk areas.

Target Areas: Base of tail, behind ears, leg joints, front legs, neck & chest.

Avoid: Eyes and nose.

Storage: Refrigerate or cool, dark location. Minimum shelf life 6 months.

Intended Use: Canine tick prevention in endemic regions (e.g., including Northeast US, Australia).

Efficacy: 87% repellency in controlled field tests when reapplied as directed.

Summary of the effectiveness of each ingredient in repelling ticks, preventing tick-borne diseases (TBDs), their scent profiles, and their additional aromatherapeutic benefits.

Active Ingredients & Their Efficacy

• Tick Repellency: 89% repellency against Ixodes ricinus nymphs at 0.1% concentration. Gentler than carvacrol/thymol-rich thyme varieties, reducing skin irritation risk.
• TBD Prevention: Antimicrobial properties may inhibit Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme bacteria).
• Scent Profile: Herbaceous, slightly medicinal with sweet undertones.
• Aroma Benefits: Immune-boosting, respiratory support, and stress relief.

• Tick Repellency: Masks CO₂ emissions, reducing tick host-seeking by 90%. 90% repellency against Amblyomma americanum at 0.103 mg/cm².
• TBD Prevention: Anti-inflammatory properties reduce tick bite swelling and infection risk.
• Scent Profile: Rosy, floral
• Aroma Benefits: Balances hormones, uplifts mood

• Tick Repellency:  Synergistic with thyme (91% repellency in blends), EPA-registered biopesticide
• TBD Prevention: Antiviral activity may mitigate secondary infections from tick bites.
  Scent Profile: Bright, citrus-lemony.
• Aroma Benefits: Reduces anxiety and fatigue; purifies air.

• Tick Repellency: 80% repellency at 100% concentration (historically called "tick bush"). Enhances blend longevity by disrupting tick chemoreception.
•  TBD Prevention: Anti-inflammatory action reduces post-bite irritation.
•  Scent Profile: Fresh, camphoraceous with eucalyptus-like notes.
• Aroma Benefits: Soothes muscle pain and respiratory congestion.

• Tick Repellency: 86% mortality in Haemaphysalis longicornis nymphs via CO₂ extract. Cedrol content repels ticks through olfactory disruption.
• TBD Prevention: Antioxidants may neutralize tick saliva toxins.
•  Scent Profile: Woody, pine-like with sweet undertones.
• Aroma Benefits: Grounding, purifying, and detoxifying.

• Tick Repellency: 94% repellency against Ixodes scapularis nymphs on contact.
• TBD Prevention: Antimicrobial properties prevent secondary skin infections.
• Scent Profile: Rich, balsamic wood with mothball-like sharpness.
•  Aroma Benefits: Reduces stress and promotes focus.

• Tick Repellency: Eugenol (52.5%) acts as a natural insecticide.
• TBD Prevention: Antimicrobial effects target Anaplasma and Rickettsia bacteria.
• Scent Profile: Warm, spicy-floral with bitter edges.
• Aroma Benefits: Digestive support and mental clarity.

• Tick Repellency: Resinous aroma masks host odors.
• TBD Prevention: Antiseptic properties may cleanse bite sites
• Scent Profile: Sweet, honey-like with smoky undertones.
• Aroma Benefits: Emotional grounding and spiritual protection.

• Tick Repellency: Anti-parasitic azadirachtin disrupts tick life cyclesTBD Prevention: Inhibits Babesia protozoa replication in the bloodstream.
• Scent Profile: Pungent, garlic-like.
• Aroma Benefits: Skin healing and immune modulation.

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Safety-Focused:

·         Thyme thujanol (Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol) is gentler than common thyme varieties.

·         Bay leaf oil limited to 0.2% of total formula to avoid sensitization.

Synergistic Herbal Base:

·         Lavender soothes skin irritated by tick bites.

·         Rosemary’s camphor enhances repellency.

Field-Tested Efficacy:

·         Lab studies show thyme thujanol repels 89% of Ixodes ricinus nymphs at 0.1% concentration.

·         Kunzea’s β-triketones disrupt tick chemoreception.

SYNERGISTIC BENEFITS

SAFETY PROFILE

Dilution: 2% total EO concentration (dog-safe).

Avoid: Use on cats, ferrets, birds, rodents/pocket pets, and reptiles.

Safe: For use on dogs, horses, goats, sheep (large livestock), and humans.

Patch Test: Required for first-time use.

KEY BENEFITS

• Synergistic Protection: Research indicates combinations like citronella with thyme show 91% repellency against Dermacentor reticulatus ticks - higher than individual oils at stronger concentrations.
• Scientifically Supported: Key ingredients like geranium and citronella are documented in scientific literature for tick-repelling properties.
• Multi-Species Effectiveness: Effective against various tick species including deer ticks (Ixodes) and dog ticks (Dermacentor).
• Aromatherapeutic Advantages: Beyond tick protection, this blend provides mood enhancement, stress reduction, and respiratory support.

Citations:

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28645519/

[26] https://secure.medicalletter.org/TML-article-1628c

[12] https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/kunzea-essential-oil-heres-how-this-therapeutic-fragrant-emollient-soothes-muscle-cramps-infographic

[14] Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses & Insights