Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and people. Flea larvae look like miniature maggots and are mainly found in pet bedding. Fleas feed on disease carrying rodents then transfer diseases, such as tapeworm, ringworm, and murine typhus, to pets and humans. The cat flea is the most common flea found on dogs and cats.
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Salt
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After vacuuming, sprinkle salt on carpets and furniture. Salt can also be mixed with Borax powdered laundry detergent for greater effectiveness.
Garlic Powder
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The smell of garlic is excreted through the skin. Sprinkle an eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder in your pet's food to make fleas jump off your pet. Do not use more than this small amount as larger doses may be toxic to dogs.
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar
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Add only a couple drops of this to your pet's water. Natural apple cider vinegar makes your pets skin more acidic and unpleasant to fleas and ticks.
Tansy
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Tansy is an herb that can be planted around the yard to help keep fleas from entering your pets domain.
Lemons
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Boil three quartered lemons and let steep overnight. Strain into a spray bottle to spray on pets, bedding, and rugs. This mixture will also help to keep flies away, due to the acidity.
Oil of Oregano
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Oregano oil, derived from the spice, contains a chemical called carvacrol. Carvacrol is a natural antiseptic that kills fleas along with germs. Mix 1 tsp. of oregano oil with 3 tsp. olive oil and apply to your pets ears, skin, and fur with a cotton ball. This mixture will repel fleas, ticks, and mites.
Cumin
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Mix a little cumin in your pets' food, it works like garlic powder but is not toxic to your pets in large doses.
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