Herbal Flea Remedies

Herbal flea control is an alternative to expensive pesticides often used for the elimination of fleas. Not only is herbal flea control less expensive than commercial pesticide brands, there are less side effects and potential for allergic reactions in pets and family members. However, not all products labeled "natural" consist of entirely natural ingredients.

Significance

The health of family and pets are a priority. Commercial flea control pesticides contain ingredients that are extremely toxic to the liver. Pets wearing "toxic" flea collars are constantly inhaling fumes that can make them ill. Additionally, the use of flea control pesticides in the form of pills, drops, shampoo, powder and spray also directly expose pets and family to toxic chemicals.
Herbal flea control improves the health of all exposed and reduces the risk of death to pets, and health concerns of the pet and family.

Ingredients

Herbal flea control can be purchased at most pet stores, Whole Food stores, veterinary offices and online. Common ingredients include brewer's yeast, garlic, vinegar, eucalyptus, rosemary, fennel, d-limonene (a safe form of citrus oil), neem oil (vegetable oil) and citronella oil. Herbal flea remedies are available in spray, powder, shampoo, oil and drops.

Considerations

Herbal flea control treatment for a pet with existing health issues such as extreme allergies, kidney disease or cancer should be strongly considered, as these animals already have a compromised immune system. If there is a concern about the natural flea treatment of an unhealthy pet, an appointment with a veterinarian is recommended.

Benefits

Pets and humans repeatedly exposed to the toxic chemicals found in commercial flea control risk acute poisoning, and long-term health problems in children.

Misconceptions

Fleas do not live on animals, they feed on them. Fleas may be found everywhere a pet goes, especially in a pet's bedding area. Therefore, it is important to treat all areas exposed to by pets.
Fleas can live without a host for months, so it is important to treat any areas infested with fleas, even in the absence of a pet.

Prevention/Solution

Initiating a routine, consistent treatment of herbal flea control is the best way to maintain a flea-free pet and environment. Several products may need to be tried to find the one that works best for the chemical make-up of a particular pet.

Warning

Pennyroyal oil, although a natural oil, is a liver toxin for cats and kittens. Citrus oil is toxic to cats and kittens, and can be fatal.