Because Chemicals Aren’t Cool
In our last post, we talked about some of the toxic chemicals that used to come in some pesticides for getting rid of fleas – many have since been banned due to their toxicity. We also talked about using garlic as a potential natural flea repellant for both humans and pets. Today, we’ll continue the natural remedy theme and talk about a few other natural remedies that are safe and effective at repelling fleas in humans and pets alike.
Toxic Flea Sprays
Just as the crèmes and other insecticides contain toxic chemicals, flea sprays do as well – even those that claim to be non-toxic and safe around pets.
Hartz Flea and Tick Spray via Backyard Woods Explorer
The fact is that every chemical is toxic and while you might not have an issue using it, your dog or cat might. On the other hand, while your dog or cat might not be bothered by a specific flea repellant chemical, the neighbor’s dog or cat might.
The best way to tell if a specific chemical is a problem, even if it is supposed to be non-toxic, is by looking for signs of poisoning. These signs in both humans and pets are the same and may include:
- Excessive salivation
- Dilated pupils (in cats without having indulged in catnip first)
- Tremors or seizures
- Vomiting, or spitting up hairballs more than usual
- Skin sores, irritation, and excessive redness
- Slow shallow breathing
- Coma or death
While deaths are rare, they do happen. This is why natural repellants are so much better. One such natural ingredient is apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar as a Repellant
Apple cider vinegar is an awesome ingredient perfect for a variety of recipes, but it also makes a great way to repel fleas naturally. You can use it watered down in a spray – it works better this way – or add it to food.
Apple Cider Vinegar Via AndyRobertsPhotos
You are probably thinking about vinegar’s natural astringent properties, and its ability to sting your eyes if you use too much. However, while that is part of the reason it works to repel fleas, it is not the only reason.
In fact, apple cider vinegar offers health benefits including minerals, nutrients and vitamins, and these same ingredients that are good for us and pets internally are what repel the fleas. What does it is the mix of vitamins and nutrients contained in the apple cider vinegar.
The specific mix includes vitamin c and vitamin a, which when combined with the natural vinegar makes our skin more acidic – the same is true of pets. Fleas prefer an alkaline environment, so the acidity of our skin while using apple cider vinegar once a day can naturally repel fleas in a pinch. If you find the fleas aren’t leaving you alone after one dose a day, up it to twice a day.
As long as you can stand to do so, or your pet can, continue using the remedy for as long as you have fleas in the home. With that in mind, our next post will cover some things you can do to repel fleas from your entire home naturally, while killing those that stay anyway.
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