Ian combats west coast ticks with flower power repellent
FEW PEOPLE walk on the west coast without picking up the odd tick – but an Argyll man may have the answer to this pest problem.
The blood-sucking parasites are annoying enough in themselves, but they also spread Lyme disease, which can cause arthritis and heart problems while affecting the nervous system, eyes, kidneys and liver.
In severe cases, the effects of Lyme disease can be life-threatening.
It was after conA tracting the disease that Lochgair man Ian Smith discovered dried marigold flowers as an ingredient for a tick repellent which became ‘Nontix’.
Ian said: ‘The tick season usually starts in March.
‘A neighbour of mine has said her dog has had five infestations of ticks this year already.’
For a limited period, Ian is offering readers of the Argyllshire Advertiser the opportunity to create their own Nontix personal tick repellent.
Nontix consists of a small bag filled with Ian’s special marigoldbased organic ingredient, which can then be pinned to clothing such as trouser legs.
‘If people want to try Nontix, I am offering dried marigold flowers and the recipe free to readers of the Advertiser.’
To find out more about the herbel repellent, visit the nontix. co.uk website.
To get your kit, write to Ian Smith at 6 Gallanach, Lochgair, PA31 8SD.