Ticks can be a concern anywhere we spend time outdoors — in woods, tall grass, gardens, fields, trails, yards, and other natural areas. Knowing how to prevent tick bites, check for ticks after outdoor activity, and respond when a tick is found can make outdoor time feel much more manageable.

At Alywillow, we approach tick protection with plants. We have several pure-plant options for helping deter ticks and other biting insects, along with concentrated and ready-to-use options for caring for an existing bite area.

Natural Tick Protection Without DEET

Many conventional insect repellents and outdoor pest products rely on synthetic active ingredients, fragrances, solvents, and pesticides. Those products may be repeatedly applied to skin, clothing, hair, children, pets, and the spaces around us.

We believe outdoor protection should not require surrounding ourselves with unnecessary synthetics.

For more than 35 years, we have worked with plants and studied how botanical formulas can fit into everyday personal care. Our approach to natural tick protection follows that same philosophy: use pure plants thoughtfully, apply them correctly, and make regular tick checks part of the routine.

Three Pure-Plant Options for Tick and Bug Protection

We use three different products depending on whether the goal is broader bug protection, stronger concentrated tick and spider support, or a convenient ready-made spray.

NATIVE-SHIELD: Broader Outdoor Bug Protection

NATIVE-SHIELD is our broader outdoor bug repellent. It is designed primarily for mosquitoes, horseflies, houseflies, no-see-ums, and other biting insects. When ticks are also a concern, NATIVE-SHIELD can be strengthened with FORTIFY Plant Serum.

FORTIFY Plant Serum: Concentrated Tick & Spider Protection

FORTIFY Plant Serum is our concentrated botanical formula for ticks and spiders. Because it is concentrated, only a small amount is needed, and it should be used according to its directions. FORTIFY can be added to NATIVE-SHIELD before outdoor activity, or used carefully on a localized tick bite area afterward.

DisinfectNOW: Ready-to-Use Tick & Spider Spray

DisinfectNOW is already enjoyed for disinfecting and sanitizing, but since it contains FORTIFY (our natural way to repel ticks and spiders), this diluted spray can deter ticks and spiders just by spraying it on skin, face, hair, clothing, and shoes before going outdoors. It can also be sprayed onto a bite area afterward for local itching, swelling, burning, tenderness, and irritation.

How to Prevent Tick Bites Naturally

If you want broader protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects plus stronger tick protection, add 20 drops of FORTIFY Plant Serum to one bottle of NATIVE-SHIELD.

Shake the bottle well before each use. We do not use synthetic emulsifiers, so shaking helps redistribute the plant ingredients throughout the formula.

Apply NATIVE-SHIELD to your palm first, then rub it thoroughly into exposed skin. Rubbing gives more complete coverage than simply misting the skin. It can also be applied to clothing, hair, and shoes when spending time outdoors.

If ticks and spiders are your primary concern, DisinfectNOW is the simpler ready-to-use option. Spray it on skin, face, hair, clothing, and shoes before heading outdoors.

Tick Prevention Is More Than Repellent

A natural tick prevention routine should also include awareness of where ticks live and a careful body check after outdoor activity.

Ticks may be encountered in wooded areas, tall grass, brush, gardens, fields, trails, and yards. After spending time in these environments, look carefully over your skin, scalp, hairline, clothing, and other areas where a tick may be difficult to notice.

We also recommend showering or bathing after outdoor activity. This gives you another opportunity to check your body carefully and remove anything you may have missed.

What to Do If You Find an Attached Tick

If you discover a tick attached to the skin, address it promptly.

FORTIFY can be used directly on the affected area. Apply one drop to the area to weaken the tick, making it easier to remove. After removal, continue applying FORTIFY to the spot for a few days to help calm itching, swelling, and discomfort associated with the bite.

Because FORTIFY is highly concentrated, keep it limited to the affected area and follow with an Alywillow moisturizer or oil to help protect the surrounding healthy skin.

For a Ready-to-Use Option After a Tick Bite

DisinfectNOW is the diluted, ready-to-use form of our FORTIFY formula. Spray it directly onto the affected skin for local itching, swelling, burning, tenderness, and irritation, and apply consistently for several days when needed.

If DisinfectNOW does not feel strong enough on its own, use the concentrated FORTIFY formula according to its directions.

For Pain and Swelling Around the Bite

Minty Relief and Riverflow moisturizers can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with a bite. These can also be useful after concentrated FORTIFY to moisturize and comfort the surrounding skin.

Options for those who have Alpha-Gal

Unfortunately, tick populations in some areas of our country have been increasing at alarming speed, and many of the resulting bites have brought a sort of plague to the individuals affected, known as Alpha-Gal. If you'd like more information on how Alywillow can help you navigate this new life, read our guide: Alpha-Gal Awareness and Alywillow Ingredient Transparency. 

A Simple Outdoor Tick Protection Routine

Before going outdoors: Add 20 drops of FORTIFY to a bottle of NATIVE-SHIELD for broader bug, tick and spider protection. If ticks and spiders are the only concern, DisinfectNOW is all you need.

Shake before using: Our formulas do not contain synthetic emulsifiers, so shake well to blend the plant ingredients.

Apply thoroughly: First spray it into your palm and rub it into exposed skin. You can use these products on your skin, face, hair, clothing, and shoes.

After outdoor activity: Check your body carefully for ticks and consider a shower or bath as part of your tick-check routine. If you find a tick: Remove it promptly and use FORTIFY or DisinfectNOW on the affected area according to the product directions.

Why We Choose Pure-Plant Tick Protection

NATIVE-SHIELD, FORTIFY, and DisinfectNOW are part of our larger pure-plant approach to outdoor care. NATIVE-SHIELD contains no DEET. FORTIFY provides a concentrated botanical option used in small amounts. DisinfectNOW provides the convenience of a diluted, ready-to-use FORTIFY formula for tick and spider protection.

Our goal is not to make outdoor life complicated. It is to give you practical plant-based options that can become part of a thoughtful routine: protect before you go outside, check yourself when you return, and respond quickly if you find a tick.

Natural Tick Protection: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between NATIVE-SHIELD and DisinfectNOW?

NATIVE-SHIELD is our broader bug repellent for mosquitoes, horseflies, houseflies, no-see-ums, and other biting insects. DisinfectNOW is specifically our ready-made FORTIFY-based option for ticks and spiders.

Can I strengthen NATIVE-SHIELD for ticks?

Yes. Add 20 drops of FORTIFY Plant Serum to one bottle of NATIVE-SHIELD and shake well before using.

Should I spray NATIVE-SHIELD directly onto my skin?

For the best coverage, spray NATIVE-SHIELD into your palm and rub it thoroughly into exposed skin. This also helps prevent overspray.

Can DisinfectNOW be used before going outside?

Yes. When ticks and spiders are the main concern, DisinfectNOW can be sprayed on skin, face, hair, clothing, and shoes before outdoor activity.

Can FORTIFY be used after a tick bite?

Yes. FORTIFY can be used carefully on the localized bite area according to its directions. Because it is concentrated, keep it limited to the affected spot and follow with a moisturizer or oil to protect the surrounding skin.

Does natural tick protection replace checking for ticks?

No. Repellent is only one part of a good outdoor routine. Check your body carefully after spending time in woods, tall grass, gardens, fields, trails, and similar environments.

Explore Our Natural Tick & Bug Protection

Shop NATIVE-SHIELD — broader pure-plant outdoor bug protection.

Shop FORTIFY Plant Serum — concentrated botanical tick and spider protection.

Shop DisinfectNOW — ready-to-use tick and spider spray.

Important: Follow the directions and cautions on each individual product page. If you have plant allergies or experience irritation, discontinue use.

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