In the UK, ticks are alarmingly common in domestic gardens—especially during spring and summer. They thrive in shady, moist environments created by long grass, dense shrubbery, overgrown borders, piles of leaf litter, and tangled ground cover. Certain garden plants, such as brambles, ferns, ivy, heather, rhododendrons, laurels, and even unmown lawns, provide ideal hiding spots for ticks waiting to latch onto passing animals, including beloved pet dogs.
Maintaining a tidy garden and choosing plants that deter ticks can help reduce your pet’s exposure to these persistent parasites. But for gardeners who want to take direct action, deterrents are an effective remedy, says Hannah Rowson, Assistant Garden Manager at J. Parker’s.
She told Country Living: “Ticks are becoming a growing concern in gardens across the country, but certain plants have natural properties that help prevent these pests.”
When choosing tick-repelling plants for your garden, it’s crucial for dog owners to consider potential toxicity if pets chew or ingest foliage.
10 garden plants that deter ticks
1. Rosemary
This fragrant herb is non-toxic to dogs and safe if nibbled in small amounts. It can even be used as a culinary herb for pets.
Rosemary’s pine-like scent comes from oils such as cineole, camphor, and borneol—compounds proven to repel ticks. This hardy evergreen flourishes in the sun and is drought-tolerant once established.
Some studies show that rosemary features three molecules that can drive ticks away as efficiently as DEET, a common active ingredient in many insect repellents.
2. Lavender
Lavender’s essential oil contains linalool, which disrupts ticks’ nervous systems and deters them from entering the area. Its fragrant purple blooms thrive in sunny, well-drained spots typical of UK gardens.
However, it does contain linalool, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Small accidental nibbles are unlikely to cause serious harm, but monitor your pet for signs of nausea or lethargy.
3. Mint
Mint’s pungent aroma repels various pests, including ticks. Plant it in pots or contained beds as it spreads vigorously.
Most true mints are non-toxic in small amounts, but pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) is highly toxic and should be avoided entirely. Regular garden mint is generally safe if not consumed excessively.
4. 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.
5. Garlic
Beyond its culinary uses, garlic emits a sulphurous odour that repels ticks when grown 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.
6. Sage
Sage’s fragrant leaves are disliked by many insects, including ticks. This hardy herb tolerates poor soil and dry conditions. Common sage is considered non-toxic when eaten in moderation, but large amounts could cause digestive issues.
7. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil, often grown as an ornamental tree in the UK, is a powerful tick repellent. Choose compact varieties suitable for smaller gardens.
8. Catnip
Catnip is rich in the active compound nepetalactone; this weedy herb shows promise as a tick repellent. Although research is ongoing, studies suggest that nepetalactone may repel ticks as effectively as DEET.
Catnip is non-toxic to dogs, though it is more attractive to cats. If eaten in large amounts, it could cause mild digestive upset, but it is not dangerous.
9. Lemongrass
Though not fully hardy in all UK regions, lemongrass can be grown in pots and overwintered indoors. Its citrus scent deters ticks and mosquitoes.
Lemongrass, particularly the fibrous leaves and stems, can cause stomach upset or more serious complications if consumed by dogs.
10. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a source of natural pyrethrins—compounds used in many insect repellents. Planting them adds colour while helping to reduce tick numbers.
