Natural Remedies for Ticks and Fleas
Most of us must have encountered ticks by simply venturing outside. To get a tick you do not have to walk into the deep woods. They can be within our living environment. The soft, warm fur of our pets such as cats and dogs offer a perfect environment for fleas and ticks.
Typically, fleas and ticks are around during the summer. The itching caused by flea and tick bites leads to various medical conditions like anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, Powassan encephalitis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease.
To stay safe, prevention is the key. There are various natural remedies for fleas and ticks readily available within your home. They work in a great way and have no side effects on your pets.
The natural remedies for fleas and ticks mentioned herein will keep these parasites away without the use of harsh chemicals.
1. Cedar oil spray
It is known as a natural and non-toxic insect and tick repellent. You can spray cedar oil directly on your skin and clothing. Cedar oil is safe for use on humans and pets. Using cedar oil, you will be able to keep all types of insects, including ticks and fleas away and also kill them. Cedar oil is easily available at your nearest retailer and pet store. You can even buy it online.
2. Neem oil
Another very easy-to-use natural remedies for fleas and ticks, neem oil can be used to repel and remove ticks. Before application, you can dilute it by adding almond or any other light carrier oil. The diluted application is always safe for dogs. You can apply one or two drops of neem oil directly on the tick to remove it.
3. Homemade insect and tick repellent
You can make your own natural remedies for fleas and ticks by creating a mix of various essential oils. You can apply this mix to exposed skin before venturing out. One such remedy can be made by mixing together:
- six drops of peppermint essential oils,
- one tablespoon of almond oil or jojoba oil,
- six drops of tea tree essential oil, and
- nine drops of citronella essential oil.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another one of the popular natural remedies for fleas and ticks. It works wonders in the removal and killing of fleas and ticks. You can even spray it on your outdoor furniture by creating a mix of:
- two cups of water,
- two tablespoons of organic neem oil, and
- four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
5. Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is an effective natural tick killer. Mix four ounces of distilled or purified water in a small spray bottle with 20 drops of eucalyptus oil. Shake well and directly spray-on skin, pant cuffs, and shoes.
6. Aromatherapy essential oils
They smell great and work effectively as natural tick repellents. Ticks are sensitive to the smells of lavender, peppermint, lemon, orange, cinnamon, and rose geranium. Mix essential oils of any of these ingredients and apply it to the skin. You can also use it as a spray.