Natural solutions to Flea & Tick Prevention

Over the years people always ask me how do you get rid of Fleas or Ticks?

I admit I've had to deal with a flea problem here and there, but have never had an infestation like the one I had when we first moved to Minot many years ago.  The last tenants obviously had pets and didn't do much to take care of them. The carpets were infested with Fleas and the basement was covered in pee.   Sometimes fosters also bring fleas with them and we are always prepared. 

Because there are so many flea and tick products on the market that are toxic I started my search for a more natural solution.  I never liked the idea of having to wear gloves when applying a product to my dogs. 

Here is what we do to rid a house full of fleas and to prevent further infestations as well prevent ticks.

1.    We bathe all dogs and cats with a natural Flea shampoo "Flea B Gone" by Avena Botanicals out of Rockport, ME.  They have an incredible line of herbs and oils.  They also carry a fantastic natural ear mite oil.  Flea B Gone is all natural and can be used on both cats and dogs, as well as puppies and kittens.  The key to this shampoo is the more you suds up your pet the quicker the fleas fall off of their bodies.  I have not found anything else as effective at killing Fleas as this product:

http://www.avenabotanicals.com/flea-b-gone-pet-shampoo-an-flea.aspx

Another company with great pet products is Ark Natural, they carry a Neem shampoo and a Neem spray.  After bathing your pets it is a good idea to spray them with a natural Flea/Tick Repellent such as Neem or Yucca:

Ark Naturals Flea and Tick
Quadruped Flea and tick spray

We have used products from all three companies with great success.  I do like the Yucca spray the most because it has a nice aromatic odor and keeps the dogs smelling good as well as keep their coats shinny and soft.  

Please Note:  Do not use Yucca Spray on Cats as it is not recommended for use on cats.  Use Neem spray instead.

2.    Next, purchase a flea collar, any flea collar.  And open it up and place it in your vacuum cleaner bag.  Now vacuum everything.  You want to vacuum anywhere and everywhere your pets cohabitate with you in your home.  All carpets, hardwood floors, Furniture, Dog & Cat beds, everything.

3.    Once you have vacuumed your home next you want to powder it with a product called FleaBusters or Borate Crystals.  You want to put it in your carpets, furniture, any cracks or crevices in the floors, anywhere a flea would hide.  

I have  used both FleaBusters and Dr. Goodpet's Inside Flea Relief with great success.  How it works is when the flea eggs stay behind, the crystals dehydrate the larvae before they can turn into fleas and lay anymore eggs.  This stops the cycle from continuing.  Most chemical bombs cannot reach certain areas leaving behind eggs that then hatch and start the vicious cycle all over again. 

http://www.fleabuster.com/

Dr. Good Pet Flea Relief

Note:  Dr. Goodpet also uses an outdoor Flea Relief, which can be purchased as Diatomaceaus Earth.  This powder contains fossilized remains of diatoms(microscopic shells).  The sharp edges cut through flea and ticks  exoskeleton causing them to dehydrate and die.  It's a great product to use in your yard to push back any bug infestation that could target your pets.  This powder can also be used to kill other bugs such as cockroaches, silverfish, slugs, earwigs, ants and more. 

Food grade Diatomaceous Earth is also another natural option to use on your pets.   You can sprinkle it on their coats to protect them from fleas and ticks and can also be added to their food because it is anti-parasitic.  

4.    And finally we also put a supplement of Earth Animals Internal Powder in our pets food.  It helps deter Fleas, Ticks, Black Flies and Mosquitoes!  The dogs love it.  In the 3 years we have been using this product not one flea or tick has been found on any of our pets.  We like the tablets because they are a lot less messy.  We highly recommend this product to any pet owner. 


Earth Animal Flea and Tick Program
Earth Animal Internal Powder (Animal House)

I find this is the most effective way to rid your home of fleas and ticks on the first try.  This method is safe, non-toxic and can be used around pets and children. 

And remember, fleas and ticks are parasites.  The feed off of the weaker pets.  Some things you can do to keep your pets immune system in tip top shape is to feed a good quality diet and keep them well exercised.  

Here is to happy and healthy pets!!!!

Please Note:  I have only listed products with the links to their respective companies in this article that we have used successfully.  There are a number of other companies that have similar products that I am sure work just as well.  But we have only listed those we have used successfully.