Pet safe flea control

Let me start by saying that many flea remedies contain "nerve poisons" that can cause nerve damage to humans and obviously to pets.

my uncle's dogs in Southern Italy

Prolonged use of such "poisons" on our pets will naturally weaken their immune system. ***For example, some flea collars and powders can cause severe conditions such as 

skin irritationsand permanent hair loss on pets. Flea bombs are extremely dangerous, as they virtually explode and fill your entire house with particles that are not only poisonous, but also highly flammable. Dips are dangerous too. One study found that more than 3 dips per year led to an increased incidence of cancer in dogs.***

How about "spot-on" products? 

According to one veterinary report there are about 45,000 reported cases a year, of pets developing reactions to spot-on products. These reactions ranged from skin problems, digestive disorders to more serious nervous system disorders and even death. Two common chemicals that are responsible for most of these reactions in such products are cyphenothrin and permethrin.

Olimpia, she belongs to my brother and sister in law love

So, what's the alternative? 

Controlling fleas naturally.

Let's now look at some natural (and frugal) flea control methods.

Bruno, our first furry baby

Cedar Chips

• Cedar wood repels fleas so I sprinkle the bottom of our dogs' house...comfort and flea protection all in one. (cedar chips can be used indoors, just put some under the dog's bedding)
  
  
  Garlic

• Sprinkle a bit of garlic powder in their food and watch the fleas disappear. Just like cedar, fleas are repelled by garlic and it's not detected by the human nose. This method will not work overnight as it takes a little bit of time to accumulate in your dog's blood stream. Start now. I sprinkle garlic powder in their food.
  

  

  Potter, our second furry baby

Homemade Flea Collar

• Try a few drops of lavender oil, or cedar wood oil on a bandanna, or a piece of rope. Tie it around your dog's neck. You can also use pure eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, citronella or geranium. Be sure to refresh the collar every few days.
  
  
  And finally,

Diatomaceous Earth

We have successful used this natural product for 4 years, in killing fleas (and other creepy crawlies for that matter...such as ants and crickets in our garage, but will work also with cockroaches, mites, bed bugs, etc.): diatomaceous earth (DE) . 

my dad and I feeding my uncle's puppy

 DE is the fossilized remains of some prehistoric planktons. The fine particles in the DE cut through the exoskeletons of insects when they walk on it, resulting in dehydration and the insects will usually die in a few hours.

If you want to try using DE, be sure to get the unrefined type (NOT the type used for swimming pool filters and found at home improvement stores). 

Sprinkle DE indoors along the walls, under the furniture, and places where your vacuum cleaner cannot reach AND you can use it outdoors in the grass, pet area, it's even safe in controlling bugs in the garden (vegetables and flowers). 
Obviously after the rain, you should reapply.

Me and the Bruno-nator

DE is safe for pets and humans...and being a mom of 3 children and 2 dogs, I consider DE a fantastic product.

(it's a fine white powder with NO odor at all)

I bought a 10lb box four years ago...and I still have plenty left over.

***no sales pitch here...just sharing with you what has worked for us***

Me and Bruno when we first brought him home from the animal shelter

So, are your pets ready to go au naturel ?

Stay Frugal,

Daniela

Linking to
Stone Gable
The Frugal Girls
Between Naps on the Porch
Twelveoeight
Savvy Southern Style