Natural Flea & Tick Repellents

Many pet owners are considering natural options for flea and tick repellent over the commercial, chemical products. There are many natural products, plants and herbs that repel fleas and ticks, as well as other insects and parasites. Many companies are also starting to make natural flea and tick repellants for the ease of consumers.

Certain plants can deter these parasitic pests from feeding on your pet. Citronella, thyme, rosemary, garlic, rose geranium and cedar wood oils are often found in recipes for homemade flea and tick control products. Sulfur is also effective in repelling many parasites as well.

Oftentimes the recipe will call for a mix of these products either alone or with an added base. The pet either ingests the product--eating garlic can help keep a dog free of fleas--or the petowner applies it--certain herbal shampoos using the above ingredients can deter fleas.

Because undertaking the task of completing a natural recipe can be difficult, there are many products available for purchase as well. Products from companies such as Naturvet use many of the natural ingredients found in home-remedy recipes but are premade and ready for use. Natural consumer products can be found in powders, sprays, shampoos, carpet crystals and other applications. Many of these products are available for purchase at pet-supply stores and online.

If your pet has fleas, there is a good chance the fleas are living directly on your lawn. While not technically a repellent, nematodes are a very natural way to kill fleas. Nematodes are microscopic creatures that bury into lawn insects, such as fleas, and kill them as part of their natural life cycle. Using nematodes prevents and controls the source of the problem. Petowners can order nematodes online.