Flea and Tick season is still upon us,tormenting our pets in this blog are some natural safe pet treatments.

My Skunkpuppy, a mixed breed wild-eyed country dog.

I really don't like putting flea and tick repellent on our wild-eyed mixed breed Heinze 57 family dog. She doesn't like it one bit, true to form she makes it as difficult as possible resisting with full determination. The commercial stuff is expensive, and I'm not sure if it's not toxic, I have read lately that the pills may not be the safest for our pets. Those that choose pills or the treats are advised that if they are given in higher doses than recommended they may cause illness or even death. A detailed investigation should be performed by pet owners using them, I am not a Vet and I do not possess great knowledge about the toxicity, but I will advise caution as with all medications. I've been searching for homemade formulas for repellent, I have noted some below.

(This Link leads to an article on non-toxic ways to treat our pets for fleas)

Fleas and ticks will be prolific in our yards when the soil temperature reaches 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 C) and it is maintained for at least 2-3 weeks. Keeping them out of your yard will help keep them off your pets. The first item we need to take care of is to make sure our lawns are mowed, the little critters love long grass. I keep the weeds trimmed on the open lot next door, Skunkpuppy runs around it like she is the owner, and gathers many ticks and fleas. Luckily there is a fence around it, the gate was broken so we repaired it and now she has no access but we still cut the Levee weeds.

Nematodes are another answer, nematodes control ants, termites, grubs, and Fleas, they feed on them. Nematodes are living creatures, they can be bought at garden centers, big box hardware stores and online. When they arrive we must make certain to use them immediately. Add water according to the supplier's instructions, pour in a sprayer, or watering can and spray throughout the entire yard.

Rosemary, Catnip, lemongrass, basil, lemon balm, sage, and mint are some plants that naturally repel insects. Plant any of these in planters and place them by your entryways, they will naturally be offensive to fleas and will keep them out of your house. Some work excellent to keep mosquitoes away as well. A bouquet of Rosemary freshens the air indoors, and it is also a great attractor for honey bees.

Our Rosemary plant, the bench is 4-foot wide x 1/2 feet tall. 

Diatomaceous Earth, not the swimming pool type, that has chemicals in it for commercial uses. Buy food grade Diatomaceous Earth only, abbreviated DE, it is available at many pet supply stores. Dust your yard where your pets spend most of their time, where ever he/she rests is a good spot. DE is extremely dry and will dry out the flea and ticks eggs that lay in the grass and dirt. It doesn't take long before the pest will be eradicated if it is applied regularly. Once a month, and after every rainfall after the ground dries out. I use it around my worm farm bins, it discourages ants. More than that it dries them out as well, however, it would kill the worms also, caution is suggested. I hesitate using it on a pet because of the fine powder, my concern is Skunkpuppy may inhale it and instigate an asthma attack, yes she has asthma too.

Boiling 7-8 heads of garlic chopped up in a gallon of water, let it steep for 12 hours, strain it, pour it in a yard sprayer and spray the entire yard. Moderation is the key, garlic also kills some beneficial bugs, don't soak the ground and you'll be OK. When I was young we fed our Labradors garlic for flea control, I remember it working. People that recommend it now use 1/4 garlic clove per 10 pounds. If your dog is 100 pounds you would then use only 2 garlic cloves once a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar, 8 ounces of warm water, 12 ounces of apple cider vinegar, and 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt or Himalayan salt. Combine all of the ingredients, pour in a spray bottle and spray on your dog once a week. Make sure to avoid open sores or areas that are skinned or raw. We use this and it does work, most creatures don't care for vinegar or salt as it also dries them out.

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes lurk in those trees.

Essential oils mixed with a neutral oil such as vegetable oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil (to name a few.) A few drops placed on a collar or bandanna around your pet's neck will repel pests. Take the collar off before entry back into the house. Essential oils such as Lavender, Lemon, Cedar, and Peppermint are some. Be cautious with them and again moderation is key, some oils may cause the pet to become ill when given in large doses, speak with an expert. This would be my last choice, it seems like a lot of preparation to be used only outdoors.

For everyday flea and tick repellent, combine 1 lemon, rosemary 3 sprigs, 2 garden sage sprigs 1 quart of water. Boil the water, slice the lemon then add the sage and rosemary into the water. Place a good cover on it and let the concoction steep at least overnight. Make sure to strain it before putting the solution into a spray bottle. This will last 1-2 weeks when refrigerated.

An old remedy is coffee grounds, I have not tried it but I have heard it works very well although it is a bit messy. Simply rub used coffee grounds into the pets (dogs) coat, let it sit for 1/2 hour or so then rinse the animal off with a garden hose. Perform this out of doors because most dogs will shake attempting to get rid of the used grounds, they end up splattering all over walls, decks, and people. My dog would continue to shake after the rinsing making the mess even more challenging when done in the wrong location.

Chickens will eat ticks and fleas by the hundreds every day, besides supplying eggs they are excellent for pest control. Opposums dine on them also, as well as skunks, and Wild Turkeys. I encourage all of them to visit the yard and garden, my neighbors have chickens, I am unable to convince my wife of their benefits.

(Follow this Link to my 20-second video of a Blue Jay and an ill-fated Tomato Worm)

The internet has many recipes and solutions to deal with fleas and ticks, do not use the same solutions on cats.
 
Thanks for reading and sharing, tell me what you think, have you used homemade flea repellent for your pets? I'd sure like to hear about it. Leave a comment, what have you found that works? click on the Link below and comment on my website, thanks.

jacquesandkate  emergencykitsplus.com