What are the Essential Oils to Repel Fleas? (Top 10 Natural)
Flea infestations are a nightmare to any pet owner. They invade your pet's skin and fur causing discomfort, irritation, and possibly posing a threat to its health.
Dealing with them is quite challenging as they are well adapted to survive on cats' and dogs' fur.
In this case, it offers essential oils as an excellent remedy to flea infestations.
Below is a detailed guide on essential oils for fleas on cats, and essential oils for fleas on dogs, the different types, and how to use them.
What are essential oils?
These are natural oils extracted from plants. Examples are
clove oil, cedar oil, lavender oil, and many others.
They often contain a distinct fragrance and are commonly used as perfumes. They are also very nutritious and tasty.
For this reason, they are used as spices in preparation of various meals.
Essential oils also have important therapeutic uses in both
human and veterinary medicine.
They have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. These properties make them beneficial to both human and animal health.
They are also harmful to a number of parasites, fungi, and pests, and are therefore used in the prevention and treatment of these conditions.
10 essential oils for fleas on cats and dogs
Below is compiled list of the 10 best essential oils that are effective against fleas:
1. Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil has a unique compound that repels insects.
Fleas and other bugs find its fragrance intolerable.
It does not kill fleas, but it will cause all of them to flea off from your pet. This way you will have eliminated them from your cat or dog's skin and also prevented them from returning to your pet.
It is one of the best essential oils for fleas on dogs and cats as it achieves two goals: elimination and prevention.
2. Citronella oil
This is an essential oil that is popular for its effectiveness against mosquitos.
It is however equally effective in the treatment of fleas, ticks, lice, and any other bugs that may infest your pet.
It is however not the best of for cats. It contains a scent that is too strong for cats.
They are therefore uncomfortable around this oil. It is, however, one of the best essential oils for fleas on dogs.
3. Thyme oil
This is one of the strongest and longest lasting flea repellants.
It contains thymol, a chemical that is intolerable to most insects.
Thymol is also very insoluble in water. This gives it the advantage of offering protection against fleas for a long period. It is safe for use on both cats and dogs.
4. Cedarwood oil
Unlike the above oils which repel fleas, cedarwood oil actually kills them.
It contains two compounds; cedrol and cedrene. These are extremely toxic to insects, and a good number of bacterial species.
After application, it works rapidly and eliminates fleas within a few hours.
Due to its toxicity, it is one of the most effective essential oils for fleas on cats and dogs.
5. Lemon oil
This is a simple oil that is easy to access and has a lot of uses in a homestead.
Its flea-repellant properties stem from its strong scent.
A few drops of lemon oil are sufficient to keep fleas and other insects away from your pet.
You can use it on your pet, and also sprinkle it in areas where it lies to enhance its effect.
Additionally, it has one of the best fragrances amongst essential oils for cats and dogs.
6. Lavender oil
Popularly known for its fragrance and aromatic sensation, this oil has the power to end your flea problems.
For starters, its scent is intolerable to fleas.
Second, it has inflammatory properties.
This aids in alleviating the irritation caused by fleas, and puts an end to the scratching frenzy of an affected pet.
7. Helichrysum oil
This is a rare oil that is not known by many.
It is unique in that it has strong analgesic properties that aid in the management of pain from flea bites.
If you are dealing with a major flea infestation, this is a good choice as it will relieve your cat or dog's pain and irritation.
8. Cardamom oil
This is an oil that serves both to eliminate flea infestations and prevent any complications that arise from it.
Its compounds are repulsive to fleas.
It also contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that reduce irritation at the bite sites and protects it from secondary bacterial infections.
It is one of the best essential oils for fleas on cats and dogs.
9. Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil is well known for its pleasant scent.
The very compound that gives it its fragrance that is very toxic to adult fleas and ticks.
It creates an acidic environment that is inhabitable by these bugs.
It is however not one of the essential oils for fleas on cats. It can be toxic to some cats.
10. Pennyroyal oil
This is one of the strongest natural insect repellants that
nature has to offer.
It is commonly used in homes to control ants and bugs.
By applying it on your dog or cat, you are guaranteed that no flea can dare land on its fur.
It is also one of the essential oils for fleas for dogs and cats
that are equally effective in controlling ticks and lice.
How to use essential oils?
There are several ways of treating your pet with these oils.
You can use oils in the following ways:
Flea treatment
baths: In this method, you add a small amount of the oil to bath water, and use it to give your pet a thorough wash.
Flea sprays:
You will have to prepare a solution of the oil by diluting it in water. Then use a regular spray bottle to spray the solution onto your pet's skin.
Flea collar :
The essential oils can be used to make flea repellant collars for your pet.
Prepare a concentrated solution of the oil, and soak your pet's collar in it.
Tie the collar around its neck, and watch the fleas run away.
Related Articles you would like to read:
- Home Remedies To Control Flea infestation
- Effective ways to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Carpet
- 8 Best Effective Flea Shampoos for Small Dogs
- Most Effective Remedies to Control Fleas on your Cat!
- Most Effective Ways to Control Fleas In your Home!
- Top 6 Effective Flea Treatments for your Dog Ever
- 6 Easy Natural Ways to Get Rid Of Dog Fleas
Caution and safety
Some of the oils are quite toxic, and could possibly harm your pet, or people who come into contact with it.
So make sure you use the recommended amounts for during treatment.
Additionally, some oils are also not safe for consumption by dogs and cats.
You, therefore, need to get them a cone so as to prevent them from ingesting these oils while licking or nibbling on bite sites.
Alternatively, you can use mild oils. As for your safety, always
wear gloves while handling these oils.
Also, avoid direct skin contact with the pet after treatment for a few hours. Some oils may be irritating to human skin.
In conclusion,
Essential oils are nature's remedy for flea infestations.
These substances contain compounds that are very effective in eliminating and preventing flea invasions.
They are also wholly natural, and therefore free of any pharmaceutical side effects.
Pick one of the essential oils for fleas on dogs and cats, and try it out. Trust me, you will be amazed by the results.