Natural Protection for Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitos
After researching the toxicity of commercial flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, I decided to poll my Facebook friends on what they used. Most shared that they did what vets suggest but would much rather find a natural alternative for protection from fleas, ticks and mosquitos, rather than these expensive and toxic preventatives that have been shown to cause all kinds of serious health problems, and even in some cases death.
Here are my favorite natural alternatives for Flea and Tick prevention in pets:
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
- Always get Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, and Don’t inhale it.
- Good for pets, home, yard, and beds.
- Kills fleas, parasites, and worms.
This all-natural fine powder is safe for human and animal consumption. I’ve been using it on my farm for over 7 years now. You can sprinkle it in your animal’s food, in their water, and even rub it on their skin. You can also sprinkle it in beds, carpets, and around the home to kill any bugs (fleas, ants, roaches, bed bugs).
Related: Diatomaceous Earth for Pets
Garlic –
- Preferably source organic garlic
- Repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos
- Provides health benefits for your pet
There are many misconceptions on the toxicity of garlic for dogs. To learn more about the truth on garlic for dogs, and other common food myths, check out my episode of Your Natural Dog podcast on pet food myths. I’ve been giving my dogs on the farm garlic for years, for its pest benefits but also for its overall health benefits. I finely mince up garlic and add it to my dog’s food once a week.
Cedar oil, Neem Oil, and Citronella oil
- Repels fleas, ticks, mosquitos
- You can mix the oils together in a glass spray bottle and spray on your dog (especially underbelly and legs) before they go outside, to a park, etc. Avoid getting in their eyes.
Cedarcide
- Repels fleas, ticks, mosquitos
They do the mixing of the essential oils for you! Simply spray this all-natural, non-toxic spray on your dogs before they go outside, and it will repel bugs. There is also an all-natural yard spray.
Amber Collars –
- Repels fleas and ticks
The electrostatic feature of baltic amber is extremely useful when fighting ticks and fleas. To learn more about Baltic Amber collars, check out my episode of Your Natural Dog Podcast with Milana Kearns of Baltic Amber.
Final Thoughts on Natural Flea, Tick and Pest Protection for Pets
When you see your pet scratching, you always hope that it’s not the little bloodsuckers that we all loathe so much. We spend hundreds of dollars on pills, sprays, and topical flea control products every year trying to keep them away. The problem is, most of these products are pesticides that are poisoning our pets, our families, and our environment.
So, if you suspect fleas, here are some steps to take to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back—naturally.
Related: Beneficial Nematodes for Fleas with Katya Forsyth
