Popular ways to treat fleas include powders, collars and sprays. All contain pesticides made of highly toxic chemicals. Evidence indicates that long-term exposure to pesticides, like the ones found in commercial flea products, is detrimental to the health of humans and animals. Fumigation can fill your house with toxic chemicals. Common flea and tick products rub off on your children, your lawn, and pollute any water that your animals play in. These chemicals should be avoided whenever possible.
Fleas tend to accumulate where your pet rests and sleeps. It is important to choose a sleeping area that can be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week. Bedding material should be laundered weekly as well. If human flea allergy is an issue, pets should be excluded from areas of the house frequented by the person(s).
Description: Flea Powders
What To Look For: There are many safe alternatives to chemical-based products such as powders, sprays, shampoos and collars. Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring mineral compound, derived from microscopic skeletal remains of algae-like plants called Diatoms. This product dehydrates and kills fleas upon contact. Whether used alone or with herbs such as sage, eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary or fennel, Diatomaceous Earth is effective, safe, non-toxic to people and animals, and can be applied directly to the fur of a dog or cat. It can be sprinkled anywhere your pet spends time. You can even sprinkle it on your lawn or garden, anywhere your pets roam. Fleas do not build up immunity to it.
Uses: Very effective against fleas, ticks, lice and other pests.
Where to find: Natural Food Stores, Online Resources, Pet Stores.
Avoid: Breathing dust as you apply the powders. Wear a dust mask, gloves and goggles, as it can irritate the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Once the dust has settled it should not bother you.
Link to article on subject: The pet industry does not want you to read, The Complete Book of Flea Control (Third Edition) by Ted Kuepper, because it tells pet owners how to control fleas without using insecticides. Purchase it on www.Amazon.com, as it cannot be found in stores.
Description: Flea Collars
What to look for: Non-toxic, odorless flea and tick collars containing all natural vitamins, minerals and herbal ingredients. These ingredients boost the immune system, warding off pests and increasing your pet’s vitality. These natural blends also encourage healthy skin and a shiny fur coat.
Ingredients may include: calendula, silica, cayenne, calcarea fluorica, echinacea, flea bane, odorless garlic, cinnamon, red cedar, asian mint, rhus tox, tiger lily, aconitum napellus, aloe, anacardium, vitamin E, graphites, berberis, sulfur, placenta, milk thistle, chamomilla, daffodil.
Flea combs are very helpful and very safe ways to remove fleas. For best results, look for a flea comb with a trapping shield. Dip the comb in warm, soapy water during use. These combs may be purchased online or at any local pet store.
Uses: For natural flea control.
Make your own: Essential oils including citronella, rosemary, and rose geranium are known to repel fleas and ticks. Once a week, use an eyedropper to apply one or two drops of 100 percent pure essential oils on your pet’s collar. Use a collar that will absorb the essential oils (such as woven linen). No additional collar should be necessary.
Where to find: Natural Food Stores, Online Resources, Pet Stores.
Avoid: Pennyroyal should not be used around pets, especially pregnant pets. Cats are sensitive to citrus, so avoid citronella. Do not get essential oils in your pet’s eyes, mouth, or directly on their skin.