http://www.care2.com/greenliving/flea-free.html
Flea Free for You and Me
By Annie B. Bond, Care2 Green Living Executive Producer
Citrus peel extract is an excellent choice against fleas for dogs, because its components, limonene and linalool, kill all stages of the flea’s life cycle. I have completely eradicated our home and dogs of fleas using citrus peel extract. I don’t think anything else works as well. Still, you must use caution: While it is a natural material, and much safer for health and the environment than toxic synthetic pesticides, it is not without problems, especially for asthmatics (see “Hints,” below). Citrus shouldn’t be used around cats.
For Fleas from and on Dogs
Assuming you don’t own a cat, and you keep your windows open when using citrus peel extract products, get rid of fleas in your house by washing floors twice a week with a solution of 1/4 cup citrus peel extract (available in health food stores; citra solve is one brand) in 1 to 2 gallons of water. Spray bedding with a mixture of 2 teaspoons citrus peel extract and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
To make a fur rub for the dog, cut up 4 lemons, and simmer for one hour in 1 quart of water, adding more water as it evaporates. Cool the mixture, strain, and massage into the dog’s coat. Note that there are a number of pure citrus-peel-based pet products on the market (see Shop for Supplies, below).
For Cats and Dogs
Herbal repellents work well to repel fleas. Make an herbal infusion by adding a handful of dried herbs (available in most health food stores) to a tea pot and fill with boiling water. Let the “tea” set overnight, and then strain it into a spray bottle. Recommended herbs include southernwood, rue, rosemary, sage, catmint, eucalyptus, and leaves from the black walnut tree. Start with just a small amount to make sure the pet can tolerate the herb.
Boric acid and borax are also widely used against fleas. Sprinkle a thin powder or boric acid or borax on carpets, leave on for a few days, and then vacuum up.
Other Flea Controls
- Feed your dogs (but not cats) garlic and yeast.
- Wash your pets frequently.
- Use a flea comb.
- Make your own flea shampoo.
- Use a natural flea collar.
More from Annie B. Bond (3190 articles available)
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27 comments
add your comment »I just buy those flee collars.
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I use high-purity d-limonene for all three of my dogs and it works great. I make my own pet wash which includes castille soap. I also spray a mix of water and d-limonene throughout my entire lawn. With regular spraying we are flea free. I also spray down their living areas and constantly mop my floors. Here is where I buy from, they are great ask for Nick or Rachel
www.GreenTerpene.com
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I've heard about the cedar being very helpful-even soaking a piece of cloth with the oil extract, and putting it between mattress and box spring to prevent all kinds of pests.
Tell me: does anyone know where I could order some from? And how much should be used for different pest control chores? Thanks.
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I use a product called CedarCide, made from pure cedar oil from the Texas Hill Country. I use the yard safe product and it works for ants, fleas, chiggers, everything in the yard.
I even have some of this in a spray bottle that I have used for house ants. I have never seen ants return after using and it is safe for my little dog.
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Another way to rid your home of fleas is to put a lamp on the floor, put a bowl of water underneath the lamp, and at night while you are sleeping soundly the fleas will jump in the water. Just flush them down the toliet. If you have carpet. Sprinkle with salt and then vacumn. Do this a few times in a week and the fleas will be dead. I also made some homemade peppermint soap which helps attack fleas. It's also good to put peppermint in your shampoo if you have dandruff. Just a few drops will do.
Diane
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I would like to know how often to use the citrus peel on a dog and if it should need to be dont more is it still as safe?
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this is really weird because i do not own a pet of any kind, i have all wood and or tile only floors and my home is entirely cleaned 3 times a week and i have fleas in my home.is itpossible that my neighbors animals are infesting my home without being inside my home??
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Please be careful with moth balls around pets it will shut their kidneys/liver down... NOT good.... they think they are fun to bat around and gets on their paws and they lick them.. NOT A GOOD THING!!! I used moth balls once out in my back room not thinking they would touch them.. I think it was what made my older cat have everything shut down.. IT was a heart break. I still feel responsible and its been 8 years..so be careful..
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PLEASE Check the following website:
GardenHarvestSupply.com
This gardening website sells FOODGRADE Diatomaceous Earth. This stuff is so pure it is also intended & used as a supplement with food (especially for animals usually outdoors livestock/farm animals).
I searched many sites and did comparisons on feedback/opinions. This site not only had the best price, but they were the only company who only sold foodgrade D.E..
$$$
Cost is about $10.00 for a 5lb bag. Also, they guarantee their product with an anaylsis (free), if requested.
*If someone would like to tell me how to do it, I will be glad to post a 'pdf' summary file created from the USDA files on the usuage of D.E.
Thanks!
JS
*Another REALLY great product for people, companion animals & even plants, is NEEM. It's a little stinky (like an old nut) but it has been used for multi-anitmicroibial purposes in Ayurvenduric (Eastern Indian medicine) for thousands of years... it works!
However, please make sure it is therapeutic grade (no additives/fillers ect.)
www.onlynaturalpet.com
*Important Personal Note: I DO NOT support/condone the use of animals as FOOD.
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IMPORTANT- If you use Boric Acid or Diomataceous Earth (DE) - be sure to use Hi Grade - (not like the swimming pool grade for DE).
As for DIET or NUTRITION- I understand comletely about not having a lot of money but still want to give my pets the best I can. I cut fresh grass (no pesticides sprayed on 'em), raw cabbage, carrots, zuchinni etc. Minced and mixed into their food - I buy flaxseeds and put them in the blender for their Omegas. Kelp in the blender - Sometimes it's cheaper than pet food to buy chicken and BROWN rice and make a wonderful pet dinner adding a litle raw veggies etc. Any time we can replace some of the garbage can pet foods most animals get - and it is garbage - don't buy into their BS - we will be blessing our pets with health and adding a little to our pocketbook instead of the vet's. There are a lot of things we can do that cost very little or nothing that will help our beloved pets live more comfortable and longer lives. And I agree that it should eliminate serious Infestation problems although I don't believe Nutrition alone can make pets critter-free -
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