Natural Ways to Repel Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are concerns for pet owners because of risks to pets’ health and comfort. Recently, using natural pest prevention methods to protect pets is gaining popularity. This article provides information about safe and effective natural flea and tick repellents. It’s important to be cautious and observe any unusual symptoms with your pets.

1. Treat the Yard

Utilizing natural products with essential oils and other non-toxic ingredients can significantly reduce the breeding of pests near your home. Essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint have proven efficacy in repelling fleas and ticks. Fleas often inhabit outdoor areas with tall grass, so regularly mowing your lawn and trimming the grass are crucial steps. Ensuring your yard is free from weeds, leaves, compost, and mowed grass clippings is also essential. Focus on areas frequently visited by your pets, including spots where they sit or sleep, such as kennels, areas near trees, and fences.

1.1. Use Essential Oils for Fleas and Ticks

Essential oils are concentrated natural oils from plants, obtained through distillation or cold pressing. While certain essential oils can be toxic to pets, others are beneficial in repelling pests when properly diluted. Essential oils can be incorporated into spray-on repellants, added to pet shampoos, or brushed into their coats.

• Lavender oil can prevent both fleas and ticks, as well as stop tick eggs from hatching. Adding 5-10 drops of lavender oil to your dog’s shampoo can also soothe irritated skin and prevent infections.
• Lemongrass oil, containing citral and geraniol, is a natural flea repellent. A spray can be made by adding five drops of lemongrass oil to water in a spray bottle, which can then be used on your pet, carpets, or furniture.
• Peppermint oil, when applied to affected areas, can relieve skin irritation and inflammation caused by fleas and can also kill flea larvae.
• Rosemary oil not only repels fleas but also helps heal flea bites. Adding 5-8 drops of rosemary oil to your dog’s shampoo can keep fleas at bay.
• Cedar oil deters both fleas and ticks, making it effective when added to a carrier oil or your dog’s shampoo.
• Citronella oil is great for repelling mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. A mixture of 15 drops of citronella oil with water in a spray bottle can be used on pets, yards, or indoors.
• Eucalyptus oil, disliked by fleas, can be added to dog shampoo to keep your pet flea-free. It’s important to consult your veterinarian before using essential oils to determine safe plants, brands, and concentrations.

To learn more about how fleas affect dogs specifically, click here

1.2. Plant Trees to Repel Fleas

Growing specific plants around your yard can help repel fleas and other insects. These plants can be placed in gardens or pots around doorways and outdoor areas frequented by your pets. Plants known for their flea-repelling properties include:

• Mint’s strong scent, which is pleasant to humans, is overwhelming to fleas. Members of the mint family, such as spearmint and peppermint, are effective in repelling fleas and can be planted around the home for added protection.
• Catnip is an excellent plant to have around your house if you have a cat. It effectively keeps fleas off your kitty while also being a favorite plaything for felines.
• Rosemary is a highly effective herb for repelling fleas. Its essential oils, such as cineole and camphor, have insecticidal properties that make it an excellent choice for natural pest control.k
• Citronella is best known as a mosquito repellent, but it can also repel fleas. The oil derived from citronella grass contains compounds like citronellal and geraniol, which are toxic to insects and widely used in pest repellent formulations.
• Chrysanthemums emit a natural chemical called pyrethrum, which is highly effective in repelling fleas, ticks, and other insects. Pyrethrum is used in many commercial insecticides due to its potent insecticidal properties.
• Cedarwood can not be grown in a flower garden, but it is a natural flea repellent. Although no scientific study has proven this, many landscapers swear by cedarwood as a flea repellent.
• Marigolds are multifunctional flowers known for their pest-repelling properties. They contain thiophene, a compound that is toxic to insects, including fleas. Planting marigolds can provide a natural barrier against flea infestations.
• Lemongrass, thriving in tropical climates, grows as clumped stalks similar to a spider plant. This bright green herb emits a pleasant, citrusy aroma that fleas find repellent. Its fresh scent and taste make it a popular choice not only for culinary uses but also as a natural flea deterrent.
• Pennyroyal is highly effective in repelling fleas. The plant releases a scent that fleas find repulsive, making it an excellent natural deterrent.
• Basil, known for its role in Italian cuisine, also serves as a powerful flea repellent. This versatile herb is easily identified by its shiny, round, dark green leaves. Safe for pets, basil’s essential oils are unappealing to fleas. To combat flea infestations, sprinkle basil leaves around affected areas or crush the leaves and apply them topically to your skin.

1.3. Natural Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are effective natural repellents for many insects, including ticks. To create a citrus tick repellent, boil the peels of lemons and oranges, then allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for 24 hours. The natural citrus oils will seep from the fruit rinds into the water. Strain this water and pour it into a spray bottle. This citrus spray can be used on your dog’s fur, around your home, in doorways, and in your yard. However, be aware that cats typically dislike the smell of citrus, so this repellent might not be suitable for homes with felines.

For an alternative tick repellent, lemon juice can be combined with witch hazel in a spray bottle. This mixture effectively wards off ticks.

1.4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another easy-to-use natural tick repellent. Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per quart of water to your dog’s drinking water can help keep ticks away. Additionally, you can create a tick repellent spray by mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Shake the mixture well before spraying it on your dog’s coat. Apply this simple spray once every morning before heading outside to keep ticks off your dog.

 

2. Controlling Fleas and Ticks in house

To effectively control a flea infestation, follow these responsive and targeted methods:

2.1. Vacuum Daily

Regular vacuuming is essential for removing flea eggs, larvae, and adult fleas from your home. Flea eggs can hatch into larvae in as little as a few days, so daily vacuuming disrupts this life cycle.

• Focus on areas where fleas are most likely to hide, such as carpets, cushioned furniture, cracks and crevices in floors, along baseboards, and the basement.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap flea allergens and prevent them from re-circulating in the air.
• Dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters immediately outside to prevent re-infestation.

2.2. Steam Clean Carpets

Steam cleaning uses hot steam and soap, which are effective in killing fleas at all life stages, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.

• Pay special attention to areas where pets sleep, as these are hotspots for flea activity.
• Consider renting a professional steam cleaner or hiring a steam cleaning service for a thorough job.

2.3. Wash Bedding

Wash all pet bedding and any family bedding that pets lie on in hot, soapy water every two to three weeks. The combination of heat and soap effectively kills fleas and removes any flea dirt (flea feces).

• If an infestation is severe, discard old pet bedding and replace it with fresh, clean material to prevent re-infestation.
• Use pet-safe laundry detergents to avoid skin irritation for your pets.

2.4. Use a Flea Comb

A flea comb has fine teeth that can trap and remove adult fleas, flea feces, and dried blood from your pet’s coat.

• Focus on combing the neck and tail areas, where fleas are most likely to congregate and lay eggs.
• After combing, deposit the collected fleas into hot, soapy water to kill them.
• Regular combing also helps you monitor the flea population and the effectiveness of your control measures.

2.5. Keep Pets Indoors

Limiting your pets’ outdoor activities reduces their exposure to fleas and ticks, which are commonly found in grassy, wooded, or sandy areas.

• Create a comfortable indoor environment with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep your pets happy and engaged.
• Regularly check your pets for fleas, especially if they do go outside, and use veterinarian-recommended flea preventatives.

Always consult your veterinarian before implementing these methods to ensure the safety and health of your pets. Your veterinarian can recommend the best products and practices tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

For more comprehensive strategies on preventing fleas and ticks on dogs, visit: https://anipetshop.com/dog-care/preventing-fleas-and-ticks-on-dogs/

3. Places to Put Flea-Repelling Plants

Around the Entrances: Enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your front porch and back patio by placing flea-repelling plants around these areas. This not only beautifies the space but also acts as a barrier, helping to keep fleas outside.

Around the Home’s Foundation: Planting flea-repelling herbs and flowers near the foundation of your home is an effective way to prevent fleas from entering. Avoid using invasive plants in this area to protect your home’s structure and garden.

Around Windows: Fleas can jump up to seven inches high, making windows an easy entry point. Use window boxes filled with flea-repelling herbs to create a natural barrier that keeps fleas out.

Anywhere Your Pet Wanders: Fleas are attracted to animals, using them as a blood supply. To control infestations, plant flea-repelling herbs in outdoor areas where your pets frequently roam. However, avoid placing toxic plants within reach of animals. Specifically, do not use the following in areas accessible to your pets: Citronella, Eucalyptus, Fleawort, Pennyroyal/Fleabane, Rue, Sweet Bay, Tansy, Wormwood.

Put Invasive Species in Pots: Potted plants are versatile, allowing you to move them as needed and effectively contain invasive species like mint. This approach prevents these plants from spreading uncontrollably while still providing their flea-repelling benefits.

While natural methods can be effective, sometimes professional medication is necessary. Take a look at a list of best flea & tick medication for dogs !

References:

• Dryden, M. W. (2020). Flea and tick control in the United States for dogs and cats: Challenges and opportunities. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports, 20, 100388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100388

• AKC Pet Insurance. (n.d.). Natural flea and tick prevention. https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/natural-flea-and-tick-prevention

• Natural Resources Defense Council. (n.d.). Nontoxic ways to protect your pet. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/nontoxic-ways-protect-your-pet