The Siphonaptera order contains over 2,500 different species of what we commonly call fleas. These tiny creatures (1/8” in length) act as vectors for diseases and intermediate hosts for various parasites. The only good thing that can be said of them is that they play a small role in helping dead things rot to enrich the soil. Not a very impressive credit to have on a species’ resume when their other characteristics are all so negative! Cat and dog owners who are often plagued with flea problems would gladly see these tiny, blood– sucking vampire insects eradicated from the face of the earth. While we might not have the power to do that, we can keep fleas out of our homes and off of our pets with a little thoughtful effort. As always, we want to work with Mother Nature for the good of the planet and the health of our dogs and cats.

Here are four basic steps for a flea-free life.

Step 1:

Start by keeping your animal healthy.  Prevention is always the best medicine. Fleas are not attracted to healthy animals with fully functioning detoxification organs.  If your pet’s liver, kidneys, lymph system, and gut microbiome are working correctly, they will not be using the skin as a further detoxification organ.  When the skin is forced to participate in the detoxification process, it produces a different aroma than a healthy animal’s skin.  This aroma attracts fleas. Dogs and cats that are fed a biologically appropriate raw food diet rarely have flea infestations. With over 50 years of raw feeding experience, none of my many dogs have had a flea problem, and I credit this to their raw diets and following the steps described below.

Step 2:

Make your environment unwelcome to fleas. Literally, plant deterrents all around your house foundation. Fleas are repelled by the scent of marigolds, geraniums, peppermint, lemon balm, chrysanthemums, chives, and cedar. If you have no room for garden plants, there are natural outdoor sprays of cedar and peppermint that can be used with great success to keep pests such as fleas and ants out of the house. Garden plants will work all season long, but the natural sprays will need to be reapplied after rain.

If the fleas manage to get indoors, you can use essential oils of the above plants and herbs to discourage them.  Diffusers work well if kept away from curious pets. Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) can be used around entryway points and pounded with a broom into carpets. But be careful that your pets are not interested in the powder, as its microscopic sharp edges can injure eyes. DE can also be used outdoors as a very effective deterrent for many outdoor pests, including ants, slugs, and fleas.

Sanitation for animals’ bedding and housing is extremely important in the battle against fleas. Eliminate crevices and openings where fleas can get indoors and hide.  Launder your pet’s beds often and spray the underside with any of the pest-repellent essential oils that your cat or dog will tolerate.

Step 3:

There are many veterinary products that are prescribed for use on your pet externally or internally. Please be aware that all of these products use poisons in various forms. The chemicals in most commercially available or vet-prescribed flea products have been known to cause reactions from disorientation to diarrhea, seizures to death, and many dangerous points in between. These toxic chemicals can stay in the body for a long time, causing problems that make your pet’s life miserable, mystify your vet, make you sad, and cost you a lot of money. Please avoid chemical flea products for the health of your pet. For more information on this topic, there is a Facebook group – Flea & Tick Medications Are Killing Our Animals – that may prove helpful.

Two products that are natural and highly recommended in holistic animal groups are a flea collar made by Earth & Paws. Many people swear it has been a life-changer for their pets. Nature’s Farmacy also has a Flee Flea product using essential oils that they claim can “repel virtually any insect.” If you are having flea issues with your pets, these may offer help.

Another external repellent you can do is make infusions from rosemary, catnip, lavender, calendula, or yarrow and use them as a leave–in rinse to discourage fleas. To make an herbal infusion, follow the steps below:

1. One tablespoon dried herb or three tablespoons fresh herb
2. 1 cup boiling water
3. Steep herbs in water for 15 minutes
4. Strain the herbs away and cool the water
5. Add 1 part apple cider vinegar to 10 parts infusion
6. Put the infusion in the spray bottle and spray the entire pet (avoid eyes)

This can be left in the pet’s coat and will discourage fleas. Each pet is an individual, so not every herbal scent will be acceptable to every pet. Test the aroma before you make the infusion to see which ones your pet prefers.

Step 4:

To prevent fleas from becoming a problem, some holistic experts advise using diatomaceous earth as a daily internal supplement along with kelp, apple cider vinegar, and garlic.  Used in small amounts, these ingredients appear to subtly change the taste of the pet’s blood, making it less tasty to blood-sucking pests.

Be aware that flea allergies/infestations indicate a bigger internal problem, as mentioned in Step 1. In fact, Step 1 is the most important step for the lifelong well-being of your pet. When a truly healthy animal gets fleas, they will usually leave quickly because they don’t like the way your pet tastes or smells. But if fleas do become a problem, try using the safe techniques listed above to get rid of the nasty pests. Just remember, most natural remedies work slowly but do no harm. They are in harmony with life, and in life’s dance with Mother Nature, it is always wise to follow her time-honored steps.