Fleas and ticks can be found everywhere. These parasites prefer warm and humid conditions, and their infestation gets worse in late summer and early fall. Unfortunately, your pet’s fur makes a perfect breeding ground for the tiny creatures, causing irritation and excessive scratching, among other problems. But to save you from the trouble and keep your pets safe, here are a few tested deterrents for fleas and ticks that you can make at home.

1. Essential oils flea spray
Some essentials oils make for the best deterrents for fleas and ticks. Rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella oil ward off fleas. All you need to do is add a few drops of essential oil to 300-400 ml water and spay it on your pet. Remember: don’t apply it directly as it can be hazardous. The best essential oil sprays on the market include Wondercide’s ready-to-use yard spray and Advantage’s yard and premise spray.

2. Apple cider vinegar and salt
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another effective deterrent for fleas and ticks. It balances out the pH levels and creates a healthy and flea-free environment for the pet. To use it, dilute six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of salt and spray directly on the dog’s coat. Be careful and avoid your pet’s eyes.

3. Lemon bath
Lemon baths are excellent deterrents for fleas and ticks. They make your pet squeaky clean, fresh, and flea-free. Mix half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with two cups of water and add this mix to soap or shampoo whenever your pet needs a shower. Remember to rinse it well, as traces of this mixture might irritate the animal’s skin.

4. Lather bath
The lather from some shampoos naturally kills fleas and keeps the dog’s coat clean. You can go for any organic chemical-free shampoo. We would suggest using TropiClean’s maximum strength dog shampoo. It’s one of those natural shampoos formulated with neem and citrus and acts as a suitable deterrent for fleas and ticks. Once the dog is lathered, leave the shampoo for a few minutes and wash it off.

5. Coconut oil rub
Yes, coconut oil is excellent not only for you but also for your pets. Take some coconut oil in your palms and rub it well on the dog’s coat. The oil helps kick the ticks out of the skin and keeps the fur soft and shiny. Coconut oil can also be mixed with dog food to relieve digestive issues caused by fleas and ticks.

6. Vodka flea collar
It’s easy to make a vodka flea collar at home. Just dip the dog collar in unflavored vodka and let it dry. You can also add some essential oil to add some fragrance to it, and it’s ready for use.

Help your pet using these deterrents for fleas and ticks and let them live in comfort!