Natural Flea and Tick Repellent for Pets
In addition to Natural Flea and Tick control products you can buy, you can also make natural flea and tick repellent yourself, at home, using products you probably already have. That’s right! For easy homemade natural flea and tick remedies that are safe and really work, look no farther than your pantry.
Flea and tick defense for dogs and cats is no joke!! If you’ve ever had a flea infestation, you already know how bad it can be. And ticks carry all kinds of bad stuff such as Lyme’s disease, which can be devastating to people and pets.
I made this easy reference chart of what ticks look like, where they’re commonly found, which diseases they carry and who can be affected by them. Feel free to PIN it so you can keep it for reference!
Chemicals: Over-the-counter flea and tick prevention products such as drops and flea collars are very popular. Brand names like Frontline, Advantix, Hartz or Seresto may contain chemicals you probably don’t want to cuddle with! Over the years, there have been several products pulled from store shelves because of potential dangers to your pets and yourself. The poisons used in OTC flea & tick collars to watch out for are as follows: organophosphates (tetrachlorvinphos, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, diazinon and malathion) and carbamates (carbaryl and propoxur).
In short, making your own is much cheaper and safer than buying over-the-counter flea and tick protection.
Essential Oil Option: However, if you want natural tick prevention but don’t want to have to do it yourself, I’ve heard that Rose Geranium essential oil works very well. It’s safe for humans and animals (just keep away from eyes). It’s not the cheapest, but you only use a few drops per day so it will last a long time. To use Rose Geranium essential oil as flea and tick prevention: Put one drop between your pet’s shoulder blades and another at the base of its tail before heading out each day. While you’re at it, dab a drop on your wrists and behind your ears to keep ticks away from you as well! Thanks for that tip, Primally Inspired!
Do It Yourself Natural Flea and Tick Spray Recipe
To make this natural flea and tick home remedy, grab a spray bottle (I reused one). Then, in a spray bottle, mix the following ingredients:
- 8 oz. apple cider
- 4 oz. water
- 1/2 tsp. iodized salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
To use: shake up bottle and spray on pet. Brush through fur. Please note: You’ll still want to check regularly for pests, fleas and ticks and remove any you might find promptly.