What is a Good Flea Repellent for Humans?

Flea repellents will help keep the fleas off you.

Although fleas prefer to bite your four-legged friends, they do bite humans from time to time. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors where fleas are prevalent, you do have some flea repellent options.

Types

Before you decide on the right repellent for you, consider whether you want to use a repellent that uses chemicals or something more natural and "green." Commercial repellents usually contain some sort of harsh chemical to repel the fleas, whereas making your own repellent is far more environmentally friendly.

Prevention/Solution

Commercial human-grade flea treatments contain DEET, a chemical found in many bug repellents. A health controversy surrounds DEET. Since it is a chemical, exercise caution if you use it around young children.

Considerations

When making your own flea repellent, use a spray made of essential oils and water. When choosing essential oil, consider peppermint or lavender, which will both effectively repel fleas and have a pleasant aroma.

References

• Flea.net: Flea Spray and Repellent for People
• Flea-I.com: Flea Repellent
• Partnership for Animal Welfare: Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes