Hocking Hills, OH –
The temperatures are rising. People and their pets are happy to be outdoors more soaking up the sun's rays. Some really lucky pets live in the country or go on trips to the country and run free in the fresher air.
Although your pets might be having more fun in the sun, rising temperatures and more outdoor exposure is the perfect way for your best friend to pick up unwanted hitchhikers fleas and ticks. Adult fleas thrive at temperatures between 66-84 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity between 70-90%. Ticks show up when it's hot too.
Fleas and ticks should not be taken lightly. Fleas can cause severe skin problems in pets and people and ticks carry lime disease. Thankfully there are all natural, non-toxic, safe methods to prevent and treat flea infestations and ticks. When looking for products, don't risk your health, your pet's health or that of the environment. Below are just some of the natural remedies and treatments for your pets to prevent and deal with free loading fleas and ticks.
Studies have shown that a strong immune system can deter fleas and ticks from seeking refuge. So, begin by feeding your pet organic or all natural food free of preservatives and fillers. Make sure your pet gets sunshine and exercise.
There are some all natural nutritional supplements that can be used. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a natural repellant. Check with your vet for correct doses. One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in your pet's water daily also helps to repel fleas and ticks. Another solution is to mix yeast (nutritional or brewer's), 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of weight, in your pet's food. Some animals react with a skin rash. Stop use if this happens. Some sources recommend using essential oils for dogs to repel fleas and ticks. Just a few drops of Rose Geranium (found at health stores) placed on a dog's collar acts as a repellant. Visit www.onlynaturalpet.com and www.herbalremedies.com (under natural pet care) for already made all natural solutions. As a side note: in my research, the use of garlic and essential oils were controversial, particularly in cats. You might want to investigate this further, or use extra caution if you use products containing garlic and/or essential oils (fleascontrol.com/natural-flea-control.htm.)
When fleas invade your pet's domain, you can try the following things to rid your home and yard of fleas. Vacuum regularly, emptying the bag in the garbage afterwards. Another remedy is to sprinkle a fine layer f of table salt over your carpet/floor and vacuum the next day (empty the bag in the trash). Apparently fleas don't like Stash Earl Grey tea. According to some, you can get rid of fleas if you sprinkle this tea on your carpet, leave for a few days and then vacuum. Fleas can be trapped by placing a dish of soapy water under a night light near where the pet sleeps. Plug in flea traps, electric flea traps, flea zapper combs, and shampoos are available through your local pet store or www.arbico-organics.com (800.827.2847) or www.eartheasyshop.com (888.451.6752).
It's a good idea to shave or clip long haired dogs so frequent bathing is easier. Here's a recipe for an herbal flea dip bath: Steep two cups of fresh rosemary in two pints of boiling water for thirty minutes. Strain liquid, discard leaves and make up to one gallon with warm water. Pour over your dog until saturated. Let dry naturally. Do not rinse.
Diatomaceous Earth (fossilized remains of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called diatoms) is another treatment for fleas, ticks, lice and other pests. Just rub into the coat of your pet (dogs, cats, birds or livestock) or dust it on the premises. To purchase and for more information visit www.earthworkshealth.com.
To keep your flea population down outside, you may want to try nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic worms that eat flea larvae. You should be able to find them at your local pet or garden store or www.gardensalive.com (513.354.1482).
Good luck at keeping these pests at bay!
Byline Bio:
Gwen Corbett, Owner Bear's Den Cottages
www.bearsdencottages.com, Green Lodging
Helping Individuals and Businesses Go Green