Natural Solutions For Ticks And Fleas

By Catherine V. Testaratti

Pesky parasites known as fleas have troubled us all for many years. We all worry about the effects of those nasty chemical treatments available over the counter. Well, worry no more; read on to see our natural and friendly flea and tick treatments.

As a parent, we always want to keep our children's environment healthy and safe. For many years we have heard that the chemicals used for over the counter flea remedies can be harmful. It's great to finally to be able to share with everyone some of the natural remedies available.

A great smelling option is to squeeze orange or lemon juice on your pet's fur then rub it in. This citrus smell can repel fleas while eliminating those sometimes strong pet smells. Try some brewers yeast with a bit of chopped up garlic mixed into their food to repel fleas as well. However, eliminate the garlic for cats which can be extremely toxic for cats; as are onions.

When you give your dog a bath, notice that the fleas will fall off? Using liquid dish soap with a citrus base and a regular brushing will keep the flea problem under control. Fleas do not take hold of the hair shaft so these solutions are relatively easy.

Beneficial nematode worms work great in your garden. These are not the worms that cause heart worms so not to worry. These beneficial worms feed off the flea larva so having them in your garden and yard is a plus. Keeping your floors swept and carpets vacuumed will also help.

To protect your pest from ticks, you can do one simple thing to make it more difficult for the ticks. They live in wooded areas in tall grass and are not able to grab onto the hair of your dog. A good thing to do is take your old T-shirt to cover the dog's body and belly, socks like leg warmers for his or her legs, acting as a deterrent.

Puppies and babies used to be the all American "chick magnet"; but now there's another ploy for you guys to try. One way we suggest, kooky as it sounds, to deter ticks is to take your old T-Shirt and put it on the dog. And compliment that look with a pair of socks work like leg warmers to protect your dog's legs.

You can use rose geranium oil on the inside of your dog's collar and on their fur to repel ticks. It's a natural repellent for dogs but is not suggested for cats. Cats have severe reactions to all essential oils so steer clear of those for you cats.

Now that you have a few alternate means of combating fleas and ticks, you can feel confident that your pets will remain bug-free throughout the year. Summer time is a particularly hard time where fleas and ticks are concerned so keep your pet happy and critter free by using these safe and environment friendly tricks. Just remember that proper removal of ticks is essential. - 29895

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