Our four-legged friends are, without question,
a part of our family, and our houses would not be homes without them. We care
for our pets with love, ensuring they have access to ample exercise,
stimulating toys, and all-natural pet food. Another crucial area of care for
pets is flea and tick prevention, which becomes even more important as the
weather warms up.
Fleas are a nuisance to pets and humans alike,
causing itching, scabs, and worms – not to mention they are a hassle to get rid
of. Ticks, on the other hand, are harder to spot and can carry Lyme disease, which dogs and some cats can
contract. Lyme disease can be impossible to get rid of and may cause joint
pain, swelling, reduced appetite, and even kidney failure.
It’s clear that in order to provide the best
care for our pets, we must place flea and tick control at the top of our
lists, but is there a way to do so without harsh chemicals and poisons? Keep
reading for tips on how to naturally keep your pet and home pest-free this
summer, and all year long.
Understanding the Flea & Tick
Population
The majority (up to 85%) of the flea and tick
population is comprised of eggs and larvae, and killing them is the easiest way
to reduce the population. However, most of the time when we see fleas and ticks
on our pets they are the annoying adults which are more difficult to get rid
of. Our best defense against fleas and ticks involves using preventative
medication and treating our yards and surrounding areas to kill eggs and larvae
before they mature.
Natural
Flea and Tick Prevention
Some natural ways to reduce fleas and ticks in your
yard are surrounding areas are by planting rosemary and putting out tick tubes, which use permethrin soaked cotton balls to
kill ticks where they hatch. You can also use a spray that introduces nematodes
(tiny worms) into your yard, within 24 hours, this method can decrease the
number of larvae in your yard by 90%.
In addition, Wondercide,
a natural pet care company, makes a Flea & Tick Control Yard + Garden Concentrate
which is eco-friendly and designed to keep fleas and ticks out of your yard.
When it comes to your home’s interior, you can
sprinkle boric acid on your carpet before vacuuming to eradicate ticks and
spray a safe chemical called nylar to your hard floors and surfaces.
Our Favorite Flea and Tick Control
Products
When it comes to skin care and bath products
for your pet, we recommend purchasing natural, trusted items that will prevent
pests while being kind to your pet’s skin.
Anti-Itch
Sprays
When fleas, ticks, or other skin irritations
pop up, sooth your pet with Itchy Owie Ointment from Pet
Wellbeing. This balm uses a blend of soothing herbs like calendula
and marshmallow root, as well as aloe vera juice and vitamin E in a base made
of nourishing coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and certified-organic
beeswax.
Preventative
Sprays
Keep fleas and ticks off your pet by coating
their fur with a natural, preventative spray like Flea + Tick Spray for Dogs and Cats from Pet
Naturals of Vermont. Using a blend of essential oils, this product
soothes your pet’s skin while keeping pests at bay.
Bath
Products
Flea and Tick Natural Shampoo Bar from
Wondercide uses citronella and geranium protect your pet from insect bites.
How do you keep your beloved pets free from
fleas and ticks without an added side of harsh chemicals? What natural pet care products do you use on your furry friends? Share your tips in
the comments section below.
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Photo by ipet photo on Unsplash
