Flea and tick season seems to approach us quicker each year. It is never fun to watch your beloved pet bite, itch, and scratching from fleas. It is even more disastrous when you have to worry about the different diseases that ticks can leave behind after biting your dog or yourself. Fleas and ticks can cause some dangerous diseases and conditions. This includes allergies, itching, and tapeworms if bitten by a flea.

Ticks can cause even more havoc by causing conditions such as lyme disease or Cytauxzoonosis. Both of those are extremely dangerous for your pets. Leave the worry behind by using natural remedies to prevent and treat your extended family member:

1. Flea spray

There are many different combinations of natural oils that will help to prevent and kill fleas and ticks. A homemade flea spray is inexpensive and easy to make. In a spray bottle combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 3 drops of lavender or peppermint oil, then fill the bottle with water. The vinegar and oil will help to repel fleas and it also does not smell as bad as other recipes. You will need to apply this every 2-3 days, but can be applied more often if necessary. This will also lower the amount of ticks that you will see on your pet. There are also natural flea sprays that you can buy, but they will be more costly and will need to be used more often. Also, they still include “natural chemicals” that are not fully pet safe.

2. Flea baths

When it comes to giving your pet a flea bath it is best to avoid the harsh chemicals. There are DIY flea baths that are much safer for your pet. Original dawn dish soap is one of those options. You can use it alone as shampoo or mix it with apple cider vinegar to have an even stronger shampoo. For this method you will cover your pet in the shampoo and let it sit for 10 minutes, much like the store bought versions. Then you can rinse. Another option is to use lemon juice and baby shampoo. The lemon juice helps to repel fleas and ticks, while the baby shampoo gently cleanses.

3. Deterrent Plants

There are many fleas and tick deterrent plants that can be kept inside or outside to help control fleas and ticks. A few of those plants are:

• Lavender
• Pennyroyal
• Mint
• Pyrethrum
• Eucalyptus
• Sage
• Garlic

The plants can be added to your landscaping or strategically placed in your home to aid in repelling fleas and ticks from your home. If you plan on using plants it is important to know which ones are toxic to your pets so that they are not kept within reach of pets or animals. Toxic plants to be careful with include:

• Eucalyptus
• Pennyroyal
• Citronella
• Tansy
• Sweet Bay
• Rue

Any greenhouse can help you to get the best plants for your yard and needs. Don’t hesitate to get more assistance. Keep your pets bug free using natural and safe remedies.