Natural Flea Killer Treatment

In warm-weather climates, fleas are one of the most common problems affecting household pets and many mammals in the wild. These parasites live off the blood of animals and are a nuisance to dogs and cats, and can be transferred to humans. There are many products on the market today to kill fleas and prevent flea infestations, including natural flea killer treatments that can be an effective and economical solution to flea problems.

  1. Application

    • There are two basic types of flea treatment--internal and external. Internal treatments for fleas are administered by adding certain ingredients to the food or water of the animal or having it ingest the treatment directly. Garlic and vinegar are two choices for use of internal treatments.

      External treatments are applied onto the skin or the fur coat of the animal. Look for natural oils and powders that don't dry out the skin.

    Oils

    • Cedar and pure neem oil or cream can be applied to a pet's body to keep the coat moist and minimize the risk of the spread of flea infestation. Applying these kinds of oil will reduce the flea population on the animal and can even reduce irritation caused by these pests.

    Diatomaceous Earth

    • Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural solution made from tiny diatoms that cut the flea's cuticles and dehydrates them. It's a fine powder that can be applied to the animal's skin. Do not use DE intended for pool filters, because that grade of DE is harmful to animals.

    Herbal Collars

    • Herbal flea collars are available that work like other collars, but are made of a combination of oils such as citronella, tea tree and rosemary.

    Environmental Control

    • The need for flea treatment can be minimized by practicing good hygiene measures.

      Keeping your pet clean is the first step in preventing flea outbreaks. In warm climates, bathing can be done once a week. Groom the animal regularly with a specialized flea comb.

      The overall environment in which the animal resides also needs to kept clean and as germ-free as possible. Clean the floors with detergents daily. Vacuum rugs or carpets regularly to minimize the risk of germs as well as prevent fleas.

    Precautions

    • Never use natural flea remedies on your animal without consulting a vet. Usage and application of some flea-control methods may be harmful. Garlic in large amounts, for example, has been known to cause health problems with animals such as anemia.