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.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I live in South Texas, and as expected, have fleas on my pets, and in my home. I have treated them with Frontline Plus, and sprayed the furniture with a natural flea repellant. I still see the animals scratching. Can I use flea collars in addition to what I have already done? What is the best thing for the carpets? I have a flea powder, but have not used it yet. I plan on shampooing the carpets this weekend, which should kill the fleas on the carpet. Are herbs planted in the yard really helpful? What about garlic in their food?
Rebecca Leader
Hi Becca,
Planting herbs can indeed repel fleas, but it’s best to think of it as a way to help in your overall flea control program, as opposed to a solution in itself. That’s unfortunately true of most natural methods – they can help, but if you have a bad infestation, chances are you’re going to need to use some kind of chemical treatments.
Garlic in your dogs food can help too, but garlic is not good for cats. Try brewers yeast too, or check out our page on natural flea control.
Frontline Plus is a great product for your pets. Shampooing your carpets ought to help a lot, and remember to keep vacuuming afterwards. Vacuum every day if you can, or at least two or three times a week.
Check out our page on home flea control for more info. Sounds like you’re on the right track. Good luck!