Few things can ruin your pet’s happiness like an infestation of fleas. This is one of the worst problems for pet owners because they’re so hard to get rid of, and an infestation can escalate fast!
Consider this: just one flea will lay up to 25 eggs a day.
And because fleas are so small, virtually uncrushable, and can easily hide in upholstery (or on your pet’s underbelly), many owners are not aware there’s a problem until it’s a BIG problem! What’s a loving owner to do? Fortunately, we’ve compiled a handful of tips to help you prevent and get rid of fleas.
1. Start with your lawn.
Fleas don’t magically appear in your house. They have to come from: outside. So one of the best ways to prevent a future flea problem is to prep your lawn. You can do this a few ways…
- Plant the flea-repellents: you can deter fleas from getting near your house by planting some catnip, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, basil, lemongrass, or mint. Fleas don’t like any of these and they tend to run in the opposite direction. Plant some near your doors and windows and you’ll be in much better shape.
- Sprinkle some Diatomaceous Earth: DE is made up of fossilized microorganisms that pull in (attract) harmful bacteria, toxins, and pathogens – making it a great option for detox. It’s also fantastic as getting rid of insect of all kinds. It is harmless to the skin of pets and people, but it tears up the exoskeletons of insects – including fleas. It also dries up and kills their eggs before they can hatch. Make sure you get food grade DE and do your best not to breathe it in, as it can be irritating to the lungs in high doses. Once the dust settles, it is perfectly safe. You can sprinkle it throughout your lawn and along your doorsteps and windowsills.
- Spray some garlic water: garlic is also a natural flea repellent. You can boil several heads of garlic in water, leave it soaking overnight, strain it the next day, pour it into a garden sprayer, lightly spray your lawn and garden area. Your plants will be unharmed, but the fleas won’t like it at all.
2. Make a natural flea collar.
This is a great way to keep the fleas at bay with just a few ingredients. You will need: 3-5 drops of cedar oil and/or lavender oil, 1-3 tablespoons of water, and a bandana or your dog’s regular collar. Mix the essential oils into the water, then soak the collar or bandana in it. Let it dry and place it on your pet. Simple as that! Both of these oils are perfectly safe for your pet, but turn fleas away quite well.
3. Use a “lemon comb.”
Slice up a lemon or two. Place it in some boiling water. Turn off the heat and let the lemon(s) simmer overnight. In the morning, make sure the water is cool, and dip a pet comb or sponge in the water and run it through your pet’s coat. And just like the next tip, you can also place the mixture in a spray bottle, and apply it directly.
4. Spray their coat (and the house).
You can make a natural, homemade mixture with flea-repelling ingredients such as lavender or cedar essential oil, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Mix up as much as you need and spray it directly on their coat, on their bed, on your couch, and wherever you see fit around your house.
5. Dry shampoo with diatomaceous earth.
Not only can you safeguard your lawn using DE, you can apply it directly to your pet’s coat, much like a dry shampoo. To be extra safe, wear a mask to prevent you from breathing it in and use only a little at a time. You can also wear gloves to make sure that the fleas don’t spread to your hands. Again, be sure to use food grade diatomaceous earth, and once it settles, DE is completely safe and even edible!
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