Non-Toxic Flea Control
Let's face it.
Fleas are the WORST, but applying pesticides to our pampered pooches
doesn't make us howl with excitement either. In an attempt to find
non-toxic flea control remedies, Care2 staff stumbled upon this amazing
technique that kills fleas fast without toxic chemicals. While citrus
peel extract (d-limonene) works well for dogs, cats can't tolerate it,
so this is an especially great choice.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder comprised of microskeletons of
deceased diatoms, which are a type of algae (both fresh water and sea
water varieties occur). You sprinkle the powder on your pets and your
carpets, and the fleas die from dehydration. As a foster care provider
for hundreds of dogs, this stuff has been a miracle. You can use it on
dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats.
How it works:
When applied to the animal's fur, DE scrubs on the hard exoskeletons of
fleas. The tiny granules of silicon (think finely ground sand) work in
the tiny holes of the flea's respiratory system and in the joints of
the fleas. Every time the flea moves or breathes, the silicon grinds
away at the exoskeleton, eventually killing the flea through
blocking/maiming the respiratory holes or by water loss, as the
exoskeleton helps keep in the flea's body water. It works the same way
when applied to carpets instead of fur.
How to use it:
1) Wear a mask and put one on your pet. Even though it's nontoxic, you don’t want to get it in your lungs.
2) Sprinkle the DE along your dry pet's spine. Massage it along the
body, working your way carefully to the extremities, avoiding the eyes.
3) Spread some diatomaceous earth on the carpets, brush it in and
leave for about four days. Then vacuum it up to remove most of the
fleas in the carpet.
4) Repeat the application frequently during an infestation. You should notice a decrease in fleas within a couple days.
NOTE: Make sure not to use the kind of DE used in
swimming pools. Use natural diatomaceous earth; it is available in
gardens supply centers, some health food stores, and from natural-pet
catalogs.
a Care2 favorite by
Annie B. BondInformation provided by AOLfriends@earth.care2.com
More Natural Remedies
1. Rosemary Flea Dip
Steep two cups of fresh rosemary in boiling water for 30 minutes.
Strain the liquid, discard the leaves and add up to a gallon of warm
water depending on the size of your dog. Wait until it cools but is
still warm and pour over your dog until he's soaked. Allow your dog to
dry naturally. Works especially well on hot summer days.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Wash your dog thoroughly and towel dry. Apply a few drops of lavender
essential oil to the base of the tail and another at the neck.
3. Brewer's Yeast
Add a small Brewer's yeast tablets to your dog's food. Much like
prescription meds (but much healthier), this is excreted through Fido's
skin making him less attractive to fleas. Check with your veterinarian
for the proper dosages depending on weight.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
A spoonful of this stuff added to your dog's water makes their skin
more acidic and not-at-all tasty to fleas. If apple cider vinegar is
not your dog's cup of tea, you can dilute it 50/50 with water, pour
into a spray bottle and use as a repellent.
5. Lemon Spray Repellent
Cut a lemon into quarters, cover with boiling water and let it steep
overnight. In the morning, spray all over your dog, especially behind
the ears and around the head generally (be careful of his eyes), around
the base of the tail, and under your dog's legs.