Essential Oils as Flea Repellant

Essential oils are all natural and mild and will leave the coat healthy and vibrant. For centuries, they have been used in a variety of ways to repel fleas, ticks and other biting insects.

These are nature's repellants. They ward off unwanted hitchhikers. Most common ingredients are citronella, cedar, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender.  Essential oils are specially formulated to repel fleas and ticks without using insecticides. They are great for misting your dog's legs (and your own) any time that you go out where fleas would be likely to be found.  They have a lot of other uses too (read this).  They are a repellant, not an insecticide, though.

Basic instructions: Ten to 20 drops may be put in a pint sized squirt bottle with water.   This is used for misting.

* Mist the dog before going to training class and upon returning as well. You won't pick up fleas from other members of the training class.

* Spray the area where you set up your exercise pens and crates at the dog shows. Fleas will choose to go to the neighbors instead. The dogs themselves can be misted when you leave home and again before returning from the show.

* Set the squirt bottle near the door, so that you can mist the dog (and your own pants legs) when you take the dog for a walk. No hitchhikers will come home with your or your pet from public places.

* If you have a dog with flea allergies, it can get instant relief while you are ridding the environment of fleas. Mist that dog only. The fleas will go to the other pets, but that dog will not be bothered and can start to heal that much earlier.

* For dogs that are bothered by flies biting their ears, cover the eyes with your hand and mist the ear area. Flies will stay away and the ears can heal.

* Mist your own hair and clothing when outside during mosquito season. The oils set up a very pleasant smelling barrier, so that you (and your party) won't be bothered by these pesky insects.

Herbal Oils also seem to be effective in repelling chiggers.

Never put the undiluted essential oils directly on the dog. They are very strong and can burn the skin. Essential oils should NOT be used on cats. They lick themselves and will ingest the oils rather than simply wearing the aroma.  For longer term control, a few drops may be placed on a cotton flea collar and put around the dog's neck.  Renew the oil whenever the aroma starts to fade.