There are many natural methods that can be used for flea and tick prevention. Unfortunately, most natural flea and tick prevention methods take a while to have noticeable effects, leading many people to opt for faster-acting poisons. Once a prevention routine is in place, however, flea and tick problems can be greatly reduced or even eliminated.
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On Pets
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The most time consuming natural method to get rid of fleas and ticks on pets is the old fashioned method.
Bathing the pet and picking off the fleas and/or ticks is a very slow but effective natural alternative for getting rid of those pests.
Bathing the pet in apple cider vinegar helps to slow down fleas so they can be combed out more efficiently.
Tweezers can be used to remove ticks, but be certain to get all the way down to the skin so that the tick's head comes out as well as the body. Look for ticks on or around the ears, face, and underbelly, and don't forget to check under collars.
Dabbing the pet with lavender, peppermint, or lemon will help repel fleas, while lavender, lemongrass, and geranium will repel ticks.
In the Home
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Regularly wash all bedding where the pet sleeps or naps. Use hot water and a hot dryer to ensure that the bedding is completely free of fleas or ticks.
Regularly vacuuming carpets and plush furniture also is important to rid a home of fleas and ticks. Be sure to toss out the vacuum bag so that the fleas and ticks do not crawl out of the bag after you shut off the vacuum cleaner.
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural pesticide made from the fossils of ancient diatoms, and is an effective powder for controlling fleas.
In the Yard
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Remove any dead plants, leaves, or mulch that may provide a home for fleas or ticks.
Planting lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, and geraniums around the home and in the yard will help keep fleas and ticks out of the yard.
Keep tall weeds trimmed. If your yard is fenced in, mow the grass on the outside as well as the inside to prevent ticks from migrating into your yard from nearby fields or woods.
There are some natural pesticides that can be applied to flea-infested spots, such as diatomaceous earth or sprays made from natural soaps.
Additional tips for natural flea and tick prevention
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Make a natural flea spray by cutting up six lemons, boiling them in a quart of water, and letting them sit for a few hours to steep. Strain the lemon water into a spray bottle and lightly spray the pet's fur. Be sure not to spray the lemon mixture in the dogs face or on any open scratches or wounds..
Make a natural flea shampoo for bathing the pet by using one cup of the lemon spray mixture listed above and one cup of white vinegar added to a quart of water. Shake well before each use.
You can also give the pet a waterless bath. Just sprinkle some baking soda on the pet and brush off the excess. This method will help keep the dog looking and smelling clean.
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