Anyone who has a furry friend at home has to deal with the problem of fleas. These parasites live on your pets and can infest your home. They can breed and lay eggs on your carpet, under the sofa cushions or even on your bed. Wherever your pet goes, the fleas can go. Fleas feed on warm-blooded animals, so not only your dog or cat, but even you or your kids can be a potential prey for these insects.
When they find a reliable food source, they latch on to it with all their might. It is not easy to get rid of fleas.While a flea collar may keep the fleas away from your pet, it can lead to the pests targeting you and your family, instead. In case of chronic flea infestation, please consult a veterinarian for pet treatment. However, in the mean time, there are some harmless home remedies that you can employ to tackle the problem of fleas.
Effective Natural Remedies for Fleas
Salt Water
If your pet suffers from constant infestation or if it’s flea season, then you might want to try this remedy. Salt water is known to be a simple, safe and effective solution to the problem of fleas. The common opinion is that fleas cannot live in salt water, and so they drown.
You can take your dog to the beach and let him or her swim in the sea. For cats or other smaller mammals, you can prepare a salt water solution at home and bathe them in it. You can also clean the insides of your pet’s home with salt water to kill fleas.
Rosemary
A multipurpose plant, rosemary is traditionally used in many home remedies. One of its benefits is its effectiveness in getting rid of fleas. After giving your dog or cat a bath, you can give him or her a rosemary wash. To make the wash, all you need are some rosemary leaves and water.
Boil about two pints of water in a pot. Then add the herb leaves and keep boiling for about half an hour or so. Let the water cool, then strain the leaves and store the water in a glass container. You can keep it in the refrigerator, as well. Apply this rosemary was on your pet after a bath. Let it dry naturally, in the sun, rather than rubbing with a towel.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another simple and safe remedy for getting rid of fleas is apple cider vinegar. Because the vinegar has acidic properties, it repels and even kills parasites, like fleas, mites and bedbugs. You can easily make a flea spray using vinegar and water. Mix one part apple cider vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and generously squirt it all over your pet’s fur.
Be careful to avoid eyes and ears. A different way to use the vinegar is to dip a comb in the water-vinegar solution and comb your pet. It is recommended that you use organic apple cider vinegar, rather than highly processed vinegars.
Orange Flea Spray
Orange peels are found to contain high amounts of the chemical, linalool. Though fatal for fleas, linalool is not harmful to pets or humans. To make the spray, you need a substantial amount of orange peels. If you want, you can also use the pulp or juice, with the peel. In a big pan, bring the peels, pulp, juice and water to a boil and then let it simmer for about an hour.
Then let the mixture cool off. Put the bits of orange or other citrus fruit in a blender, along with some of the water. Strain the blended parts of the fruit and then mix them with the rest of the water. Using a spray bottle, mist this liquid all over your pet. You can also spray it on your pet’s bedding or the carpet or any other flea-infested parts of your home.
Brewer’s Yeast
It is believed that fleas do not like the flavor of yeast. You can use this as a weapon in your battle against the pests. All you need to do is add some brewer’s yeast to your pet’s food daily. If you have a dog, then giving him or her brewer’s yeast and garlic daily can be a highly effective flea remedy.
The yeast is rich in thiamine, which repels fleas. However, if you have cats, refrain from giving them any garlic, as it can be toxic for them. For a big dog, use about a tablespoon of garlic and unprocessed brewer’s yeast. If you have a smaller dog, then use about a teaspoon of the same.
Lavender Oil
One more essential oil that can help keep fleas at bay is lavender oil. It is recommended that you use pure lavender oil, as it will be more effective. This aromatic oil has properties that can repel fleas. You can make a spray using six to seven drops of lavender oil and water and squirt it on your pet’s coat every day.
Besides, you can mix lavender oil with water or olive oil and apply it directly to the flea-infested areas on your pet’s body. Applying the same on his or her collar can also be effective. Avoid using essential oils on cats, as they can have a reaction.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is one more well-known option for effective flea control. Diatomaceous Earth, or DE, is made from fossilized remains of unicellular plants. It is harmless for humans and pets, but for fleas it can be lethal. Because of the microscopic, sharp edges in the dust, it can inflict fatal wounds on fleas. You can sprinkle this powder on your pet. However, if you have breathing difficulties, this powder can cause irritation. You can also use DE to keep fleas away from pet bedding, carpeted rooms or bare wooden flooring.
Aloe Vera
We all know aloe vera has a long list of uses and medicinal applications. One of them is its effectiveness in keeping fleas at bay. You can make a mixture of aloe vera and an essential oil, like lavender or rosemary, and water and spray it on your pet’s body. Another option is to mix aloe vera juice and cayenne pepper and make a spray of this. You can also apply this mixture using a cloth.
Grooming
One of the best ways to effectively get rid of fleas is to make sure your pet is clean and well-cared for. Grooming is an essential part of pet care. If your pet is properly groomed, then there are less chances of an infestation. Make sure you comb your pet using a flea comb every day. This will help remove fleas as well as flea eggs from the fur. You also need to give your dog or cat a bath using an herbal shampoo that contains eucalyptus or citronella. These herbs are known for their pest-repellent properties.
Lemon Spray
Another citrus fruit that’s proven to be highly effective in flea-control is lemon. This remedy is easier to make than the orange flea spray and can be as successful in application. All you need is a lemon that’s cut into quarters and water.
Put the lemon in boiling water and let it steep overnight or for 10 to 12 hours. You can collect the lemon water in a spray bottle and generously squirt this extract all over your pet. Take care to spray in known flea spots, like behind the ears, under the legs and base of the tail.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
