AtlanTick Repellent Products

From hardship to triumph – One woman’s passion and Indigenous roots help prevent tick-borne illnesses

When Lisa Ali Learning’s two sons became ill with Lyme Disease, she jumped into action.

Watching her children in pain and struggle to walk while she labored to get them properly diagnosed led Learning on a crusade to combat the effects of tick bites.

Her solution was the creation of Alantick Repellent Products, a DEET free preventative spray made of all-natural ingredients, safe for children and pets – a first for the Canadian market when the company was formed in 2017.

The winning formulation took a lot of effort. Learning called upon her Indigenous roots and respect for the land - forged while she was growing up in Labrador - to begin experimenting with essential oils, which deterred ticks from attaching. She brought some of her formulations to Acadia University’s Biology Department for testing and refinement.

“I didn’t want to research one product and be done,” she explained. “We continue to do research and testing to come out with products that work for everyone.”

This dedication to product development has recently led to research work in creating a solution for international farmers battling cattle tick fever and infestations. 

“Our goal is to research ticks in different parts of the world, and hopefully help reduce tick-borne illnesses across the globe, whether it be for humans and pets, or cattle.”

With a growing tick population, Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses are on the rise. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) recognized the value in AtlanTick’s mission and provided support, allowing the company to acquire equipment and expand its manufacturing and marketing efforts at its location in Blockhouse, Nova Scotia.

“ACOA has been … a critical part of our success,” Learning said. “Not only financially, but the support we receive. They are cheerleaders, advisors, and they are always there when you need them. ACOA is a huge help for all businesses who want to take advantage of the opportunities they have.”

Expanding protection

While Tick Attack ™, a natural tick and insect repellent is at the forefront of AtlanTick’s products, an innovative outdoor powder and fabric spray are awaiting launch.

The yard powder penetrates soil, killing ticks and mites on impact without harming foliage. The fabric spray’s molecules are encapsulated in a protective layer for controlled release of the active ingredient, and features hook-like structures that stick to all fabric types.

Shared missions create unbreakable bonds

With increased product offerings, Learning is leaning more heavily on her staff of nine to fulfill demand, crediting them with AtlanTick’s growing success.

It has also given Learning an opportunity to shift roles with her long-term business partner and co-owner Nancy Thompson. Thompson was recently named the company’s CEO, allowing Learning to focus her energy on her true passion – bringing innovative business ideas to life.

“Nancy and I, we support each other. We always find ways to make things work, and she does an incredible job,” Learning explained. “We work to our strengths and weaknesses to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.”

The power of perseverance

Learning’s story is a stellar example of personal motivation, and how facing a dark and difficult time can lead to creating positive change in the world. Guided by her passion for preventing other families from facing the challenges of Lyme Disease, her enduring advice to new entrepreneurs working on their dreams is to “Keep going until you get to where you want to be”.

For more information on programs and services available to businesses in Atlantic Canada call 1-800-561-7862 or go to www.canada.ca/acoa