How to Make Homemade Flea Repellent

Fleas and other pests are the bane of a pet owner’s existence. The problem is compounded if your pet is allowed indoors for extended periods. Concerns ranging from pollution to human and animal health have led to a reduction in the popularity of chemical pesticide-based repellents. In the midst of this growing awareness, the problem of flea infestation still persists. An excellent solution to this challenge is to utilize natural essential oils and herbal extracts that are known to be offensive to fleas in order to force them to seek out new places to reside rather than on your pet or in your home. Here is a recipe for a homemade flea repellent that you can make any time and in any quantity necessary. It is generally safe for use both indoors and outside for animals and people. You may also spray it on upholstery and carpeting. From start to finish, this method will take you a little more than 30 minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled water
• Three to five drops of at least four of the following essential oils: lavender, peppermint, lemon geranium, lemongrass, rosemary, citronella, thyme, orange, cedar, rosewood, eucalyptus, neem, myrrh or lemon
• Eye dropper syringe
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Gather all the ingredients and supplies that you will need. Begin by opening the spray bottle and carefully pouring in the distilled water.

2. Pick up the eyedropper syringe, and open the first essential oil bottle that you have selected.

3. Use the dropper to place three to five drops of the chosen oil into the spray bottle.

4. Repeat with each of the oils that you have selected.

5. Close the spray bottle, replace the caps on the essential oils, and lay the eyedropper aside. Shake the spray bottle gently for 60 seconds and place on a counter-top for 30 minutes. Spray your pet’s fur, bedding, carpets and furniture with this mixture to naturally repel fleas.

Tips & Warnings

• Use as many different types of essential oils as you can afford to strengthen the potency of this spray formula, but no less than four.

• The essential oils referenced here can also be rubbed into your pet’s fur during regular grooming and either brushed or combed through to repel fleas. Re-apply if your pet gets wet and after every bath.

• Here is a less expensive alternative to the essential oil-based repellent spray: Slice eight fresh lemons into quarters. Place them into boiling water and allow the lemons to steep at least three hours. Strain and place the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray your pet as directed.

• Avoid directly spraying an animal's face. Apply spray to your hand and then rub it on the fur of the face, around the eyes and near the ears.

Resources

• More tips for getting rid of fleas
• More about making natural flea repellent