Are you looking for natural ways to repel fleas?
We all want the best for our fur babies. We want to make sure they are healthy and happy – and at the same time, we don’t want them to get infested with fleas! Sure, there are some chemical treatments out there that will work – but at what cost to our cats (and dogs)? Traditional flea repellents and treatments are pesticides:
“Pesticides are substances that are meant to control pests. The term pesticide includes all of the following: herbicide, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termiticides, etc.) nematicide, molluscicide, piscicide, avicide, rodenticide, bactericide, insect repellent, animal repellent, antimicrobial, and fungicide.”
I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t want any pesticides near my beloved pets. So let’s take a look at some easy, inexpensive, natural ways to repel fleas.
This simple recipe literally costs pennies and is so easy to make. Take 50% water and 50% vinegar and put it in a spray bottle. If you want an extra kick add a few drops of catnip oil. Shake it up and spray any areas that are of concern.
- Lemons! Yes, Lemons, they smell fresh and fleas hate them! Just take a few lemons and slice them into thin slices and add them to about a quart of boiling water. Remove from heat and let sit for 3 to 4 hours. That’s it! You can apply this to trouble flea areas in your home – but you can also apply directly to your cat. Side note: Most cats don’t like to be sprayed with anything so you might want to put some on your hands then rub it into your cat’s coat. Apply daily for best results.
- Grooming! We don’t recommend giving your cat a bath unless it’s absolutely needed but if your cat has fleas, a bath can really help. Fleas can’t swim! Giving a cat a bath that has fleas or a flea allergy can take care of the problem. If your cat just has an occasional flea, simply using a flea comb dipped in either one of the recipes above will take care of it!
- Vacuuming! If you have fleas, it is so important to vacuum daily – especially if you have a flea infestation. You can break the flea cycle by vacuuming those fleas and flea eggs up. Vacuuming can get rid of up to 96% of adult fleas. When you are done vacuuming be sure to change the bag or clean out the canister! We don’t want those fleas jumping out and re-infesting!
Another option is using diatomaceous earth or DE. You want to only use food grade. Also, DE does not repel fleas but it does kill them. If you use it be sure that your cat doesn’t breath it in as it can cause lung irritation. I love to use it around the outside of the house. Sprinkle it around the house as well as on the grass to keep the flea population down.
Of course our favorite flea repellent that also kills fleas on contact is our Flea-eX! It’s safe (for cats and dogs), effective, inexpensive – and can be sprayed on bedding, furniture, carpet, and outdoor areas!
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