Buzz off mosquitoes. There’s another itchy insect wreaking havoc this season on cats and dogs and humans alike. You guessed it, fleas! The flea is a common parasite that survives on the blood of their mammal and bird hosts. Fleas use their hind legs for jumping through feathers and fur, and their claws and mouthparts to latch to blood hosts. These holometabolous parasites can live on a host for 4 lifecycle stages (egg to larva to pupa to adulthood).
Once a flea reaches the adult stage its aim is to latch to a blood host and reproduce. Females can live up to 3-months and lay more than 5000 eggs during a lifetime. However, without a host for blood meals, a flea will only live a few short days. Thankfully, there are plenty of remedies to rid your pet and home of fleas, however, may responsible pet owners worry about the chemical exposure to their pet and family and opt for the following natural flea remedies instead:
1. Neem oil
The neem tree originates in Burma and India, however, you can purchase the oil from almost any health food store. Add a few drops to your pets shampoo and bathe normally to repel fleas. Just be sure to check with your vet for the correct dilution measurements prior to use.
2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a superfood of sorts, long reputed for its digestive benefits. However, apple cider vinegar is also a powerful flea preventer. Simply mix a 50-50 solution of water with unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a clean spray bottle to spray over your dog’s coat before he or she ventures outside. You can also use the same solution to comb your pets fur once inside by dipping a flea comb in the mixture.
3. Rosemary
If you’ve ever caught wind of a commercially produced flea dip, you know how harsh the chemicals can be. No need to expose your precious dog to these chemicals. Instead, whip up a milder, natural flea dip by steeping 2 cups of fresh rosemary herbs in boiling water. When cool, strain the liquid and toss the leaves. Mix with a gallon of warm water and bathe your canine in the mixture, letting your dog air dry afterwards.
4. Flea repelling plants
Protect your yard from jumping fleas by planting flea-repelling plants, such as rosemary, catnip, sage, lemongrass or lemon balm, mint, geranium, thyme, and basil throughout your yard and around the exterior of your front door. Fleas despite the natural oils in these plants.
