Fleas and ticks cause skin irritation as well as transmit sickness and disease. There are more than 850 species of ticks and more than 3,000 species of fleas. With each blood meal, they are capable of spreading ehrlichiosis, tularemia, rickettsiosis and lyme disease. Use organic methods to control parasites while avoiding the harmful side effects of synthetic pesticides.
-
Beneficial Nematodes
-
Beneficial nematodes effectively rid the yard of parasite infestations. Beneficial nematodes are simple yet effective ways to rid homes, yards and pets of flea infestations. Nematodes eradicate flea populations by seeking out fleas in the pre-adult, pupae and larval growth stages. These stages account for 95 percent of the flea population. The nematode enters the parasite's body though any orifice and releases a bacteria within the flea. Death follows within 48 hours. Next, the nematode sheds its skin, reproduces within the dead flea and the offspring seek and destroy any remaining fleas.
Light Traps
-
Light bulbs work as a trap for fleas. Hang a light bulb six to 12 inches above a bowl of soapy water or a board covered with a sticky substance. The warmth of the bulb will attract fleas. Once they hop off the bulb, they will land in the soapy water or sticky board and die.
Vacuum
-
Throw out vacuum bags once a week because of fleas trapped inside. Vacuuming eliminates up to 50 percent of flea eggs. It controls fleas at the pupal stage as well as the chemical pesticide permethrin. Vacuum at least once a week and preferably every day during peak flea season, primarily mid- to late summer. Clean underneath furniture and wash pet bedding often. Remove and toss vacuum bags once a week to rid the household of fleas contained within the bag
Organic Flea Collar
-
Herbal flea collars provide organic parasite control. Organic herbal flea collars provide a safe alternative to toxic conventional flea collars. Traditional flea collars emit poisonous nerve gasses to control fleas. Herbal flea collars, however, are simply saturated with insect-repellent herbal oils. Herbal collars provide better protection when used with another method of organic flea control.
Herbs
-
Herbs can be used as an organic repellent. Herbs can be used as a powder or shampoo. Organic herbs that function as a repellent for use as a flea powder are eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, wormwood, yellow dock and rue. Blend any or all herbs together in a jar with a shaker top. Bathe animals with organic shampoo containing bergamot, cedar, pine, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, juniper or geranium.
Diatomaceous Earth
-
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the animal and around bedding. Diatomaceous earth, or diatoms, work as an organic pesticide. Diatoms are prehistoric single-celled creatures extracted from glaciers. Diatomaceous earth is pulverized into a fine powder and used to organically exterminate fleas and ticks. Diatoms are microscopic algae that have sharp jagged edges. The parasite's exoskeleton is lacerated by the sharp edges of the diatom. Diatomaceous earth can be rubbed directly on the animal, sprinkled throughout bedding and added to food. Giving an animal diatomaceous earth orally is harmless to them because it is so minute; it is only fatal to parasites. In addition, it provides trace minerals and controls internal parasites when ingested.
-