Ticks can be a common problem in domestic gardens in the UK, especially in spring and summer. However, certain garden plants can help keep these parasites at bay
16:30, 29 Jul 2025Updated 16:38, 29 Jul 2025
Gardeners with dogs can deter ticks by growing 10 popular plants now(Image: Getty)
Across the UK, ticks are worryingly prevalent in domestic gardens, particularly throughout the spring and summer months. These parasites flourish in shadowy, damp conditions found beneath long grass, thick shrubs, overgrown borders, accumulated leaf debris, and matted ground cover.
Particular garden plants, including brambles, ferns, ivy, heather, rhododendrons, laurels, and even unkempt lawns, offer perfect concealment for ticks as they await passing animals, including cherished pet dogs.
Keeping a well-maintained garden and selecting plants that repel ticks can help minimise your pet’s contact with these stubborn parasites. However, according to Hannah Rowson, assistant garden manager at J.Parker’s, deterrents prove highly effective for gardeners seeking to take direct measures, reports the Express.
Speaking to Country Living, she explained: “Ticks are becoming a growing concern in gardens across the country, but certain plants have natural properties that help prevent these pests”.
When selecting tick-deterring plants for their gardens, dog owners must carefully consider the potential toxicity should their pets nibble or consume the foliage.
10 garden plants that deter ticks
Dogs can safely enjoy your garden without being bitten by ticks(Image: Anita Kot via Getty Images)Rosemary
This aromatic herb poses no threat to dogs and remains safe if consumed in modest quantities. It can also serve as a culinary herb for pets.
Rosemary’s distinctive pine-like fragrance derives from oils including cineole, camphor, and borneol—compounds scientifically proven to ward off ticks. This robust evergreen thrives in sunny conditions and becomes drought-resistant once established.
Research suggests that rosemary contains three molecules that can repel ticks as effectively as DEET, a common ingredient in many insect repellents.
Lavender
The essential oil of lavender contains linalool, which interferes with the nervous systems of ticks and discourages them from entering the area. Its fragrant purple flowers flourish in sunny, well-drained spots typical of UK gardens.
However, it does contain linalool, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large amounts. Small accidental ingestions are unlikely to cause serious harm, but keep an eye on your pet for signs of nausea or lethargy.
Mint
The strong scent of mint deters various pests, including ticks. Plant it in pots or contained beds as it tends to spread rapidly.
Most true mints are non-toxic in small quantities, but pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) is highly toxic and should be avoided entirely. Regular garden mint is generally safe if not consumed excessively.
Ticks are dangerous to animals and humans(Image: Getty)Marigolds
Bright marigold flowers contain compounds known to deter ticks and other garden pests. They thrive in sunny borders and containers.
The marigold plant can be mildly toxic to dogs when ingested and can also cause irritation when it comes into contact with their fur and skin.
Garlic
In addition to its culinary uses, garlic emits a sulphurous odour that repels ticks when planted around the garden perimeter. Even in relatively small amounts, garlic is toxic to dogs and should never be intentionally planted where pets might eat it.
Sage
Sage, with its fragrant leaves, is disliked by many insects, including ticks. This robust herb can withstand poor soil and dry conditions.
While common sage is deemed non-toxic when consumed in moderation, excessive amounts could lead to digestive problems.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil, often cultivated as an ornamental tree in the UK, serves as a potent tick repellent. Opt for compact varieties if you have a smaller garden.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to both animals and humans primarily through the bite of infected ticks(Image: Viktor Aheiev via Getty Images)Catnip
Catnip, rich in the active compound nepetalactone, shows potential as a tick repellent. Although research continues, studies indicate that nepetalactone may repel ticks as effectively as DEET.
Catnip is harmless to dogs but attracts cats. Consuming large quantities could result in mild digestive discomfort, but it poses no serious threat.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, although not fully hardy across all UK regions, can be grown in pots and brought indoors during winter. Its citrus aroma deters ticks and mosquitoes.
However, particularly the fibrous leaves and stems of lemongrass, if ingested by dogs, can cause stomach upset or more severe complications.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a source of natural pyrethrins – compounds used in numerous insect repellents. Planting them not only adds colour to your garden but also helps reduce the number of ticks.