How To Make Natural Flea and Tick Powder For Pets

This natural recipe uses four ingredients, recognized as insect repellents, and can be made at home!  

What We Need:

1. 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 do not enjoy. 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. Can be found at good natural health stores.  

(NB! 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).

2. 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. Can be found at good natural health stores. 

3. 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. Can be found at good natural health stores. 

4. 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 powder. DE particles are so small  it just feels like a fine baby powder to humans and pets. It is 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 to 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.

What You Do:

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

Simply mix all of the above together in a jar with a shaker lid (e.g. an Old Coffee Jar).

Sprinkle on to your pet along the spine whilst brushing the fur back, 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.

*Avoid any contact with their eyes and nose.*  

How Often Do You Apply?

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  if 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.

It is always a good idea to consult with your vet before trying any home remedy on your pet. Your vet can make sure that the treatment is safe for your pet and may have more tips on how to get rid of fleas

For other natural ways to effectively get rid of fleas from your home, garden and pets please see : http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/get-rid-of-fleas-naturally/

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

(ii) http://asheepnomore.net/2014/07/09/make-effective-flea-tick-powder-pets/#sthash.ycW3Thcx.dpuf 

You might be interested in:

Comments

comments