Fleas are wingless insects that have long legs which help them jump vertically to a height of over 7 inches. They have thin flat bodies that enable them to move through the hair of their hosts easily. They pierce the skin of mammals and feed on their blood for survival. They have a very strong body structure and are capable of withstanding high pressures. There are different types of fleas; some of them are the cat flea, the dog flea, the human flea, the rat flea and the moor hen flea. The rat flea is famous for causing the Bubonic plague that killed more than 25% of the European population. This article talks about the various home remedies that one can use to get rid of fleas.
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| home remedy for fleas |
Using home remedies to eradicate fleas are cheaper and easier than other option. Most home remedies are non toxic and they will keep your home and your pet safe from the toxic nature of chemical based flea eradicators. Here are a few home remedies that one can utilize.
Citrus repellents: Cut lemons into quarters and immerse them in a vessel full of water. Boil the water and let the lemons stay in the liquid for a night. Spray the carpets and your cushions with this liquid. Also spray the liquid on your pet and wash its armpits and paws. This spray contains citric acid found in lemons and their acidic nature repels the fleas.
Oil bath: If your pet is badly infested then it is necessary to give him an oil bath. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, Lavender oil and tea tree oil to the bath. The smell that of these ingredients are capable of repelling the fleas. You can use rosemary leaves to make a bath by immersing them in hot water and bathing your dog in it. Sometimes bathing your pet with vegetable oil can help drive fleas away. The only problem with this is that the oil won't easily go away from your pet's body, even if you use shampoos. Try using mild de-greasers after the bath.
Eatable remedies: When dogs are fed with garlic the smell is mildly excreted through their skin and thus making it inhospitable for fleas. Brewer's yeast has the same effect on fleas. Another good alternative is natural apple cider vinegar added to the water which your pet drinks. It makes their skin more acidic and it is unpleasant for fleas. The biggest downside with all these remedies are making your pet consume such products.
External remedies: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth (organic clay) all over your yard. Planting an herb called tansy around your pet's pen is a useful way to keep fleas away from your pet. Sprinkling powdered moth balls around your yard in small quantities help you from keeping fleas away from your yard. Use moth balls in small quantity as it is harmful to your pet if used in larger concentrations.
