Organic Pesticides for Fleas and Ticks That Are Not Harmful to Humans

Oil derived from citrus peels proves to be effective against fleas and ticks.

Natural organic pesticides derived from plant materials often prove to be an effective contact insecticide. They have low toxicity level to humans and are safe to use in households with small children.

Types

Some organic pesticides work on both fleas and ticks, including citrus oil or limonene from citrus peels and pyrethrin from plants of the Chrysanthemum family. Citrus oil works as a poison on direct contact and pyrethrin can also work on the garden and on animals.

Safety

Citrus oil has low mammalian toxicity but could irritate the skin, nose and eyes. While pyrethrin is safe for mammals, it it toxic to bees, fish and some birds. It can also trigger allergic reactions in humans and cats.

Products

Some natural pesticide products on the market use citrus oil and/or pyrethrin as active ingredients. You could also find synthetic forms of pyrethrin, known as permethrin.

References

• Oregon State University: Least Toxic Pesticides for Gardeners
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Infections