Nobody enjoys seeing fleas and ticks bother their pets. Holistic veterinarians recommend this recipe, which calls for four ingredients, to kill and repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, spiders, and other bugs on your four-legged friends as well as in the garden.
Despite the common misconception that fleas cannot fly, they can spread from pet-to-pet contact, furnishings, and even plants. They cause a painful cycle of itching and scratching when they bite. In extreme circumstances, it may cause your furry friends' beloved fur to become inflamed, lose its hair, or become infected. Certain chemical solutions are less effective over time because they can lead to allergic reactions and the development of resistance.
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/