Are there any ORGANIC remedies?
For pet owners who try to stay as natural as possible, organic flea prevention is one of the toughest challenges. There are a few organic flea treatments (and ticks) that are somewhat effective, but before we list some of those options, let’s back up a minute and talk organic flea prevention.
We’ve had terrible flea seasons the past few years. I’m not sure why, but vets have confirmed it: they’re selling more flea control products than ever. Those products are effective. They work. BUT…at what cost?
The never-ending battle...
A pair of fleas can produce 20,000 new fleas in just 2 months! So if you’re not interested in using dangerous chemicals, this can be a never-ending battle. Killing the fleas that you see, or even all the adult fleas that end up on your dog simply won’t be enough!
Adult fleas (the ones you find on your dog’s belly) make up a very small percentage of the flea population. And, they don’t live very long. This is why it’s so important to go after these wee beasties when they’re in the larval stage.
How do we interrupt the flea's biological life-cycle?
The female flea lays eggs on an animal after feeding. The eggs then fall off the animal, landing on the ground outside, or often, on the carpet inside (flea larvae don’t live on the animal). The larvae and can live for many weeks and once they become adults, they’ll be back on your dog, and the cycle begins again.
So the most effective device for flea control is (…DRUM ROLL…) – The vacuum cleaner! You CAN’T kill the larvae with pesticides. In the larval stage, they’re like tiny Marvel Super Villians. They are not affected by any natural solution, or any chemicals. Therefore, the only way to get rid of them is to remove them.
The good news is that the vacuum is very effective at removing the larvae, flea eggs and flea food (usually previously molted flea skin, flea feces, animal feces or other organic matter.) This is perhaps the best way to control the problem – frequent and thorough vacuuming!
Optimum conditions for egg hatching and flea development are 65 to 80 degrees and 70 percent humidity. When it is 95 degrees this summer and you have fleas, the problem may be in the house - not out in the yard.
Suggestions for eliminating the flea larvae in your home:
- Wash your dogs bedding regularly, in hot water. (At least once per week.)
- Use a strong vacuum on mattresses and furniture. Throw away the bag each time you vacuum. Sweep and mop hard floors regularly as well.
- If your pup has a favorite spot to lay, cover that spot with towels or a dog bed to make it easy to clean later.
- Clean dog kennels & runs regularly and always remove dog waste often. Flea larvae need organic matter. Remove it and they can't feed.
What about a few tips for outside the house?
- A healthy yard/lawn with healthy soil and excellent biological activity in the soil means greater competition for unwanted pests. Use an organic program to build soil. More biodiversity = less unwanted pests.
- Apply beneficial nematodes every year to help control many types of unwanted pests, including fleas. We use them every year in our garden. We have used Arbico Organics out of Arizona.
- Try diatomaceous earth (DE), Neem Oil or neem seed extract. (Be sure to always use food-grade DE!)
And here are a few ideas for cleaning the pup...
- Give your dog a bath once a week using a mild herbal or neem based shampoo. Leave the shampoo on the dog for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Brush him regularly! Brushing stimulates natural oils which is very beneficial!
- Use diatomaceous earth on your dog's fur from time to time. Be sure to always use food-grade DE!
- Sprinkle a small amount of food-grade diamotaceous earth onto his food occasionally.
- Add a small amount of garlic and a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog's water from time to time.
The secret to controlling fleas is to control the eggs and larvae. They are far more numerous than adults. Adult fleas usually make up only about 2 percent of the total population. Larvae don't feed on animals as do the adults. Flea larvae feed on organic debris, primarily dry blood. That's why keeping the pets and the environment clean is so important.
Your plan of attack...
Think ahead when it comes to battling these pests. Start with organic flea prevention. What you do in late winter or early spring each year in your yard might have a tremendous effect on fleas later that summer. Building your lawn and your garden to have healthy soil is the first step.
Next, keep things clean. Vacuum often and always clean the areas your dog frequents. Clean his crate and living areas often. Wash bedding and towels in hot water. Sweep and mop hard floors often. Clean dog runs frequently and get rid of waste every day.
But when the wee fiends show up anyway (because they will) and it comes time for organic flea treatment, use natural, organic shampoos and to wash your dog and help repel them.
It’s difficult to be 100% successful at keeping these trouble makers away, but following these instructions will lessen the problem as much as possible. And, you can sleep at night knowing you’ve not used poisons and chemicals on and near your most prized possessions!
Please leave us a comment below if you’ve had success using any other natural or organic flea or tick control! We’d love to hear from you!
