TICKS: Yuck! Ticks are nasty parasites that can cause all kinds of serious illnesses in people.

Farmers’ Almanac offers a list of natural tick repellents that they say really work.

Apple cider vinegar can be made into a mixture to be sprayed onto clothing, exposed skin and even lawn furniture. “Combine two cups of water, four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and two tablespoons of organic neem oil. This spray works great on pets at controlling these menacing pests. Rub into pet’s fur after spraying. Be careful to avoid eyes, burns or damaged skin.

“You may also make an apple cider vinegar spray with essential oils. Fill a spray bottle 1/3 of the way with apple cider vinegar. Then add 10 drops each of geranium, cedarwood, citronella, and lemongrass essential oils and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake well before spraying.

“Ingesting Apple Cider Vinegar has also been known to repel ticks. Consider adding one teaspoon to your drinking water. (This method may even be safe for pets.)”

The next is neem oil, which can be rubbed onto exposed skin. It does have a strong odor, so folks may choose to mask the scent by mixing it with almonds or another light carrier oil.

Aromatherapy essential oils are tick repellents, too. The nasty critters hate the scent of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint and rose geranium. “Any of these or a combination can be used in DIY sprays or added to almond oil and rubbed on exposed skin. We recommend using 100% certified organic essential oils in any of the above mixtures, which can be found online.”

Always dilute solutions before using on a dog.