Farm Dreams

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Fleas Fleas Fleas!!!! Finding a natural way to rid your life of the pests.

Now that it is spring the heat and humidity bring on the inevitable flea population explosion. I am desperate for a way to manage the fleas that my lovely pets bring into the house. I am trying to find an organic/natural way to manage the flea population without using the drops, shampoos, flea bombs, collars or powders. I have two cats (indoor/outdoor), my neighbors "stray" cat, and the wildlife (opossums and dear) that visit my yard. The house that I am renting has carpet. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! So far I have tried:

Shampooing the cats with regular dish soap

Pro: Kills fleas currently on the cat

Cons: You must give the cat a bath (yikes!), no long lasting effect

I comb the cats with a flea comb daily

Pro: Kills fleas currently on the cat, Cats LOVE it

Con: No long lasting effect

Sprinkle borax on carpet

Pro: Seems to make a dent in the overall population.

Con: Makes a mess, cannot really walk around the house for a day or 2, not matter how much you vacuum you can never get ALL the borax out of the carpet (perhaps that is a pro)

Tags: Animals, Borax, Bugs, Cats, Fleas, Pests, Pets, Shampoo

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ellen Peavey on June 29, 2012 at 12:51pm

Thanks I will try this especially for the out side dogs and even on the cat inside.

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Permalink Reply by TarHeel Garden on July 10, 2012 at 7:12pm

The beneficial/predatory nematodes Marcia mentioned is very effective. They control a long list of damaging insects. I get mine from http://www.hydro-gardens.com/nematodes.htm . They can be a bit tricky to apply, but the directions are good. I like that it's completely natural. I've been using the Spinosad based oral pill for my dog that controls fleas very well on the pets. Spinosad is used in organic garden pesticides, a natural soil bourne bacteria that is toxic to insects. I think with the dual prong approach you can get them under within a couple of weeks. Good Luck!

Tar

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Permalink Reply by Karla Upton on August 12, 2012 at 9:18am

Do you think fresh mint leaves steeped in boiling water would do the same thing?

MyBackAchers Farm said:

No, no and no. I read on NoMowGrass,com that if you want to rid your home and land from fleas - use peppermint or minty mouthwash if you don't have that around.

1 DROP of peppermint, spearmint or any mint will have fleas vacate the property.

Just put a drop on the back of the pet and you are done until they get it washed off.

I spray my pasture and barn with 1 cop of minty mouthwash mixed into 10 gallons of water and I do it a couple times a summer.