Flea bites are irritating for humans and pets alike. Unfortunately, they can be hard to get rid of, particularly when you don't want to use harmful chemicals in your home. Organic flea repellents may not be 100% effective every time, but they are better for the environment.
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Try Garlic
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Eating garlic can make you seem less attractive to hungry fleas. You may feed some garlic to your pet as well, but be careful because too much garlic can be bad for a cat or dog's immune system.
Reach for the Borax and the Vacuum
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Mixing four parts borax and one part salt can create a powerful flea killer for your carpets. Be careful with your children around borax though, as ingestion can be harmful.
Vacuum daily. Do not put mothballs in your vacuum bags as it may cause dangerous toxic fumes to escape. Also vacuum or sweep your pet's bed and common sleeping areas.
Comb and Clean Your Pets
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A good flea comb can help you remove fleas quickly, effectively and naturally. Just comb them out and squish them with a tissue. This is also a good way to remove eggs laid in your pet's fur. These devices may not work as well on dogs and cats with thick, easily-tangled hair.
It also helps to wash your animal on a regular basis using a high-quality shampoo. Many eco-friendly dog shampoos have been developed to kill fleas without harming the environment or your pet. Try shopping at your local pet superstore or organic store to find one.
Experiment With Your Garden
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Certain plants like pennyroyal, fennel, peppermint, rosemary and citronella are natural insect repellents. You can also boil these plants with water and use them for natural flea dips.
Keep Your Yard Clean
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Fleas can be attracted to rot and debris, so keep your yard well maintained. Keep your grass short and always rake up clippings and fallen leaves as soon as possible.
You may also try an organic anti-flea powder available at pet specialty stores.
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