Natural Flea Repellants

The Flea-Bitten Season   Warmer days increase the pests that bug our pets - fleas and ticks.  There are many options for keeping fleas at bay and your cat from scratching.  We offer some natural things to try from BCR's blogs:     1.  Rinse them with rosemary Boil a couple liters of rosemary tea (you can buy it or make your own with fresh or dried rosemary) let the tea cool down to room temperature, drain out the leaves, and use as a final rinse during bath time. You can also put it in a spay bottle and spay your pet's coat once a day. 2.  Make a protective bandanna Using fresh or dried lavender, pinch off 2 Tbsps of the buds into a bowl.  Bring 1/2 C of water to a rolling boil and pour over the buds.  Cover the bowl and let them steep for a few hours or overnight.  Strain the buds from the water and put the water in a spray bottle.  Spray liberally on a stylish bandanna and rub the sides together to evenly spread it.  Re-apply as needed. Another option is to sew a pocket in the bandana and put some dried or fresh lavender in it.   3.  Cook up a holistic flea dip Here are two recipes:   Cut an entire lemon into thin slices, boil in one pint of water, and steep overnight for eight hours. Cool and use as a dip or spritz.   Mix 2 cups of fresh rosemary or 2 cups of peppermint with 5 quarts of warm water, steep for 30 minutes, let it cool, use as a dip. 4.  Feed your pets Brewers yeast If your pet doesn't like the way it tastes try mixing it with coconut oil. It makes your pets blood smell and taste like the brewers yeast making fleas less likely to bite.  5.  Remove fleas from your home Make sure you regularly vacuum rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture, as well as other flooring surfaces!    6. Introduce your yard to nematodes Nematodes are microscopic worms. They are harmless to people and pets but they kill fleas.   7.  Plant flea repelling plants Flowers such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, and geraniums can help deter fleas. Many herbs such as mint, rosemary, lavender, and even catnip are also good for repelling fleas.     8. Check your home for other flea-bearing creatures  Animals such as squirrels and mice can bring fleas so it's a good idea to check your home for signs of these little guys.  Try them all and see what works best for you!