Safest Flea Treatments

Nematodes

• Pets that spend a good deal of time outdoors, especially in a grassy yard, are going to be more susceptible to fleas. Naturally occurring nematodes are tiny worms already present in some soils that love to eat flea larvae. If not in the soil, they can be easily added. Naturally occurring predators must be reintroduced from time to time because they eat all the species on which they prey, and eventually die off for lack of food. When nematodes are applied with a lawn sprayer, 90 percent of flea larvae are eradicated in the first 24 hours. This product, "Flea Control Nematodes," can be purchased or ordered from most garden centers nationally. Nematodes pose absolutely no threat to anything but fleas. They also aid in controlling cutworms and grubs in the lawn and garden.

Nylar

• The key to the safest flea treatments indoors is treating areas where a pet usually rests or spends a great deal of time. This is where the eggs laid by adult fleas on the animal slip off onto the bedding or floor and eventually hatch and produce more fleas. Nylar is a very safe chemical sprayed on bedding, floors, furniture and in kennels to prevent eggs from hatching and larvae from developing into adult fleas. It works by mimicking hormones that keep the flea from turning into adults. Yearly application is all that's needed in most cases. An adulticide, or chemical that kills adult fleas, may also be used along with this treatment, but be sure to read label instructions carefully and always be aware of combining treatments.

Boric Acid

• A number of flea control products are on the market that use boric acid, usually in a carpet deodorizer or flea control powder. Because boric acid treatments are generally a fine powder, the treatment remains in the carpet through repeated vacuuming. Fleas are killed when they come in contact with the boric acid. Humans, pets and other animals remain safe due to the extremely low toxicity of boric acid. Some people have applied 20 Mule Team Borax with a shaker, brushing it into the carpet fibers with a broom, and vacuuming the carpet. These boric acid treatments are good for about one year. This treatment also works on furniture.

Flea Combs and Shampoos

• A simple flea comb is the best first step for getting rid of fleas on pets. This will take about a month to get a handle on the fleas due to some fleas living for several weeks and others being in various stages of development. Using a flea comb daily is a safe approach to controlling fleas but will take some diligence and patience. After using the comb to catch fleas, dip it in a container of hot, soapy water to drown them. Also, flea shampoos are really not necessary because any soap that produces a lather will drown all fleas on your pet--no chemicals needed. Be sure to keep the lather on your pet for at least five minutes. Be aware that shampoo alone will not control all fleas, and it also dries out the skin. For dogs only, adding a few drops of lavender, citronella or eucalyptus will also act as a safe, natural repellent. Cats exposed to these essential oils may become ill.

Garlic and yeast

• Feeding garlic and yeast to pets has met with some success. For cats, use a tsp. of nutritional yeast flakes along with a small clove of garlic daily. For large dogs, use a quarter-cup of yeast flakes and several cloves of garlic. Adjust down from this for smaller dogs. An alternative is to purchase treats with these ingredients. Talk to a veterinarian about adding garlic, as high doses may cause anemia in pets. Be safe and keep dosing on the low side.

Herbal Sprays

• Herbal sprays can be applied before taking your pet on a walk outdoors to keep any new fleas from hitching a ride. Black walnut in liquid form is a very effective flea repellent if given orally several times a week. Herbal dips in products like Avon's Skin--So--Soft lotion is helpful when diluted with water and used as a rinse. To make an effective natural repellent that can be applied daily on dogs, add five drops each of tea tree, rosemary, peppermint, citronella and eucalyptus oils to one cup of water. Add to a spray bottle and apply to the dog every day. Be sure to shake the spray bottle vigorously before application. Essential oils should not be used on cats.