One of the downsides of having pets is the fleas that can sometimes come with them. They can be a pain to get rid of, but synthetic-chemical flea treatments can lead to poisoning, kidney failure and cancer. Amber and Jonathan have both written about their experiences with store-bought natural flea repellent products, but there are a number of regular household items that can be used around the house and on your pets to repel and kill fleas. Click below for the tips!
How To: Repel Fleas with Regular Household Items
Salt: Salting and vacuuming your floors and furniture kills the flea's eggs by dehydrating them.
Essential Oils: Strong odors like eucalyptus, lavender, garlic and citronella work as effective repellents. Mix in a few drops in a bath or add to the salt before you sprinkle it on the carpets and floors. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle of water to spray your pet's bed. Or, make a natural flea collar by dabbing some essential oils on a bandanna and wrap it around your pet’s neck. Do your research on which oils to use because certain ones can irritate some animals – particularly cats.
Cedar: Cedar beds work well for pets because of their ability to repel fleas. Or, vacuum up some cedar chips, dried lavender or small pieces of lemon peels to deodorize the air while you vacuum.
Soap or Baking Soda: Put either the soap or baking soda in a dish of water in a container by a light that your pet can’t get to. The thirsty fleas will be attracted to the light, jump into the containers and drown.
Vinegar: Make vinegar bath or add a bit to your pet’s drinking water to repel the fleas.
Has anyone tried any of these methods? Is there something not on the list that’s worked for you?
Editors Note: All natural remedies do not work the same for all animals & should be used under the supervision of your veterinarian.
Cat Photo via W e n d y; flickr.com
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pets, how to, pets, fleas, natural, prevention, household, repellentsRelated Links
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i thought essential oils were a definite no-no for any cat owner? didnt i read that on AT? or maybe it was just lavender...
view beesknees's profile
Most oils are a HUGE no-no for cats. This is the second time I've read this on AT...
view Rachel@oneprettything.com's profile
all you have to do is google Essential Oils and Cats and find that indeed most are a big no no. Not that there aren't other flea repellents that are natural, but it think this article should be updated to reflect the not so great info!
you can also add garlic to your pets food as a means to repel fleas. i have never tried it but i found it when searching for the same thing for my cats.
view dosergirl's profile
Hey Folks,
It is indeed noted that not all essential oils are good for cats, and that was included in the post, but I've included a link to an earlier AT post about essential oils and cats for further info.
However, many people out there have said this method has worked well for other animals as a flea repellent.
Also, garlic was not included in the list because it can be toxic to many animals and can damage their blood cells - same goes with onions.
Borax is also bad and should not be used in lieu of salt.
I have a cat so I totally relate - thanks for your own tips, and feel free to add to the list of other repellents that have worked for you.
Cheers,
Rachel W
view Rachelw's profile
regarding the vinegar in the water tip. i've heard it needs to be organic apple cider vinegar. i've been doing it for a few months now and no fleas so far (2 pups, 1 cat).
view animalhouze's profile
I am surprised no one has mentioned Diatomaceous earth, especially the food grade kind. Works excellently, especially in fabrics (pet beds, between matresses, and in carpets). Can also be used directly on pets.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth
view MizLit's profile