Ticks and fleas are tiny parasites which look similar to a spider. Usually, they hide in the fur or attach themselves to the skin of animals. People who work in zoo, maintain farms or have pets can also be attacked by ticks or fleas. These tiny parasites are most active in warm and hot weathers. Though they don’t spread any diseases, they silently suck blood without causing any pain.
How To Repel Ticks Naturally: Natur... How To Repel Ticks Naturally: Natural Home Remedies for Tick Repellent
Few signs or symptoms of tick or flea bite are swelling, weakness, vomiting, joint pain, localized pain and fever. Instead of trying commercial repellants or creams, you can use safe and effective home remedies.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Ticks and Fleas:
Here are various remedies you can try at the comfort of your home to get rid of ticks and fleas. Choose any one and try it with some patience.
1. Aromatherapy Oil
Aromatherapy oils like lavender, lemon, cedar, basil, rose geranium and pennyroyal are the most effective in treating ticks and fleas. The following methods are effective in removing ticks or fleas from both humans and animal skin.
- Choose any three types of aromatherapy oils mentioned above.
- Combine few drops each of the oils.
- Add this mixture to the pure almond oil and mix well.
- Soak a cloth in the solution and warp it around the affected areas.
- Replace the cloth twice in a day.
2. Citrus
Citrus is one of the effective ways to get rid of ticks and fleas. For this process, you can use citrus rich fruits like lemon and orange. This process is effective in providing relief from flea or tick bites.
- Take handful of lemon or orange peels.
- Add them to enough amounts of water and boil the mixture.
- After sometime, remove from the flame and add 10 – 15 drops of lemongrass oil.
- Mix well and let it cool down.
- Apply the solution gently on the affected area.
- Let it dry completely.
- Repeat the process until you get relief.
Note: This process should be avoided for cats as they hate citrus smell.
3. Neem Oil
This process makes an amazing natural ticks and flea repellant solution. This solution helps to remove ticks and fleas on both humans and animals.
- Combine 1/2 ounce of organic neem oil and 1/4 ounce mild detergent.
- Stir well and add 2 cups of water into it.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the skin, concentrating more on affected areas.
Note: The solution stays active only for 8 hours. Avoid using this process for cats.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the beneficial remedies in removing ticks and fleas. The acidic levels of ACV repel the ticks or fleas from sucking the blood.
- Combine 8 ounce apple cider vinegar, 4 ounce of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and baking soda.
- Mix well and pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray on the pets avoiding the eyes part.
- Repeat the spraying once or twice in a day.
For Added Benefits: Add few drops of lavender oil or neem oil.
5. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is one of the natural repellent for ticks and fleas. Follow the below process to make a natural repellant spray at home using with hazel.
- Combine witch hazel and eucalyptus oil in 10:1 ration.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Close the lid and shake well.
- Spray the solution on your pets to kill the ticks and fleas.
- Repeat the process daily until you don’t see any ticks or fleas.
Another Possible Combination: combine enough witch hazel, 30 – 40 drops any essential oil, 8 ounce water and 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin.
6. Lemon Juice
The citrus acid of lemon juice helps to get rid of ticks and fleas effectively. You can follow any one of the below process for the same.
- Prepare a spray combining enough amounts of lemon juice, peppermint oil and citrus oil. Spray the solution on the required areas.
- Combine lemon juice, 1 cup of water and lemon peels. Let the mixture boil for few hours. Add enough amounts of the solution into your bath water.
- Add a lemon slice to boiling water. Let it steep overnight. Dip a wash cloth and apply it on the required areas.
Note: You can replace lemon juice with orange juice.
7. Vegetable Oil
The Sulphur content present in vegetable oil makes it effective in repelling the ticks and fleas.
- Combine 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, 10 drops of peppermint oil and 1 teaspoon of dish washing liquid.
- Stir well and apply it on the required areas of the pet avoiding eyes, ears and mouth.
- Repeat this process once in a week.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most powerful natural remedies to get rid of ticks and fleas from a pet’s body.
- Combine 1/2 teaspoon each baking soda and salt.
- Into a spray bottle, add the mixture, 4 ounces each of apple cider vinegar and warm water.
- Close the lid and shake well.
- Spray the solution on the pets avoiding eyes, ears and mouth.
- Repeat the spraying once in a day.
Alternative: combine enough amounts of baking soda and water. Apply the paste on the affected areas.
9. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the effective solutions to kill the ticks and fleas. Below is the process of how you can use it.
- Add 15 – 20 eucalyptus leaves in a liter of water.
- Boil for 10 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the affected areas to kill the ticks and fleas.
- Repeat the process 2 times in a week.
10. Liquid Detergent
The liquid detergent suffocates and eventually leads to the death of ticks and fleas. This is one of the simple and effective home remedies.
- Pour some liquid detergent into a bowl.
- Using a cotton ball, apply it on the affected areas.
- Repeat the process regularly.
Note: This process is not suitable for pets that are allergic to soap.
11. Clove
The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of cloves kill the ticks and fleas.
- Take enough amounts of clove oil into palm and rub it on the affected areas.
- Alternatively, you can spray the clove oil by diluting it with any carrier oil.
- Repeat any process regularly.
12. Tea Tree Oil
The medicinal properties of tea tree oil are effective in killing the ticks and fleas present on the pets.
- Into a spray bottle, add enough amounts of water and few drops of tea tree oil.
- Spray it directly on the infected area.
- After few minutes, remove the ticks using tweezers.
- Repeat the process whenever you spot ticks and fleas.
To prevent the attack: Add few drops of tea tree oil into the regular shampoo used to bathe the pet.
13. Mouthwash
Though it sounds silly, mouthwash is also one of the effective remedies in killing the fleas and ticks.
- Add few drops of mouthwash on a tissue paper or cotton ball.
- Place it on the tick or flea and remove after some time.
14. Turpentine
Alcohol fuels like gasoline or turpentine are also effective in killing the ticks and fleas.
- Take 2 tablespoons of gasoline into a bowl.
- Dip a cotton ball in the solution and place it on the tick.
- Leave it on for 3 minutes.
- Using tweezers remove the dead ticks or fleas.
15. Cinnamon Oil
Just like any other essential oil, cinnamon oil is also effective in killing the ticks and fleas. Apply some cinnamon oil on the affected area or try the below process.
- Add 80 drops of cinnamon oil in 1 ounce of water.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the pets and around the garden.
- Repeat the process regularly.
16. Mint
The cooling effect of mint makes it inhospitable for ticks and fleas to survive on the skin. This process is effective in removing ticks on the human skin.
- Combine 10 mint leaves, juice of 2 lemons and 10 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- After few hours, dip a cotton ball and apply the mixture on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for few minutes and remove the dead ticks or fleas.
- Repeat the process regularly.
17. Diatomaceous Earth to Prevent Fleas
Ticks and fleas can easily hide and survive in various places of the house like carpets and mattress. Diatomaceous earth helps to kill the ticks and fleas.
- Brush and vacuum your carpet and furnishing.
- Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth on the carpets and bedding.
- Leave it on for 4 – 6 hours.
- Vacuum away all the sprinkled powder.
- Discard the vacuum bag properly.
- Repeat the process once in a while.
Tips and Precautions:
- Spray cedar oil on the required areas or pet’s collar to prevent the attack of ticks and fleas.
- Applying Vaseline on the required areas suffocates the ticks and fleas which eventually lead to insect’s death.
- Garlic is one of the strongest repellants for ticks and fleas. Let your dog consume it daily in small amounts. Add 1/8 teaspoon of garlic to food or soups and serve them.
- Sanitize your house properly especially if you have pets.
- Remove dead fleas and ticks using tweezers.
- Mow your lawn regularly as they are breeding grounds of tick and fleas.
- Remove the litter, weeds and fallen leaves regularly.
- Shampoo your pet regularly with antibacterial soap.
We hope the information we provided in this article has helped you (Credit of this post goes to Northside Emergency Vet Services). If you have any queries or suggestions, write to us in the comment section below. You can read more about tick paralysis on their official website.
FAQs
What kills fleas and ticks instantly? ›
The most common product used to kill fleas on dogs instantly is Nitenpyram, more commonly known as Capstar.
Does Dawn dish soap kill fleas? ›Although Dawn kills fleas, veterinarians say it doesn't repel them or prevent infestations. Think of it as more of a temporary fix than a permanent solution.
What naturally kills fleas? ›Natural Remedy: Diatomaceous Earth
This talc-like powder is made from silica, the same stuff that makes up sand. You can sprinkle it on carpets, bedding, and furniture. Let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it up. It kills fleas by drying them out.
Will apple cider vinegar kill fleas? While Apple Cider Vinegar does not kill fleas, it may repel them because fleas dislike its smell and taste. One of the most simple ways to use this natural flea repellent is to make a solution out of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
What kills ticks naturally? ›- Cedar Oil. Cedar oil kills and repels ticks by causing dehydration, inhibiting breathing, disrupting pheromones, and emulsifying body fats. ...
- Neem Oil. Neem oil is another effective natural insecticide. ...
- Garlic Oil. ...
- Peppermint Oil. ...
- Diatomaceous Earth. ...
- Trim Weeds and Grass. ...
- Reduce Shaded Areas. ...
- Create a Barrier.
This natural powerhouse also can kill fleas! Mix 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar with 3/4 cup water in a spray bottle for a homemade flea spray. Use the spray on any water safe surfaces you've noticed fleas on. You can also add vinegar to the wash when cleaning color safe pet beds and linens.
Do fleas drown in a bath? ›One of the first solutions to get rid of fleas is to bathe your pet. Just lukewarm water, or water and a mild soap, can help get fleas off your pet's fur and skin. The dish soap can help to drown adult fleas.
Does baking soda kill fleas? ›Baking soda does not kill adult fleas and will do nothing to protect your pets. It is excellent at absorbing smells and has been suggested by some online pet sites for use as a flea killer because it “may” dry out flea eggs and larvae. But there is no evidence that using baking soda to kill fleas is effective at all.
Will a dryer kill fleas? ›Exposure to heat and soap can kill fleas in all stages of their life cycle, so a dryer cycle alone will likely be inadequate to eliminate your flea population.
Does baking soda get rid of ticks? ›Bicarb Soda Baths
Bicarb soda creates an alkaline environment unfavourable to ticks, encouraging the larvae and nymphs to drop off.
Is there a natural remedy for fleas and ticks? ›
Vinegar. Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations.
Can I spray vinegar on my bed for fleas? ›White vinegar.
If fleas have spread throughout your house, you can make a white vinegar solution with equal parts water and vinegar to spray on carpet, baseboards, furniture and under furniture.
Choose an insecticide that contains both an adulticide (kills adult fleas), such as permethrin, and an insect growth regulator (kills the eggs, larvae, and pupae), such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub repel fleas? ›Deter Insects
It is also an insect repellant and kills fleas," says Jose. "This is the major substance in Vicks, aside from Vicks use in upper respiratory infections, that can be used to repel mosquitoes and even fleas."
Natural flea repellents such as citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and geraniol may naturally repel fleas. If your pet doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen repellent into 10-13 fl oz of water and spray directly onto your pet's coat.
What do ticks hate? ›Ticks hate the smell of lemon, orange, cinnamon, lavender, peppermint, and rose geranium so they'll avoid latching on to anything that smells of those items. Any of these or a combination can be used in DIY sprays or added to almond oil and rubbed on exposed skin.
What oil do ticks hate? ›Clove bud, creeping thyme and red thyme essential oils were the most efficient - repelling 83, 82 and 68% of ticks when diluted to 3%, respectively. The mixture of creeping thyme and citronella containing 1.5% of each showed higher repellency (91%) than individual essential oils at the concentration of 3%.
What is the best natural flea killer? ›Citronella, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and neem are all great essential oils for getting rid of fleas. Add 10 to 20 drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spray on your pet's coat, taking care to avoid their eyes.
What can I spray on my bed for fleas? ›Spray Vinegar and Water Solution Onto Sheets
You can easily make a flea-killing solution at home. Combine equal parts water and vinegar and spray over the fleas. Then, sprinkle salt all over the affected area. This helps keep the area dry, which aids in killing the fleas and larvae.
Step 1: Vacuum carpet, rugs, floors, furniture, and mattresses with a high-powered vacuum. A high-powered vacuum can suck up adult fleas, larvae, and eggs from your carpet and furniture. Eggs and larvae can often be found in cracks and crevices so use the crevice tool attachment on your vacuum for those areas.
Do fleas come back to life after a bath? ›
Regular treatment is the key to keeping fleas at bay, but bathing your pet does nothing to prevent fleas. While many adults will wash away, the eggs will remain. As soon as you finish rinsing the soap, more fleas will jump right back on (and more will hatch).
Do fleas survive in winter? ›Fleas can live in temperatures as low as 46 degrees. However, it can take up to 5 days of consistently below freezing temperatures to kill an adult flea. At temperatures between less than 46 degrees and 33 degrees survival rate varies between 10-20 days.
Can fleas survive after a flea bath? ›Many flea shampoos kill fleas on contact and prevent them from returning. In addition to killing adult fleas during bathing, the best flea shampoos for dogs also prevent flea eggs and larvae from maturing into adults for a prolonged period of time.
Does hydrogen peroxide repel fleas? ›Outdoor Flea Removal
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution may just be your answer. Peroxide is a common insecticide used in gardens and other agricultural sites. Not only does it kill fleas due to its toxic nature, but it can also eradicate other pests from your foliage as well.
So far, the creatures that seem to be repelled by dryer sheets are- certain mites, food-infesting beetles, weevils, German cockroaches, and fungus gnats. However, in our research, we did not find one study or test that claimed these dryer sheets repelled fleas.
Does table salt kill fleas? ›Does table salt kill fleas? Answer: Table salt in large concentrations or dosage might kill a flea, but it will probably not control a flea infestation.
Do fleas serve any good purpose? ›Fleas play an important role as intermittent hosts in the development of at least three species of tapeworms. The double-pored tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) is dependent on fleas as intermediate hosts and on dogs as final hosts.
What laundry detergent kills fleas? ›“Dawn (and other soaps like it) creates a kind of surfactant, or surface tension, that will compromise the exoskeleton and make adult fleas sink,” he says. So essentially, the soap drowns the fleas.
How often should I vacuum to get rid of fleas? ›This is because flea eggs take 2 to 3 days to hatch after they have been laid, so by vacuuming every second day, you are preventing them from hatching and becoming more of a problem.
What does hydrogen peroxide do to ticks? ›A rag soaked with hydrogen peroxide and held on the area for a few minutes will make the tick uncomfortable causing it to release. This way you can grab it and dispose of it without yanking.
How does Vicks remove ticks? ›
It sounds credible, but it is not true. Putting liquid soap, petroleum jelly, Vicks VapoRub, fingernail polish or any other goo on a tick will not make it let go faster. Aggravating a tick might cause it to regurgitate saliva into the bite, increasing the risk of infection.
Do you put hydrogen peroxide on a tick? ›Treat the area with three-percent hydrogen peroxide, the common disinfectant. It is recommended for tick bites because the oxygen it contains destroys the Lyme disease bacteria.
What essential oils do fleas and ticks hate? ›Many veterinarians trained in herb and essential oil therapy understand and use natural essential oil sprays that contain lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, catnip, lemon, citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, malaleuca, oregano, palo santo, and basil to help repel mosquitoes, fleas, and lice as well as ticks.
Can I spray my dog with vinegar and water for fleas? ›Fleas don't like the smell or taste of it, so they're likely to avoid your pet if they have it on their fur. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and add it to a spray bottle. If your pet doesn't enjoy getting sprayed, dip a brush in the mixture and distribute it into their fur with a grooming session.
Can you use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for fleas? ›Since apple cider vinegar does nothing to address those life stages, it is an ineffective homemade flea spray,” writes Dr. Elfenbein. In short: using vinegar solution or white vinegar on your pet's fur or in their drinking water will not kill fleas.
How often should I spray my dog with apple cider vinegar for fleas? ›Spray your pup once a week or when your dog starts scratching, and don't forget to work the solution down into your pet's skin. After you give it a try, come back and tell us how it worked and what you thought of the spray.
How do you make homemade flea and tick killer? ›Vinegar. Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations.
How do you get rid of fleas in 30 minutes? ›ORAL FLEA TREATMENT
CAPSTAR® (nitenpyram) oral tablets start killing adult fleas in just 30 minutes. Watch the dead fleas fall off your pet.
Dilute six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water, add a dash of sea salt, then spray directly onto your dog's coat. Make sure to avoid your dog's eyes.
What is a homemade all natural flea and tick spray? ›Pour a quart of boiling water over a large thinly sliced lemon and let steep overnight. Drain the lemon water and pour it into a large glass spray bottle. Add 10 drops each of Lemongrass oil and Citronella oil. Add 1 cup of vinegar (white distilled or apple cider vinegar)
What is the number one way to get rid of fleas? ›
Thoroughly clean areas where fleas frequently breed. This includes washing bedding, rugs, and pet bedding, and thoroughly vacuuming and sweeping floors and carpeted areas and along the edges of walls. Pet treatment. Every pet in the home must be treated.
What time of year do fleas go away? ›As winter arrives, many fleas and their eggs will die. Fleas prefer a temperature of around 75 degrees and are most active at this temperature. As temperatures drop and hover near 50 degrees, fleas can cocoon and stay that way for months. No flea in any stage of development can survive freezing temperatures.
What time of day are fleas most active? ›During the day, fleas avoid the sun so they are most active at sunset and least active at sunrise. At dusk, the pests would lay more eggs, respire more, and move around in the yard more. Although the fleas are not completely inactive at any time of the day, they have increased activity at dusk and night.
What will scare fleas away? ›Natural flea repellents such as citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and geraniol may naturally repel fleas. If your pet doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen repellent into 10-13 fl oz of water and spray directly onto your pet's coat.
How do I get rid of fleas on my dog when nothing works? ›- Dish Detergent. Many people want to bathe their pet to get rid of fleas. ...
- Garlic. Some home remedies for fleas suggest that garlic, especially mixed with brewer's yeast, will repel fleas. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Cedar Oil. ...
- Salt. ...
- Boric Acid (Borax) ...
- Baking Soda.
In short: using vinegar solution or white vinegar on your pet's fur or in their drinking water will not kill fleas. There is a chance ACV could repel fleas because they don't like the taste, but it is only a mild detergent and is not the best flea remedy. ACV should not be your first choice for natural flea treatment.
Does apple cider vinegar stop fleas on dogs? ›Apple cider vinegar can't kill fleas, but it can help to repel them. Fleas don't like the smell or taste of it, so they're likely to avoid your pet if they have it on their fur. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and add it to a spray bottle.