Fleas and ticks are the bane of any pet owner’s existence. Once a flea infestation sets in it can be difficult to cure. Ticks can be a dangerous parasite that attaches to your pet and can cause dangerous health conditions. If you notice your pet scratching around their head and neck or biting at their fur you are likely dealing with a flea outbreak.

Tick prevention and flea prevention in dogs can be treated with some home remedies, such as:

1. Dish soap
A flea trap can be constructed by filling a wide, flat dish with water and some dish soap. The fleas will hop into the dish and the dish soap will catch them and make them unable to jump back out. Try setting out this trap at night when fleas are most active.

2. Baking soda or salt
Baking soda or salt can be used to treat carpets and hardwood floors. Both baking soda and salt are dehydrating which will kill fleas and their eggs that have settled in carpets and hardwood. After applying, vacuum surfaces thoroughly. Pay special attention to the area around baseboards, under furniture, and in rooms where pets frequently are. Repeat treatments may be needed for best effect.

3. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic powder that can be applied in areas of high flea activity. Apply the powder liberally to affected areas and leave for 2 days before thoroughly vacuuming. Although Diatomaceous earth is non-toxic it is important to use food grade and to be careful not to breathe in the powder when applying as it can irritate the nose and throat.

4. Lemons
A lemon spray can be used to treat fabric surfaces that have come into contact with fleas. Combine a sliced lemon with one pint of water. Boil for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Let mixture stand overnight before transferring to a spray bottle. Perform a spot test on any surface before applying. Apply spray lightly to furniture, pet beds, and upholstery as flea and tick prevention and treatment.

5. Flea and tick deterring plants
There are many plants that are natural deterrents to fleas. Planting these in and around your home will discourage fleas from entering, but they are not a treatment for existing flea infestations. The following plants are known flea deterrents, however note the toxicity and warnings about animal safety:

• Spearmint – toxic in large doses for both dogs and cats
• Chrysanthemums – toxic to cats
• Lavender – safe for both dogs and cats
• Rosemary – safe for both dogs and cats
• Pennyroyal – toxic for both dogs and cats when applied to skin

Flea prevention in dogs and cats can seem like a difficult task and it may feel like the only options available are expensive chemical treatments or collars. However, these home remedies are affordable and easy ways to help treat and prevent flea and tick infestations.