Fleas are the tiny and wingless insects that feed on the pets. They can bite the pets as well as other people in the surrounding. These are brown in colour and it is very difficult to get rid of them once they find their prey.
Animals like cats, dogs etc. are mostly affected with fleas. The symptoms of fleas include itchiness, biting, scratching and crawling. These fleas are very similar to cockroaches. Using non-toxic methods before using the pesticides are beneficial. They also affect the surrounding areas like furniture, bedding, carpet etc.
It is required to control the fleas to prevent further infection otherwise the whole house may get affected with fleas. Natural methods can be tried to get rid of the fleas as the flea medication contains harsh chemicals that are harmful to the skin. Before trying the natural ways, it is better to consult the veterinarian.
Top Natural Cures for Fleas
Rosemary
Add rosemary in one quart of water and cook for twenty minutes. Strain it to remove any rosemary flakes. Stir in the cedar wood oil and pour the mixture in an empty bottle. Spray the mixture over the cats, dogs, furniture, bedding etc. Using this remedy once in every four hours would help in the treatment of fleas.
Orange and Grapefruit Peels
Blend peels of oranges and grapefruits in a blender and add one quart of water. Strain it and pour the liquid in a container. Cook the mixture for twenty minutes and cool it. Add lavender oil in the mixture and stir it.
Pour it in an empty bottle and spray over the dogs and other furniture items for the treatment of fleas. Using this remedy for up to four times in a day is beneficial.
Black Walnut
Black walnut is available in the form of capsules. These capsules can be consumed for getting rid of fleas. These are good flea repellents for dogs and are also beneficial for reducing body weight. Consuming these several times in a week is effective.
Essential Oils
Take six or seven drops each of the essential oils like rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oil. Add this mixture in one cup of water and shake it properly. Add this mixture in a spray bottle and spray it over the dog’s coat on every other day.
Since these essential oils are very sensitive, these should not be applied over the cats. Lavender oil is also an essential oil that can be used for treating the fleas. Wash the dogs and dry them using the towel. Apply a few drops of lavender oil over the base of the tail and around the neck.
Use Bathing Shampoo
Apply a shampoo that contains calendula, aloe or oatmeal and bathe using that solution once or two times in a week. Bathing the animals using this shampoo would be very beneficial. Their beddings should also be washed using that.
Use Flea Comb
Take a good flea comb and use it on a daily basis for removing fleas from the coats of animals. It provides instant relief from the flea population. Use the comb with double row of teeth which would be more effective.
Diatomaceous Earth
It contains fossilized algae that are helpful in killing the fleas. It causes dehydration of the fleas. Spread it over the carpets and hardwood floors. It is a light powder and should not be inhaled by the animals during application.
Boric Acid
Boric acid can be sprinkled over the surfaces of dogs as well as inside and outside the home. Spray well over the carpets, hardwood floors and furniture. It acts as a natural insecticide and helps in killing the fleas.
Boric acid is useful in dehydration of the fleas and larvae. Keep as such for overnight or for long time. It is safe and effective for use. It is also available in many other forms.
Nematodes
Nematodes are the worms that are helpful in killing the fleas.These can be used in the backyard and other outer areas that are helpful in controlling the fleas.
Watering should be done afterwards that help in preventing the ground from drying out. These are effective in moist and sandy soil that is kept away from exposure to direct sunlight.
Salt
Use table salt and sprinkle over the furniture and floor. Keep as such for one week to ten days. It helps in killing the fleas and larvae. Vacuum up the salt afterwards that would remove all the dead fleas.
Cedar Oil
Cedar oil has anti-bacterial properties and act as a pesticide. The oil is derived from wood, foliage and conifer roots. Use the oil over the animals and other surrounding environment. It is helpful in repelling the fleas.
Lemon
Cut lemon into pieces and pour boiling water over them. Keep them as such for overnight. Pour the water in a spraying bottle in the morning and spray it over the skin and coat of dogs.
Do not spray on the tender parts but spray over the dogs’ ears, his armpits and the base of the tail. It contains limonene which is a chemical that helps in killing and repelling the fleas.
Wash and Bathe Dogs
Washing and bathing the dogs, their clothing and bedding on a frequent basis are beneficial. Bathing the dogs on a regular basis would help in killing the fleas. Use a dog neem shampoo and dog oatmeal shampoo that would prevent skin irritation.
Apply over the dog’s coat and keep for ten to fifteen minutes. Apart from bathing, brush the dogs properly on a regular basis.
Baking Soda
Use baking soda in combination with salt. The combination is beneficial for the treatment of fleas. It is beneficial for killing the fleas and the eggs produced by them. This remedy is inexpensive and non-toxic to pets. It is a natural and safe way for treating the fleas.
Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is available in the form of tablets. These tablets can be added in the dog’s food. Brewer’s yeast is healthier and has similar effects like the traditional medicines of fleas. Consult the veterinarian before its usage to know the proper dosages depending upon the weight.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
