I'm Scared to Go Outside -- (I NEVER thought I'd say that!) (story 40) 

You wonderful, wonderful friends!! Thank you so much for all your amazing comments. You have touched my heart so much with all your thoughtful words and suggestions. Honestly, this comment section has turned into an amazing resource of information for anyone dealing with ticks! There are so many good ideas shared here and I'm beyond grateful for it. Both because there are ideas that I can implement ... but also because I know it will help others, too. So thank you, thank you! I appreciate this community SO SO much!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

My suggestions: Braid your hair and tie it up on the top of your head. Wear a wide brimmed hat. Wear long pants tied at the ankle. Wear long sleeves. Try to avoid the tall grass areas. Create a “safe” area were you can still enjoy the outdoors but minimize contact with ticks. As an herbalist, I’ve tried many different ways to dry herbs. One of the best and most effective I have found is to find some clean screens to spread the herbs on. I then put the screens on my metal shelving unit. The shelves also allow air to circulate since they are wire.This is a more natural way than an oven or dehydrator. Although I have at times used a dehydrator :-)

Guinea fowl are great! They eat everything, roost in trees, lay their eggs everywhere-fun to hunt-and are the most ferocious guard dogs!

I don't live in the country and I am 66 and never seen a tick till this year. I now see them in my garden all the time. I have two small dogs that I have to check all the time. I was at a handmade market in the country and all the conversation was about ticks. I live in southern Ontario. I have started wearing my knee high rubber boots when I weed and my husband thinks I am wacko! My Bernie has the same little wiggle as Charlie!

I feel your pain! I'm in Michigan on a 3 acre wooded lot with a river...alone! And I have let fear rule for too long...ticks, mosquitoes, spiders, snakes, raccoons, deer...everything CAN be a threat to our physical health, but usually isn't. Like everything else in life, the energy of fear tends to attract the very thing we are afraid of. I have good days where I remind myself of this and kick fears butt, and some days where I hunker down. Cheers to us all having more kicking days than hunker down days. Life is just way too short for anything else. Love your channel! Thanks for keeping it real.

I just wanted to say thank you Kate, for being honest and vulnerable with us. Your videos are something I really look forward to ever some I found you just a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to say I agree with what lots of people have said in these comments about anxiety. Often anxiety is not something we can control and it is far better to let it out than suppress it! I think it is much healthier to process your feelings and I feel like we are all friends here and totally understand having the anxiety be overwhelming enough to create tears. We don’t judge for that, we love you for that, for your raw honesty @LittleBohoCottage. Thank you for being honest and treating us like friends (even if we are remote internet friends)! One of the things I’ve learnt about ticks because yes, we have them here in Australia too, is that if it’s possible, create a 3 foot wide area of wood chips or gravel between your garden and surrounding woodlands? I know that might be hard for you but I thought that maybe you could do that just around you’re veggie garden and maybe for some of the area outside your front door including the path leading to your door? Also you need to keep the grass really short but I’m sure you know this. It would still make me feel uncomfortable sitting in it even if it is super short. Then also plant the flowers they dislike, marigolds, lavender, citronella ... I’m sure there’ll be more plants on that list if you do a little research. Then you and Charlie could enjoy sitting out there again and we would all feel so much happier because you would feel happier! I watched you put your “new” cottage together (I LOVED that video) so I know you are good at creating things. So, I also wonder if it might be possible to build a little deck outside your front door or maybe just across the path, just one big enough to put a blanket on for you and Charlie to sit in outside? I thought this when I was saying you need to make the grass really short. I know you like to sit out there on a blanket with Charlie but I feel a small deck, off the ground, would be safer and it wouldn’t need to be huge and then you could pop out there with your cuppa in the morning and not have to be afraid. I also wonder if putting those beautiful flowers you have strong the front of your house into pots might help. I know it’s not the same as having them in the ground all over the place looking beautiful and wild but I suspect you would have less ticks because they won’t cling to / climb up the outside of pots. I did a little research and found a site that might help with the ticks. The lady is from New Hampshire. I wanted to find information relevant to where you live rather then where I am. Anyway, here’s the link. I know there are products you can buy from a vet to put in the back of your dogs neck to repel fleas, ticks etc but if you prefer using something natural then the spray this lady makes sounds good (and works for humans to i think she said). If it were me and I tried this and it didn’t work then I would seriously consider the vets solution because that is better then your Charlie getting ill or paralysed or worse. Also, you need to think about heart-worm and rabies (in the USA is that right?) Anyway, here’s the info... livingwellmom.com/natural-tick-repellent-dogs/❤ It’s crazy to me just how much you can grow to like and even love someone you have never met, just by watching videos they create... obviously not everyone has the ability to create that type of loving community but you do! Why? Well, I believe it’s because you are honest, you don’t hide your feelings and you create such wonderful content! I’m 60, I live in Brisbane in the state of Queensland in Australia and I manage on a disability pension. I SO WISH I could come over there, help you buy the things you need to make your garden a safe space from ticks and then organise a working bee to give you back your happy place. You have just really touched my heart (and helped me to discover what tour it style I like!). You see that is something I have never had the opportunity to do. I have complex ptsd from an abusive/ neglectful childhood and then I married a man 12 tears older who return or to be a narcissist. We had 4 beautiful kids together (they’re all adults now and, no surprises have mental health issues too). It took me until I was almost 40 to free the courage to leave and then 4 years figuring in court (he was a qualified Barrister). I became a single mum and, for the first time in my life has no one telling me what to think/feel/do etc. I wasn’t qualified for anything so the only job I could find was looking after families who had members with disabilities. I was just finding my feet when I had an accident at work, then just as I was getting over that a massive car accident and I haven’t worked since. I HATE being poor. I always dreamed of travelling and maybe finding a small house (I LOVE the idea of a tiny house or cottage!) that I could make my own. The Only problem is I don’t know what style I like. I know that probably sounds really silly, surely I should know, right? But we were poor as when I was a child and the same with my ex husband. Everything I had was hand-me-downs, it still is. Then... I found you on RU-vid and I LOVE your style. I know I love colour and (in my head) I love to create art (but when I try it never seems to translate from my mind to paper or canvas or whatever. I wish I was loaded, then I would travel and ask to visit you, lol. I’d ask if I could pay you to be my interior decorator ... in my dreams. How I would love to live somewhere like you with 4 distinct seasons. To be able to look outside in winter and see print in the snow and wonder which animal made them, or maybe even be able to watch them from inside... I am SO SORRY for the stupidly crazy epically long comment but I really wanted you to understand just what an impact you have had on me, a random 60 year old lady from the other side of the planet!

I second the guinea fowl. They are the best tick control

Dearest Kate. My heart goes out to you about the ticks. That can be very scary. Don't worry about crying. It's a good release, and you are among friends here. 💓 We support, care, and love your videos! Just a thought. Is lemonbalm a good tick deterrent? It was great to see Sweet Charlie. Stay well. 🌸💮🏵

Diatomaceous Earth This powder is completely safe for both humans and pets and is an extremely effective way of ridding your yard of ticks. To keep ticks away, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home and yard. Make a 1 to 2 inch thick line around the perimeter to kill any ticks that try to enter.

Girl, don’t feel bad. Ticks like that would give me anxiety too!

Speak to your landlady about what you can cut back keeping lawns short and grass areas clear, as well as tree branches and discuss having chickens or guinea fowl good luck and god bless you xx

Hi dear kate! What an authentic video! Sorry you're dealing with this awful tic issue but its because you love charlie so much and also realize tics can cause all sorts of health problems for humans! you are actually managing it in very healthy ways : avoid, leave, distract, research, treat what you can... you have a beautiful safe haven you've created so if you are feeling unsafe, stay inside! No shame in doing that! Im a retired psychotherapist and would recommend all the steps you are taking to my clients who felt similar fears. And reading over your other comments, girl, you are helping so many with your honesty! You are not alone! You're healthy, charlie is strutting his stuff and its a common, temporary issue that will surley pass! God bless you both and scat tics, scat!❤😂😊

Create a gravel barrier if you have woodland nearby. Remove leaf litter. Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns. Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into recreational areas. Mow the lawn frequently. •Just a few hints from google

When my parents moved to an old farm property that needed to be cleaned up outside - pruning, mowing, etc., and there were a lot of ticks, Mom and I wore plastic shower caps and bandanas to keep the ticks out of our hair. To protect my dogs from ticks, I give them Simparica once a month. I hope you find solutions to help you be able to enjoy your yard. It’s a lovely area! But I totally get the concern. 💗

Perhaps it’s time to settle into a good novel for an inside tick escape! I’m 1/4 nature person….3/4 inside grandma hermit. 🤣. I LOVE your cottage inside and the happy essence your decorating brings. It always makes me want to nest deeper. Be gentle with yourself ☮️

Maybe have your landlord have a pro out to spray? Life is too short to avoid problems, deal with them while they are small because they will only get bigger if you run away from them. Take solace in that everyone goes through trials and tribulations and understand. Give grace to those who have worse problems because there will always be worse problems. God Bless you.

Long pants tucked into socks boots no bare feet , long sleeve shirt. You look adorable in your dress and bare feet but not during tick season ❤️

Those horrid ticks! We too suffer from them here in Devon, England. Having to get tablets for my rescue greyhound, as she has a tick on her now, but will not let me anywhere near it to get it off her! We have a hosepipe ban here too, so having to water my little front garden by hand with a watering can, which keeps me fit! I only go out of the house to walk Madge, as I too suffer from acute anxiety. I sold my car, and have not been out of my rural area since 2020. I am quite happy to just be here with Madge, and order everything on line that I need. I feel safest when I am in my little house, as you do, it is our sanctuary. You are caring so well for yourself and little Charlie. Love and peace and Blessings to you, beautiful young lady, and to little Charlie too, from Jilly & Madge the rescue greyhound. xxx

I have a few friends with Lyme's Disease and one of them is still sick years later. Yes, ticks can be removed easily but there can still be repercussions. You are wise to be diligent. I have turkeys that come to eat birdseed and they do a good job eating the nasty little critters. Possums do too. I don't forage in the lawn like I used to. Still thankful, as many are without shelter. 🍄💜🍄

Go's loves you. He will help you. Guines are noisey. ❤️🙏😊

Don’t let the tick control you. I found that the ticks came in on my two Chihuahuas from the yard even though I checked thoroughly. It’s had to see the ticks on their fur . Be stubborn do your best. I know that you want to use natural remedies as so do I prefer but unfortunately they do not last . Only deep woods off or cutters works all day . I would wear old garden clothes and spray all my outerwear clothes then leave out side to wash daily. It the only thing that works. I to get a reaction to chemicals but if I want to garden this is it . Spay out side on you clothes. Hats everything. I garden in Maine in the deep woods on a lake and ticks are everywhere but this method works .

Kate try rubbing some Vicks on your ankles and around your wrists to keep the ticks away. It keeps mosquitos away and may stop the ticks from climbing on you. For mosquitos you rub it all over the open parts of your body. We get a lot of ticks and fleas after heavy rain here in South Africa and this past summer was hectic! It is winter here now and I see a lot less of those pests on the cats, thank goodness! Thank you for sharing and look after yourself 😊

Here’s a tip from a Connecticut girl. We have quite the collection of ticks here in the Nutmeg state, as you know. Ticks hate the smell of peppermint. Check online to see the ratio to make a spray for yourself. Dr. Bronner’s makes a peppermint Castile soap that is great for bathing. You can also use it for dishes and cleaning too. I would use caution with floors as they may be a bit slippery. The peppermint also repels spiders and ants. I am so sorry you are going through this. I have the same dress and enjoyed some chihuahua time today with my friends dog. He is the worlds friendliest chihuahua. Hugs to you and Charlie.🥰

You mentioned that someone had told you about getting giunea fowl to combat ticks. I know a woman who has a farm that is surrounded by woods. When she first started the farm she had pigs which she let run free in the woods during the day to forage. To her dismay, they would come back covered in ticks. She got a flock of guinea fowl to let loose in the woods with the pigs and before long , no more ticks on the pigs! Guinea fowl love to eat ticks!

Melitonin is a natural anti-anxiety. The tics are likely bad b/c geoengineering, spraying from the sky has caused most of our forest dwellers to die. And most of our forests are dead from the inside out. The fires are mostly deliberate in areas where incendiary chemicals have been sprayed on the trees. However, if you know Jesus you need NOT fear. I love your channel and most especially your candor. I'm praying for you.

What do ticks hate most? Garlic, sage, mint, lavender, beautyberry, rosemary and marigolds are some of the most familiar and effective tick-repelling plants, and they are great to use in landscaping borders around decks, walkways, pet runs, patios and other areas to keep ticks away. In 2019 they invaded the RV park I was in in Arizona. They were in the pine trees.

I wanted to add, thanks so much for your kind words about wildfire smoke out West. We hated to see you guys having to deal with it as we know so well how awful it is. The sun here was literally deep red in 2020--for days! I went out for a walk in a respirator mask and took pictures. Imagine the blood red sun casting a path of rusty light across the bay--and the water not its usual blue but deep, steely gray, against the smoky sky...it looked like a scene from the land of Mordor in Tolkien. 2019 and 2020 both were nightmarish. Hoping to skip that this year...hope Canada settles down too!

Maybe look up essential oils that repel ticks Try Tea tree Lemongrass Lavender Eucalyptus Sage Thyme

Oh my gosh! My heart goes out to you, my dear. Nowhere is perfect but I live in Washington state half the year and of course you deal with a short growing season and overcast skies and rain and mosquitoes sometimes. Then the other half of the year, I live on the big island of Hawaii. I just bought 2 acres on the east side of the island backing acres of forest land, for under $40,000. My son is living there and they are growing all kinds of things. But… then there are centipedes and the occasional scorpion and ugly but harmless cockroaches! I’m sad for you about the ticks!❤🙏💪💝

It’s an awful year for ticks here in Europe too. I don’t like them at all!!! Totally understand that’s upsetting. I’m moving to Sweden in a couple of weeks and I heard that it is worse then ever😢.this year. Don’t like it at all!! Hopefully you’ll hear a great advice from someone and it will help! Lovely and honest video. Thank you for sharing 💚🌿🌸

I praise God that earthly joys and earthly tears are confined to earthly years!

Charlie, is a great dog!!!!!. & He loves u sooooo much!!!!😊

Guinea Hens eat thousands of ticks a day. You need some of those!! Love your videos. I love the peaceful & relaxing nature of your channel. God Bless you!!

Hello Kate, please don’t apologise for keeping your vlog real….I hope you have found a remedy for keeping the ticks down and have overcome your fear of being out in your garden. I notice people have sent some ideas for repelling the blighters. I too love Charlie’s little wiggle. He always makes me smile. Thinking of you in the U.K. ❤🦴🦴

Wonderfully soothing to watch your video. Thank you. You could try drying your mint, bundled upside down, in a paperbag. The paper will help absorb some of the humidity, though you will still need to keep an eye on it. And if lots of humidity you may need to change the bag.

It’s hard when our dream of working with nature and natural remedies against ticks and mosquitoes runs smack into hardcore reality… which explains why more effective measures were developed over the many generations. The threat of getting a disease is very real. Cutting down the brush surrounding your home, spraying the yard, and fences may be the only way to reclaim your yard. You have as much right as wildlife to have a little corner of the world. I had to address some issues to let wildlife know that while they can have the woods, my backyard is mine. The blooming tree at the beginning of the video is a catalpa tree.

I'm so sorry you're suffering so much with the ticks. I know you don't like pesticides, but would you consider hiring a pest company to spray for them? They might be able to form a barrier to keep them out.

I enjoy your videos very much. Whenever I watch them, you remind me so much of the singer Jewel. You look like her as well as having the same tone and cadence as her. Good luck with the ticks.

I think there are years with plenty of ticks and years when they are not so active! However only drier more open places guarantee safety. I hope you will stay safe and Charlie too.take care .it's sad not to be able to go outside. Have you considered moving......love❤❤❤❤

I feel like Southern France is whispering to your spirit . 💖

Kate, one more suggestion? I know you love your flowing gorgeous print dresses (so do I), but how about a pant, socks (that you can tuck pant legs into) and light color thin long sleeve to work in the garden. If you don’t own, thrift some. Light color allows for quicker detection. Just a thought. ☺️👍🏼💗

I missed your post this week. I was thinking about your tick problem and maybe that's why the people moved out of there was because of the ticks. Ground hogs can bring in ticks too. I know you like to go natural, but due to your extensive problem you should call an exterminator. I feel bad that you are going through this because I need the outdoors too. I don't think the natural products will get rid of them, but maybe they would be good for afterwards maintenance. We can't always go natural, especially when your health is at risk. I wish you a speedy solution. If it were me , I would use chemical spray first to eradicate them. Then use natural products later. That's my best advice. If you do nothing else, call an exterminator company and talk to them about a solution.

Hi, I live in Sussex County NJ near the PA and NY borders and we are dealing with ticks as well. They are saying it’s because we had such a warm winter. One thing we do is keep all the grasses cut low around our property because ticks love tall grasses. We also use Skin so soft on us and the dogs when we’re out because the ticks and fleas don’t like it. It’s 1 cup skin so soft bath oil 1 cup white vinegar and 1 or more cups water. Mix and pour into a spray bottle. Hope this helps. I love watching your videos ❤️

If you like mint tea, you'll probably enjoy lemon balm as well, it's from the same family and very soothing. The only suggestion I can give about ticks is to wear trousers and long sleeves, keep your skin covered - but that might not feel so great on a hot day!

Girl I hate tics too! I'd be putting the non harsh bug spray on my legs before I went into the garden. I'd also put granules out in the garden, organic or not, they are stealing your joy. It can still be your healing garden...just see the tics as the universes random way of throwing obstacles in your way to see how you persevere. Don't let them win.

Kate, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your thoughts and feelings with us all. It is so healing to know one is not alone when a person has the type of fears you are expressing. I expressed some similar feelings the other night at a group I attended. Though I am not battling ticks (and the much more real concerns regarding contracting Lyme disease), loneliness and isolation (particularly after this experience with COVID) have played havoc with my mental health. Your honesty and compassion for yourself and other's is what I admire the most about your stories. I loved the trip to town and how you modeled self care by reaching out either via a short drive or meeting up with good friends. I felt inspired and reminded to reach out for help when fears and overwhelming feelings of being stuck surface. Often, we don't have the answers but thank goodness friends, family and/or kind compassionate story tellers often do. Also a shout-out to this community of commenters. You all give such great responses and informative feedback. Sending much love back to you, Kate and all!!!!!

I would imagine the deer and groundhogs would be carriers of ticks. Maybe fencing or a plant perimeter to discourage them. I like the idea of shower caps so you don't have to worry about them in your hair. Would rain boots keep them from crawling up? Just a thought. I think you have a very healthy approach to dealing with the problem. Take heart and do your best to power through. Don't let the ticks get you down!

I feel for you, Kate. I love gardening but I'm so so scare of warm.

I can imagine your fears! And I hope you'll find a way to beat them and let nature heal you again... Maybe also your fears! I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and this spiritual Docter once said it's probably because i've been bit by a tick as a child... She did al these test... And don't you ever worry about being real on camera... I respect your being real and Yourself so much! ❤

Ok my solutions may be radical for most.#1 have someone come out and use the dreaded chemicals around the property at least once.#2 cut down alot of bushes and trees near by (a clearing) then pave around the house using whatever. Bricks, cement, pavers, pebbles, rocks, sand, etc. Having a large clearing even mentally is helpful.#3 hosing down your area with some sort of solution with water for ticks everyday, #4 planting plants that are a repellent. Also when spraying a solution make sure you spray doors, windows, chairs, whatever that is around you. Inside and out. See if there are any oils , incences you can use around the house and on yourself. Being proactive is in itself helpful to the spirit. Blessings and good luck.

💟🌿Huggggs to you too! 🤗🌈☀️🐕

To be Honesty is Beautiful ❤️❤️❤️🙏 You are Beautiful Soul. 💓💓💓

💚 Bless YOU for being authentic, HONEST.. take Care of Your Self ✌🏼💙👊🏼

You had my heart at zinnias. I've never been able to grow them very well. When I find 2-3 in my garden I feel such joy.

Hello lovely gardner! Beautiful video and I sympathize with you. Recently left a lovely camp due to millions of ticks. I used the chemical stuff. Had no choice. That said, for your garden I suggestna garden tunel/greenhouse. You can make them any size you wish. Light will still get to your plants but you wont get ticks on you. Still use a spray to prevent them to be close. Hope that helps! Really enjoy sharing your journey!! Love your cottage. Die for a kiss from Charlie😂 Simply love your lovely Boho life!! I do some of mine in a camping SUV. Hugs my darling! Kerp on living!!!❤

Just because something gives us a headache doesn't mean it's not natural. Many natural things are toxic to humans. It's very important to remember that. I always had a problem with natural bug repellent and found it best to wear them on my lower back and ankles. It travels up the body and works just as well.

While we don't have a major problem with ticks in South Texas, my arch nemesis are mosquitoes. I started using Dawn dishwashing liquid as a body wash and it has made the welts and itchiness of mosquito bites go away within ten minutes. I know it's not a natural solution but I have to use whatever works for me. I wish you the best! My garden is meant to be my sanctuary too, and the intense heat and mosquitoes make being outside less desirable.

I understand your fears and dislikes to pests. Our town now has cockroaches and they are getting in my garage. So gross! I had never seen one up close my entire life! Our bug guy sprayed and it didn’t help. I found some roach bait the hubs bought last year and had forgotten about it. He put them around the garage doors and it is killing them off very quickly. Our next door neighbor claims she doesn’t get them and gave my hubs a look like we were attracting them in some way? No…. My other neighbor told me yesterday that they are coming up through the sewers! Yuck, yuck and yuck!!! This the Central Valley of CA. You and I can both agree, pests are nasty creatures!

It is an awful year for ticks. I have never had an issue with ticks here with the exception of the rare tick here and there and I have lived here for 30+ years, this year however, ticks are at an all time high. My dog comes in covered all the time and like you, I generally at least have one. This too shall pass. You'll be fine. :)

Thank you for being real and showing the struggles as well as the beauty. I found your channel about three weeks ago and binge watched it, lol. I love it. Thanks for sharing your life and your adorable little Boho Cottage😊❤️

So pretty...you are so creative and capable 😊😊...yes....the tick Situation is horrid....very scary...

OM Good God....I'm Right There With You...Fear Of Outside...I live in CT and was bit by a tick and ended up in the hospital for 11 days...on top of only having one kidney (due to cancer) which did a Nose Dive to 11% functioning! Lots of antibiotics, IV fluids, I don't even remember the first three days having a temp of 104. I had Ehrlichiosis. What I do now is Long Sleeve White Pants/Top....lavender oil/olive oil mixture on my skin...and rubber bands on ankles/wrist...then shower and scrub. No Worries about the tears....I think of tears as 'Washing Away The Pain" as a process of healing 💜💜💜 to you and Charlie 💜💜💜

The ticks are unusually active here, too. I have been washing my hair every day and using extra conditioner and I think that helps.

Thanks for sharing your life and your adorable little Boho Cottage

Hi Kate- I just want to say I am so sorry you are stressed about the ticks- but it is a real fear! Ticks LOVE me! My boys and husband will go camping I stay home and I am the one who has had TWO ticks imbedded in my head different times! They bring them home and they somehow find me! lol also we have deer in our suburban yard- so stay safe and cry if you need too! We are here….

I fully understand. I’m scared of them to. Don’t feel bad

Geez, I know the feeling. Ended up getting some Insect Repellent by Sawyer made to spray on clothing, Gear and tents for those who go camping, hiking and the such. apparently it is a synthesized Permethrin (( a derivative of marigolds) that is used to spray your clothing outside, let it dry and now ready to use. It is suppose to protect the wearer until the item(s) have been washed 6 times. there are youtube videos that test it out. I'm good now and don't worry about the ticks. Also use the Sawyer Picaridin, a lotion for bare skin, 14 hour protection. So far so good. 😊

Thank you for sharing.. I am the same way as you in regards to certain bugs/ticks. I experienced a tick on me as a little girl and have been freaked out for life/ I'm 57 years old now... I love nature, would love to live in a cottage like yourself. I, to, would cry and carry on. Again, I love that you shared such honesty in the same way I feel when something gets me down or when something flares my anxiety. Hugs to you...

I'm sorry you are having such a tough time with those bugs. There is no shame in feeling or showing emotion. I am allergic to the bites and stings of some bugs and need to have my Epipens handy but I also try to cover most of my skin before venturing outdoors even to my own beautiful garden! I hope you get some help with this nuisance because it is so good for us to have an outdoor space that is a positive factor in our lives. I'm just going to make some mint tea. We are having a heatwave here in Ireland...unusual for us. Keep smiling and cuddle your little dog more today. Love and hugs from Vera in Ireland.

I am glad you are honest. Life is not all sunshine and roses.

I cut tons of mint, put some loosely in these mesh laundry bags and hang those by my windows indoors to dry then I take them out and crunch them up in my hands and pull the stems away. It might help you with time once those mints take over and you need to make bulk before winter comes. I was living in North Texas making tons of cold mint tea after brewing those dried leaves in a boiling pot. Beautiful vids. Thanks for posting.

A nice hat can also be a simple fix so when they drop they bounce away. Have you noticed that they jump on you when you wear white background or light colors? My family went for a river walk one day in spring and we had a few tick problems here and there, but my mother in law had the absolute worst amount, in her hair, shirt, jacket, she had a white tee shirt on and no one else did. She also tramples through things a lot with branches hitting her head etc.

I would be afraid of the ticks also. I wonder if somehow you are bringing them in doors and maybe there few of their sticking to your sofa or whatever fabric you've got in your cottage.., or maybe Charlie is. Maybe before you come inside you guys can really check yourselves over to make sure you're not transporting the little darlings inside. I have to admit I never thought about ticks but now when I see all of these nature videos where people go out and wander through all of the brush and plants and so forth Yes it looks romantic and fun but there is that other side. Take care of yourself and Charlie your videos are great.

Love your videos. Always makes me feel peaceful. My zinnias and small sunflowers are blooming along with my mint. I picked a small bouquet and brought inside today. We had horrible winds and rain early this morning and so many fell over. Im sorry about your tick problem. I’m in south Arkansas and have been fortunate enough not having to deal with them. Take care.

When I lived in CT and go into the yard, I would put on white socks over my pant legs and spray my socks and shoes with bug spray then check legs when going in the house. Also be careful if Charlie sleeps on your bed bc bugs can crawl off him n onto you.

The issue is real. I live in Wisconsin and will not go out in any tall grass. Some people will only wear white shoes, white pants, white long socks that you tuck your pants in, white long sleeve shirt, etc., you get the picture…so you can see them…also there’s an old school Gardner, Jerry Baker, who uses only natural pest repellent, fertilizer…example, he soaks tobacco and uses the juice…research his gardening tips I think you’ll find help❤

oh my goodness....you play the piano? loved that little touch!

Hey Kate. Anelie from Melbourne Australia. Just want to encourage you to cry if you feel. We are trained in this culture to suppress our feelings. You are doing the world a service. Yes, be real. Ive made quite a few videos. You might like to ones in my natural world where I receive so much healing.

I'm a magnet for midges and my daughter's a magnet for ticks (deer wander through our garden). Jungle Formula has historically been the only thing that works, but it's nasty. This summer, we've been using Icaridin and I would say it's working. It's not been tested in a cloud of blood-hungry female midges - the kind you get in Scotland when they're breeding, but we've been pretty invisible to bugs so far. I still wear a midge net at certain times of day, usually as the sun is setting - they will still fly around your face because they're detecting your breath, but they don't seem to want to bite (unless they find a patch you've missed). It's pleasant enough to wear and I can wear it under make-up too - no greasiness, which is fantastic when you otherwise suffer for weeks with itchy, inflamed bites.

I was just noticing the wiggle before you mentioned the wiggle, and it made me smile.

I enjoy your channel and I love your dresses!

I didn’t read through all the comments (to find out if this has been suggested already..) Your floral and Bo ho frocks are beautiful; however, (personally,) having lived in CT as an avid gardener I have found it very helpful to wear all white in the garden with white socks, pulled up all over either white leggings or white light white pants with a white shirt tucked in so that your possibly less vulnerable with skin covered. If you put your hair up and wear a wide brim hat, there are even some that have comfy ties that cover your ears. I like to cut up old white T-shirts or wear scarfs and just wear them as kind of a turban on my head. That way everything is and I feel a little safer. I live in Vermont now in the garden a lot and it certainly helps me, even though we don’t have as much of a tick problem (yet?!) as you folks do. You can also see ticks land on your garments easier against white. I remember reading that ticks like to hang out on the top pity top of grasses etc. so mowing or mulching the perimeter and areas exposed to possible weeds can definitely help prevent those stinkers from taking a hike on your dresses. Your gardens are beautiful. Thank you for all that you share! ❤

I am fairly new to our channel, and I am enjoying it very much! I love doing just what you're doing...cobbling together something beautiful from simple, random items. 🙂 I live in Pennsylvania, and my greatest passion is wildlife photography while hiking. I don't really worry about the ticks so much, because I stay out of the high grass. However, as a hiker, I DO know one of the recommendations is to tuck your pants into your socks and wear tall hiking boots. Also, I would think long sleeve shirts or blouses with elastic around the wrist would help as well. Anything to keep those nasties off your skin. Can you put the clothes you wear for gardening directly into your washing machine immediately after taking them off? Also, I just researched and found this! "Placing clothing directly in a dryer and drying for a minimum of 6 min on high heat will effectively kill ticks on clothing." There you go! Don't stop doing what you love out of fear. Put on the full armor of God every day, take necessary precautions, and enjoy the heck out of every moment! Hugs!!

We live in scotland and we have tick problems here too. Although I've lived on a sheep farm for over 10 years and not had a single tick in that time. keeping the ground clear around house is important also keeping grass short. My sister said keeping hens have helped a lot because they eat the ticks. They have a small garden but they grow most of thier own food and also keep bees. They encourage wild birds into the garden so it helps keep ticks down. Also using peppermint oil to spray onto footwear and legs might help. I like dr bronners peppermint lotion x

Oh my, I live in Pennsylvania, and our tick situation is also terrible! Both my dog and myself have had tick bites and I have had treatment for Lyme disease. It is very frustrating, because I love being in the woods just as you do. I sincerely empathize with your dilemma!

I love your videos and you are honest and real. Not everything in life is easy. I’m an older woman who had never felt real anxiety attacks. But since Covid they still will pop up on me. I live in the inland northwest where it snows quite a bit. Since I spend so much time indoors at that time of the year I usually want to be outdoors as much as possible during the other seasons. This year there are more insects with the thunderstorms and cooler weather although at my house I haven’t had ticks. If I did I would feel just as you do. I hope that you and Charley find some peace and calm through this. Keep spraying, girl!🥰

It's ok to get emotional about having something you love taken away. Thanks for keeping it real!

Being honest I'm sure is why many of us enjoy watching your videos. I hope you find a solution for the ticks soon ❣️

Your video captions are beautiful, I hear you about the ticks even though I live more North and on the other side of the country, we can get invaded by pests too, give it some time and don’t let it spoil your fun! You can always gear up and ghost buster . Nature shifts so it’s finding those moments and don’t let go of them

Sorry about tick the problem. In my limited experience with dried herbs not crushing the dried leaves of anything until you are about to use them helps to retain their flavor. I enjoy your channel and all of the great photography you do. It almost makes me want to go outside but I am a true indoor person for the most part but easy and fun to enjoy outdoors through your lens.

You are not alone with the tick issues! Lymes x4

We have a house (SC coast) that backs up to a thick, deciduous forest….and we have a golden retriever with a strong hunting drive. I am originally from Wisconsin so I’m familiar with “up north” as well. Tick bites make me itch for weeks…and once we somehow wound up with seed tics all over my dog’s bed…. So disgusting. We have not had any tick issues since we started blocking the deer from entering our yard. If you can some how deter the deer, like find a way to fence in a special section of your yard where you want to spend time, that could help. Also, BEST ever mosquito and tick spray I ever used is handcrafted from a small business in WI (which I ironically discovered when I met the owners while camping in FL). It is called Naturally Northwoods. Safe for dogs too

I understand Sister. We moved last October from Minnesota to West Virginia and while we definitely have ticks in Minnesota, we didn’t live in the woods there like we do here in West Virginia, which I LOVE, but 😞 I’ve gotten those nymphs on me! I’ve found them in private places too! They look like tiny scabs! It is very unnerving and I just want to say I totally can relate and understand your fear and worry ❤ Praying 🙏🏻 the Lord will keep them away from us, our dogs and cats!

Hand made Pennyroyal collars kept my pets flea free for years.

Oy, thank you for sharing. I changed my habits too because of the ticks (over here in RI) - and it IS very disappointing! Diatmaceous Earth could be an option. It worked for me for fleas in an old farm house that I had purchased. Those fleas drove me truly crazy (I was allergic) and I sat on my front porch and cried - totally get it! Hopefully you'll find an answer that will work for you there. Beautiful video, as always.

I can totally relate, ticks are horrible in Putnam Co and CT- I have to daily and sometimes multiple checks day on my kiddos , our dog myself. Since we didn't have a very harsh weather, the ticks didn't die off as I guess they do sometimes in winter. We are in the suburbs but try too keep some grass/florals high for pollinators and we homeschool, so there is always a kid in a tree! Don't give up! Ticks and mosquitoes ruin my summers, but I manage to have some fun and you should too if you can. Natural tick sprays, peppermint vinegar is good to keep other bugs away - we spray our kitchen counters! Mint rules! 1 of my best tips, is using a lint roller over everything- the dog. our clothes etc to pick up ticks!

Up here in Michigan we got a lot of smoke it let me write to an inhaler for the first time! In my poor dog suffered, my poor pug, suffered for two days😢 When you plant your plants in the ground plant them in the things groundhogs don’t like like the basil or or whatever it said you said it was the peppermint and stuff like that and also, you can mix peppermint water and poured around your plants into the soil. I hear cedar is another thing that repels all kinds of bugs. Maybe try some cedar blocks or some type of Planks of Cedarwood, or just get a canna cedar oil and mix it with the shake it up and mix it with water and spray it into the soil or mix cedar chips in the soil. I’m just trying to come up with ideas here.😊

Yur ( life) is sooooo peaceful.... Blessings too u & charlie❤❤

You can google this but ticks do not like blue mouth wash and you can use it in a diluted mixture of water and mouth wash and spray it on and around your ankles to help repel them, also you can remove a attached tick by just dipping a Q-tip in the full strength mouth wash and dab it on the attached tick and it will back itself out to get away from the mouth wash. I tried this and it works. Good luck and enjoy that beautiful garden.

Awww bless you Kate, I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with a tick situation, it would certainly make me extremely nervous about going out. Let's hope you can resolve it asap. As you went into town to escape the ticks , I go to my caravan in the Eucalyptus forest by the sea which is an awesome place to be to get away'from negative people in the town. As soon as I arrive here it's as though someone has removed a very heavy sack from my shoulders. I have now created an outdoor kitchen, I'm also growing lots of herbs as well as my beautiful flowers. I have mains electric but no running water so that gets hauled in which isn't too much of a hardship. Your mint drying session sounds amazing. Stay strong sweets and think of Charlie's wiggle xx