Beyondfleas.com » Natural Flea Control

Planting Herbs to Repel Fleas

Travis McGee — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Many Common Herbs Can Help Repel Fleas

One effective, non-toxic method of repelling fleas is planting certain herbs in your yard. If your pet spends a lot of time in your back yard, try planting some of these herbs to repel fleas and other pests. These herbs can also be used in conjunction with other natural flea control methods, such as nematodes and diatomaceous earth.

Lavender
As well as being a lovely smelling, aromatic herb with many uses, lavender will repel fleas. It also attracts many beneficial insects. In addition to repelling fleas, lavender will help protect nearby plants from insects such as whitefly.

Pennyroyal
The penny royal plant will repel fleas, and the leaves can be crushed and rubbed into your skin as a natural insect repellant. Please note, however, that pennyroyal is highly toxic to cats. DO NOT plant pennyroyal where cats might ingest it, and never rub the crushed leaves into the cats skin.

Catnip
As well as being well-loved by many cats, catnip will also deter fleas, beetles, aphids, ants, etc. Plant this herb to both repel fleas and make your cat happy.

Mint
Planting mint can also be an effective deterrent to fleas, not to mention a key ingredient in a mojito. Mint can be very invasive, so be careful about where it’s planted.

Wormwood
Wormwood is an excellent deterrent to most insects. Use it as a tea to repel fleas, moths, and snails. Be aware, wormwood produces a botanical toxin, so keep it away from any food crops.

Try these and other herbs as a natural flea repellant in your yard. But, don’t forget that any effective flea control program requires treating your pet and treating your home consistently in order to be worth the time.

How to Build your Own Flea Trap

Travis McGee — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:46:43 +0000

Inexpensive and Effective Flea Control

One of the easiest, non-toxic methods to kill fleas is with a flea trap. These can easily be made at home, with just a couple ingredients.

You will need:

A wide, shallow bowl, such as a pie pan.
Dawn or other dish soap
A stable desk lamp with a warm, bright bulb.

Half-fill the bowl with warm water, and add a few drops of the dish soap. The dish soap will break the surface tension of the water and cause the fleas to sink, as opposed to floating.

Place the lamp over the bowl of water and turn on the light. The light and warmth of the bulb will attract fleas and make them jump in the water and drown.

Leave the trap out in an area that is most likely infested with fleas, such as near where your pets sleep. Be prepared to find many tiny flea corpses in the water the next time you check.

While it may be difficult to rid yourself of a very bad flea infestation with this method, it is a very effective non-toxic way to kill fleas. Try this out first, especially in conjunction with other natural methods (borax, diatomaceous earth, etc). I think you’ll be happy with the results.

Natural Flea Control – An Introduction

Travis McGee — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:08:43 +0000

Many of us prefer to totally avoid the use of toxins in our home, and particularly on our pets. Fortunately, there are many natural flea control methods available

The first thing to realize about natural flea control remedies, is that just because something is natural, does not mean it’s not toxic. Pyrethrins, insecticides derived from the African chrysanthemum, are both natural and toxic.

Essential oils

Some essential oils can be toxic in large doses as well, particularly to cats. Since cats do not metabolize essential oils very well, they can build up in their systems and cause problems. Although many cat owners use natural flea control remedies that contain essential oils, it is advisable to use caution.

Good nutrition and flea control

Feeding your pet good quality food is not just the right thing to do, it can also provide better protection against fleas. Poor nutrition can make your pet more susceptible to fleas, since a healthy animal is less appealing to adult fleas. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast can be used for both dogs and cats. Use about one teaspoon for cats and small dogs, and about a tablespoon for a fifty pound dog. If your pet develops a skin rash, they may be allergic to yeast

Grooming

Thoroughly combing your cat or dog with a flea comb is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to control fleas. Regular baths for your pet are as well. In most cases, plain soap will suffice, and there’s no need to use chemical flea shampoos.

Flea traps

A simple way to trap adult fleas is by placing a light next to where your pet sleeps. Then, under the light, put dish of soapy water. The fleas will be attracted by the light and drown in the soapy water.

This method only works for adult fleas, but if it’s done consistently, it can be remarkably effective.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth kills fleas by damaging their skin and dehydrating them. It can be sprinkled under furniture, on carpets, and in other areas of your home that may be infested by fleas. It can also be applied directly to your pet.

Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic worms that eat flea larva, and are an effective, natural way to control fleas. Nematodes can be purchased at pet and garden stores. Apply them to moist, shady areas in your yard and around your home. They multiply rapidly, so a small amount will produce the desired result.