The war against these parasitic superstars starts as early as March, or whenever the ground where you live begins to thaw. That is when the fleas will start to hatch. Some believe this is the original meaning of “March Madness” … but I digress.
The first step in the war on fleas is to ensure that your pet is given a healthy diet. Pets that are fed a poor quality or high-grain diet seem to be more attractive to fleas and ticks. Excessive shedding or a dull coat typically indicates the pet is not receiving adequate nutrition.
Feed a Healthy Diet• Eliminate corn and wheat in the diet.
• At best, use a grain-free dry diet or feed a raw diet.
• Add a Yeast and Garlic supplement. (works over time to rid fleas)
Eliminate Existing Fleas (use one or more methods)
• Bathe the pet with a good flea shampoo or dip.
• Give the pet a dose of Capstar. (Dog and Cats)
Many people don't want to use chemical means for flea control. Some people have sensitivities to certain chemicals; others just don't want to do it.
Ideally, you should compare flea control products to natural methods. Sometimes the health risks to pets from having fleas are worth using a flea collar, powder bath, or other chemical methods.
This blog will attempt to give you some useful information about using a holistic approach to getting rid of these pesky critters with a natural flea control program.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) - This is basically a non-chemical kind of soil (powder) designed to kill insects. It doesn't have any chemicals - it relies on tiny, sharp edges on the dirt that do damage to the exoskeleton of a flea or other pests. It can be used in two ways- around the house on beds, furniture and flooring or directly on the pet.
But the most important thing to know and remember about the flea is that the majority of its life is spent away from the host animal. Fleas invade our pets only when they need a transfusion.
Nematodes - While you can't kill all the fleas that your pet is going to encounter when it goes outside, you can keep the population down in the area around your house by placing these small microscopic worms in moist, shady spots near your house. They will eat flea larvae and are therefore a natural way to control the flea population. You have only to introduce a small number to have the desired effect as they will rapidly multiply.
Natural Shampoos – There are a variety of natural shampoos and dips that effectively kill or repel fleas on contact. These products are gentle and fresh smelling and will not strip essential oils from the pet’s skin. These natural products are effective on both dogs and cats when used according to instructions.
Herbal Sprays – These products are natural repellants that work in conjunction with other topical flea preparations. Ingredients like Neem Oil, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Cedar Oil and Cinnamon make up these fresh-smelling sprays that are used between baths or before going outside to repel fleas.
Shoo!TAG™ is a non-toxic “tag” that uses electromagnetic frequencies to create a protective barrier from pests that lasts up to 4 months! It contains a three dimensional electromagnetic frequency embedded in the magnetic strip and combines with the pet’s electrical field to produce an expanding barrier effect, keeping targeted pests away.
Sanitize your pet's environment - Fleas lay their eggs everywhere --in carpets, curtains, upholstery, animal bedding, cracks and crevices. Boric Acid is one of the safest and most effective methods for getting rid of fleas in your home.
