Nobody likes to see their pets bothered by fleas and ticks. Here is a recipe using four ingredients that can be used on your four legged friends as well as in the garden for repelling and killing fleas, ticks, mosquitos, ants, spiders and other bugs and is recommended by holistic vets.
Contrary to popular belief fleas cannot fly, but are passed from pet to pet contact, or from furnishings or even plants onto pets. Their bites start a nasty cycle of itching and scratching. In severe cases it can result in hair loss, skin inflammation or infection to your beloved furry friends. Some chemical solutions will cause allergic reactions and also resistance can be built up over time hence rendering them less effective.
This homemade remedy uses four ingredients that are recognized as insect repellents. Here is a brief description of each:
EUCALYPTUS OIL
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus citriodoro) is a known natural bug and insect repellent. Eucalytpus oil is an effective way to get rid of fleas in your home. It comes from the seeds of the eucalyptus tree and produces a strong scent that fleas and other insects find unbearable. Studies have shown that it can be more effective than DEET. An additional benefit of this essential oil is that it is an antiseptic so can sooth the skin following insect bites.
(Please note this ingredient should be omitted if applying to cats as they are sensitive to many essential oils. Eucalyptus oil should not be ingested by pets. Do not allow your pet to chew on toys, collars or bedding that is treated directly with the oil).
YARROW POWDER
Yarrow is a healing herb which can be used to treat wounds due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties and used to be a vital herb used in wartime. It has also been shown to have pain relieving properties and is anti-microbial. Pets that suffer from a flea infestation will often go on to get infected bites. Powdered yarrow can help heal and sooth the irritated skin helping to stop the itching/scratching vicious circle.
NEEM POWDER
Neem is another herb which has been used for centuries due to it’s antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and blood-purifying properties. It can be used on pets in oil or powder form as a herbal insect repellent, repelling fleas, ticks, lice, mites, ants and mosquitoes (i) . It actually inhibits the metamorphosis of the larvae thus preventing the rapid breeding of these bugs. It is also moisturising so it helps heal any dry skin or scaling which would otherwise occur from the skin irritation.
FOOD GRADE DIATOM FLOUR
This is also known as Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock consisting of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae, that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. DE particles are so small so it just feels like a fine baby powder to humans and pets. It is a simply a mineral silica.
Food grade fresh water DE is harmless to humans and pets because it is not a poison – the bugs do not ingest it. DE is chrystaline in structure. It works by scratching the bodies of the insects and causing them to dehydrate. Because Diatomaceous Earth can by very drying, Neem counteracts the dryness and helps protect your pet from excess dry skin.
This food grade DE can be purchased at some plant nurseries BUT be sure and specify that you want food grade (not crystallized or filter grade). DE products are registered for use against bed bugs, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders, and many other pests.
RECIPE
20 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil (remember to omit this for cats)
Half a cup of Yarrow Powder
Half a cup of Neem Powder
1 cup of Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
INSTRUCTIONS
Simply mix all of the above together in a jar with a shaker lid. Sprinkle on to your pet along the spine whilst brushing the fur in the opposite direction to ensure the powder makes contact with the skin. Also rub it onto their belly, legs and tail always ensuring that it gets to the skin. It can help to rub in with a powder puff or cotton wool pad. Take care to avoid any contact with their eyes and nose.
When this is being applied as a preventative measure once a month should keep your pet bug free throughout the spring and summer months when fleas are most prevalent. However following a bath or they go out in the wet then you should reapply.
If it is being applied to treat an active infestation then apply every other day until you can no longer see any trace of the fleas. Then just apply as above for maintenance.
It is important to also treat your home to prevent re-infestation. You can apply this same powder to pet bedding, soft furnishings, windowsills and floors. Just apply a light dusting to these areas and leave it overnight. Vacuum the following day. Repeat once a week for a month.
REFERENCES:
(i) http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-oil-for-dogs.html
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2014/06/naturally-get-rid-fleas-home-garden-pets.html
Original Source for this article: http://www.realfarmacy.com/how-to-make-an-effective-flea-and-tick-powder-for-your-pets/
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