Natural Pest Control:
Every summer season, the debate rages on about the considerable dangers of ingestible and topical flea and tick products. We hope this helps to provide healthy all natural protection and peace of mind for you and your pets. Pharmaceutical products are pure poison, and have caused many premature deaths! Be aware of what you are putting in and on your animals.
If you would like to avoid these toxins but still want to give your pet some protection, here is an easy recipe for a safe and effective flea and tick powder, using only three ingredients:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
NEEM (dry form)
Yarrow
Simply mix the three together and rub the dust mixture into your dog’s coat. Use some caution with DE as it can irritate the mucosa. DO NOT LET YOUR DOG BREATHE IN THE DUST....Once the dust settles however, there is no harm.
Diatomaceous earth is a remarkable, all-natural product made from tiny fossilized water plants. Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from microscopic skeletal remains of unicellular algae-like plants called diatoms. These plants have been part of the earth’s ecology since prehistoric times. It is believed that 30 million years ago the diatoms built up into deep, chalky deposits of diatomite. The diatoms are mined and ground up to render a powder that looks and feels like talcum powder to us. It is a mineral based pesticide. DE is approximately 3% magnesium, 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium, 2% iron and many other trace minerals such as titanium, boron, manganese, copper and zirconium. Continual breathing of any dust should he absolutely avoided.
This DE is not the same thing as the DE used in swimming pool filters. Pool grade DE is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume crystalline form. Pool grade DE should never be used for pest control.
To insects DE is a lethal dust with microscopic razor sharp edges. These sharp edges cut through the insect’s protective covering drying it out and killing them when they are dusted with DE If they ingest the DE it will shred their insides.
This being known – do not breathe in the DE dust, or let your dog breathe it in….it dries out the mucous membranes and causes irritation!
For centuries the NEEM tree has been known as the wonder tree of India. Because of its wide variety of applications it is commonly called the “Friend and Protector of the Indian Villager" Modern research studies have discovered that it contains both alkaloids and liminoids, each with an array of medicinal properties. For instance, oneliminoid (azadirachitin) has been found to be 95% effective when used as a pesticide and insecticide. NEEM is also useful
for wound healing.
Yarrow acts as a repellent and also helps to soothe the skin.
Mix these three dry ingredients in equal parts and pour them into a shaker jar. To apply to your dog, ruffle the hair back to expose the skin and apply small amounts working your way from the rear to the front. If you are using this mixture for ticks, be sure to cover the neck area. Rub it in briskly. For a medium sized dog, you should only need to use about a teaspoon of the dust. Apply the dust to your dog every month.
This mixture will also work to repel flies and mosquitoes!
DE can also be mixed into food to kill internal parasites. It is completely safe in proper amounts. Dosage. For dogs, use one tablespoon per day of food grade Diatomaceous Earth in food for dogs over 55 lbs. and one teaspoon per day for small dogs and puppies. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/benefits-diatomaceous-earth/
OR a liquid flea/tick remedies:
Plush Puppy produces a superb oil: Sea breeze oil, mix 2 teaspoons Sea breeze with 1 cup of water and add 4 drops of citrus oil, 2 drops of peppermint 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of sandal wood oil. Mist this mixture over your dog everyday, and you won't see fleas, ticks or any other nasty bugs on your dogs. Of course, there are many other methods and products out there that are natural and non-harmful to your dogs. Melaleuca produces an excellent and effective tick and flea (and mosquito formula) Basically, peppermint oil. lavender oil, tea tree oil, sandalwood or cedarwood oils have all been shown to have repellent properties for these aphid pests!!
Another very good liquid recipe is: 1/3 of the bottle of Witch Hazel. Add 6-8 drops of Lavender, 6-8 drops of Peppermint and 6-8 drops of Cedarwood. Shake well and spray dog before he goes outside. Keep away from eyes.
Adding brewer’s yeast or garlic to the dogs’ diet will help keep the fleas and ticks away as well.
There are a few other cool things you can do that are natural and repel fleas and ticks.
If you get some boric acid – that would normally be used for cleaning – like Borax. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your yard – that keeps ticks and fleas from entering your yard – do it as soon as the snow is gone in the spring (if you get snow) before the ticks wake up. It is also not harmful for dogs.
Of course, you can do similar with Diatomaceous Earth….but it is not as effective (I have read)
The other idea is to plant marigolds and geraniums around your yard – there are many varieties of geraniums – even perennial ones! They are awesome for “offending” fleas and ticks – and pretty too!!
Homemade Natural Flea and Tick Spray:
To make a natural flea spray that will deter fleas but is safe for you and your pet – simply mix 2 tablespoons of concentrated lemon juice and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil and cinnamon essential oil in a medium sized spray bottle. For greater tick prevention, add 10 drops of rose geranium essential oil. Also add 10 drops almond oil to the mix as a carrier. Fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water – shake well and spray this lightly on your pet before your pet goes outside. A light spraying is usually enough, no need to soak them with it. Make a fresh batch when the mixture loses it’s smell, or twice a month. The spray should be applied daily, but can be applied every 2-3 days as needed.
SPRAY ONLY THE TOP OF THE HEAD SHIELDING THE EYES WITH YOUR FREE HAND, BACK OF THE NECK AND ALONG THE BACK. ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS WITH PETS AND ESSENTIAL OILS AS INGESTION OF UNDILUTED ESSENTIAL OILS CAN BE TOXIC.
Important here: essential oils are not all created equally – please use only certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils, where you know the sourcing and testing methods – read the labels and be careful with everything you expose our pets to.
NEVER apply essential oil or a mixture of, directly on a tick – it may regurtitate it’s stomach contents into your pet before it detaches itself – and exposing the animal to the tick toxins is harmful! Use a puller device purchased for tick removal only.
Then lastly – good gut health for your animals! A healthy dog with a strong immune system can often overcome issues brought on by tick borne illness – or at least have a fighting chance against it. Pre-biotics, Pro-biotics, fermented foods, etc are great for our dogs digestive systems! (and ours too!!)
Natural Methods:
Over-the-counter mosquito repellent for pets can be expensive, although necessary. If you’d rather avoid the chemicals and cost of these traditional methods, there are several natural alternatives that have been found to work.
1. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil - This natural mosquito repellent has been found to be safe for humans and pets. The New England Journal of Medicine found in 2002 that the herbal repellent of Repel Lemon Eucalyptus provided about two hours of protection from mosquito bites, compared to less than 1 ½ hours from DEET products. In addition, the U.S Department of Agriculture found that lemon eucalyptus oil was the most effective repellent, even when compared to other natural and synthetic products. It was even approved for use when it comes to protection from mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus. While Repel Lemon Eucalyptus is specifically for human use, there are many versions available for dogs. One product can be used by putting the oil in a special holder on your dog’s collar. That way, the oil never directly touches your pet. There also is a version available for felines to help protect your cat from mosquitoes.
2. Geranium and Soybean Oil - Another popular natural mosquito repellent for pets is the oil from geraniums and soybeans. Products such as PetFresh Bite Blocker can protect your pet for up to four hours. This mosquito spray for dogs can be applied directly to the animal’s coat and rubbed in. Pet owners can apply the mosquito repellent about once a week or after a bath for continued protection. This form of natural mosquito repellent was rated as the No. 2 most effective natural product in a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most sprays are about $10 a bottle, a real cost savings when compared to traditional over-the-counter methods.
3. Citronella - Citronella candles are popular ways to protect you and your family when enjoying the outdoors. This natural oil deters mosquitoes from feasting on you and your furry friends. If you’re spending some time outside with your family, it’s safe to light one of these candles to provide protection to you and your pets. Just make sure your pet isn’t able to knock the candle over or get into the wax, as it can be dangerous. If the smell is off-putting to you, there are other alternatives to protecting your pets from mosquitoes.
4. Lemon or Other Citrus Juice - Did you know that mosquitoes are easily repelled by the scent of lemon or other citrus juices? If you’re looking for one of the most natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your pets, try slicing a lemon. There are two main ways you can use this tart fruit to protect your dog or cat. Slice a lemon, lime or grapefruit and then rub the wedge directly on your pet’s fur. Be sure to avoid the eyes and any open cuts as the acid in the fruit can sting and be painful. Citrus is nontoxic to dogs, so there’s no harm in your pet licking its fur or other areas after the citrus juice has been applied. You also could make a spray from the lemon juice that can easily be applied to your dog’s body. Bring six lemons, or any other mix of citrus, and a quart of water to a boil. Let it steep for at least an hour. Once it cools, pour it into a spray bottle. Be sure to strain it so the pulp doesn't clog your spray bottle. Remember to keep your dog’s eyes safe by not spraying around the face. Instead, spray its body with the mixture. To apply it around your dog’s face, spray your hand or a cloth and then gently rub it onto your dog’s nose or other areas, but be sure to avoid the eyes. The spray can be reapplied every two to three hours. Some studies also suggest that adding lemon to your dog’s diet can help with mosquito protection. Adding lemon juice to its water or lemon zest to its food is an easy way to get the fruit into your animal’s diet. The amount you should give your dog can range from ¼ of a teaspoon to a dog that is very small to 3 teaspoons for a very large dog. It might be a good idea to start with a small dosage and work your way up. That way, your dog can get used to the taste a little bit at a time.
Here are some products and links to read up on and purchase if you are interested.
This list is not exhaustive, but it is proven by many people we know.
Check out the details and links below:
http://www.thecrazydoghouse.ca/shop
Enviro Collar – watch for deals! Buy in bulk!!
https://trulysensible.com/envirocollar-select
Fur Freshener – for before and after walks!
https://legendarycanine.com/store/
All Natural Pet – flea spray and shampoo
https://www.allnaturalpet.co.uk/flea-intestinal-hygiene
Primally Inspired – flea and tick repellent
http://www.primallyinspired.com/easy-natural-tick-repellent-that-really-works-essential-oils/?fbclid=IwAR3ydJDYM-ShUY4MW_tCSwC9CS0ulrarfEbG_S4cN6ZJe2SOlqFGnfjJZxo#
Tropiclean! Lots of great products here – not just tick spray!!
https://tropiclean.com/product/natural-flea-tick-spray/?fbclid=IwAR0AenxsNM-Fsz2U0jVupdaPJzaUIoGkoV2n6k30BmnlPMxfSpf005nQWh4
Wondercide! Again, lots of great products here – not just for ON your pet, but IN your yard and house!
https://www.wondercide.com/?fbclid=IwAR3bj9zx5PcGN6KQPfpEfJQ2Z9LqDmuosFkrwO3vauTehr-hcIVHerYBW3I
Arbico Organics – Lots of great products!!
https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/pest-solver-guide-fleas-ticks?fbclid=IwAR1fVn8C4gn3NO-wEvI9sT21IIbGXma0YGS1Zvl9EOqKMwuzp9hiVKywVW0
Only Natural Pet – lots of good defence products, all natural!
Especially the “Easy Defence Tag”
https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Only-Natural-Pet-EasyDefense-Flea-Tick-Tag/999024.aspx
Mercola Products – Sprays, Topicals, etc.
https://shop.mercola.com/category/1608/1/flea-tick
Plush Puppy International
https://www.plushpuppy.com.au/where-to-buy-worldwide
I highly recommend reading and researching before you start administering any of these methods. The best choice is the informed choice, and there are many options for use on our animals.