Fleas and ticks are annoying pests that can be dangerous. They not only bite your dog, but they can also carry diseases. Fleas can cause severe itching that could lead to scabs, redness of the skin, and hair loss. This is why it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Let’s learn some DIY flea and tick home remedies that can be helpful:
1. Dish soap
If you are reluctant to wash your dog in flea shampoo, there is a great alternative. Using just a little dish soap to lather up your pooch will help wash away any ticks or fleas. These nasty bugs can’t stand dish soap and your dog will remain pest free after the bath. You may need to repeat the process once a week to insure no fleas or ticks come back.
2. Baking soda
We all know that baking soda can rid our homes of foul odors. But did you know it can get rid of fleas as well? To get rid of fleas that have infested your home, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda in the affected area. Carpets, pet beds, and furniture can all harbor fleas so make sure you treat all these areas of your home. Let the baking soda set in overnight and vacuum it up the next day. The baking soda will dry up any flea eggs or larvae putting a stop to the infestation.
3. Diatomaceous earth
Many of us have carpet in our homes. While carpet feels good under our feet, it can be a breeding ground for fleas. Fleas love to lay their eggs in carpet and they are super hard to get rid of. If the eggs hatch, you will have a real flea infestation on your hands. To prevent flea eggs from turning into larvae, you can sprinkle diatomaceous earth onto your carpet. Diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide that is made from fossilized algae that has formed into soft rocks. After sprinkling this natural pesticide onto your carpet, let it set overnight. The next morning vacuum your carpet. This will remove any leftover flea eggs.
4. Lemon
If you notice your dog scratching, chances are he or she is dealing with a flea infestation. This should be addressed quickly. A natural way to give your pet relief from these biting insects is to make your own DIY lemon flea spray. Start by cutting three lemons into thin slices. Place them in a pint of water and bring them to a boil. Allow them to cool and then let them steep overnight. The next day, you can pour the mixture into a spray bottle. You can spray the lemon spray directly on your pet but avoid the eyes. Additionally, you can spray the lemon repellent on your dog’s bed and the areas they spend the most time.
5. Flea repelling plants
Fleas and ticks often lurk in your yard just waiting to bite you. This can make enjoying outdoor activities difficult for both you and your pets. A great way to rid your yard of these annoying bugs is by planting flea repelling plants. Some of the plants that you can add to your landscape include rosemary, basil, sage, garlic, lavender, and peppermint just to name a few. Not only will these plants help keep fleas and ticks away, but they will also make your yard look beautiful!
As you can see, these helpful DIY flea and tick home remedies will get rid of pests safely and without the use of harsh chemicals. So if you think your pet has a flea or tick infestation, you should give a few of these tips a try.
