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Tick season has become a growing concern across much of the United States, with diseases such as Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome affecting hundreds of thousands of people every year. While insect repellents containing DEET remain one of the most effective defenses, researchers and gardening experts say another, lesser-known option may already be growing in many backyards: rose geranium.

Unlike conventional pesticides, rose geranium has attracted scientific attention because of compounds found in its essential oil. , researchers evaluated 10 essential oils from Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) and found that one sample repelled more than 90% of lone star tick nymphs in laboratory tests. The team also isolated the naturally occurring compound (−)-10-epi-γ-eudesmol, which showed repellency comparable to DEET at certain concentrations, suggesting compounds within geranium oil may have potential as natural tick repellents.

The landscaping trick that may make your yard less inviting

Many gardeners already grow geraniums simply because they’re colorful, hardy and bloom for months, but the plants may offer another benefit. Landscaping experts often recommend planting fragrant herbs and flowers around patios, walkways and outdoor seating areas as part of an integrated pest-management strategy. While a few flowering plants alone won’t eliminate ticks, reducing attractive habitat and adding aromatic vegetation can make parts of a yard less appealing to them.

says the most effective way to reduce tick populations around homes is to modify the landscape itself. That includes keeping grass short, removing leaf litter and brush, stacking wood neatly in dry areas, and creating a three-foot barrier of gravel or wood chips between wooded areas and lawns. These changes reduce the moist environments where ticks thrive and make it harder for them to migrate into frequently used outdoor spaces.

Why ticks are becoming a bigger concern across the U.S.

The growing interest in natural tick-control methods comes as tick populations continue to expand across large parts of the United States. Scientists attribute the trend to a combination of warmer temperatures, changing land use and increasing contact between people, wildlife and suburban environments. Deer, mice and other small mammals transport ticks into residential neighborhoods, where overgrown vegetation and humid microclimates help them survive. Because ticks can remain active whenever temperatures stay above freezing, many experts say prevention is becoming a year-round habit rather than something reserved only for the height of summer. That makes landscaping choices, regular yard maintenance and personal protection increasingly important alongside any natural repellents.

Geranium oil works best as part of a broader tick-prevention plan

Essential oils should be viewed as a supplement rather than a standalone solution. If using rose geranium oil, experts recommend diluting it with a carrier before applying it to clothing or skin, since concentrated essential oils can irritate sensitive skin. It’s also important not to apply essential oils directly to pets, as many can be toxic to dogs and especially cats.

notes that preventing tick bites usually requires a combination of measures, including wearing long clothing in wooded or grassy areas, checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, maintaining the yard and using registered insect repellents when appropriate. Together, these steps offer far greater protection than relying on any single product or plant.

So while swapping in fragrant geraniums won’t create a tick-free yard overnight, combining smart landscaping with proven prevention methods could make your outdoor spaces a little less welcoming to these tiny but potentially dangerous pests.