How to Prepare Neem Oil

You can prepare a neem oil solution to use as a natural flea repellant for your dog.

Neem oil is widely used in India and among alternative medicine practitioners in the West to combat a host of ailments. According to herbalists, neem oil has antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antiseptic properties. It is also used as an effective preventative treatment against insect infestation. If you're looking for an earth-friendly alternative to pesticides, you can prepare a solution of neem oil at home to spray on your plants and pets.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Neem oil
• Biodegradable soap
• Water

Instructions

1. Pour one quart of water into a large spray bottle.

2. Add 1.5 tsp. of 100% neem oil to the spray bottle. Be sure to read the ingredients on your container of neem oil to make sure it is made from pure neem. If there are added ingredients, they may cause irritation for your plants or pets.

3. Add about 1/3 tsp. of biodegradable soap to the bottle. Soaps such as Dr. Bronner's or Biokleen dish soap work well, as they contain only natural ingredients that will not irritate your plants or pets as long as they are used in small amounts. The soap is added to the solution to help the neem oil distribute evenly over your plants or your pet's coat.

4. Place the lid on the bottle and shake the mixture to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Spray liberally on pets that have fleas or plants with any kind of insect infestation. Repeat the spraying once a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Neem oil can solidify in cooler temperatures, so be sure to shake the bottle well before each use.

• Neem oil has many other uses for your own skin issues, but you should consult a doctor or herbalist before you begin using it on your body.

References

• Mountain Rose Herbs: Neem Seed Oil
• PubMed: Neem oil as a sand fly repellent

Resources

• Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps All-One!
• BioKleen