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Shoo, Flea, Shoo

Years ago, I babysat our family cat Thumper-an outdoor, mountain cat-in my little San Francisco apartment. With the help of two annoying Norweigian houseguests, Thumper escaped from the apartment, and only after several days of tears and searching did I find him. Two days after his return, the apartment was thick with tiny little jumping, biting bugs. Ugh! Desperate, and with itchy red calves and a sense of general repulsion, I resorted to a no-doubt very unnatural fumigating solution...and despite carpet cleanings, and scrubbings, and vacuuming galore, it never really got back to feeling like home sweet home.

But least Thumper got a non-toxic bath and flea-comb treatment. Not. Fun. For. Either. Of. Us. But in the end, his soft furry bod was a lot more cuddle-up-able than the fumigated carpet.

-Jenifer Morgan...off to admire Nora's talent...
Posted by: tmeronek on 07/23/2007
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Antia D'Souza  on July 23, 2007 at 05:48 AM 1
I'm thinking that someone who wants to try the "Grub-Away Nematodes North" might want to put these nematodes away from any marigolds you might have in your garden. I plant marigolds as a nontoxic pest control and I know Seeds of Change has a specific type of marigold that is called "Nematodical" cause its even stronger than the usual marigold. Just an FYI so you don't kill your new friends!
Amy Velasquez  on July 23, 2007 at 07:28 AM 2
Do you know of any natural tick repellants? I live in New England and Lyme Disease is a big concern. Although I'd prefer to use a natural product on my cats and dogs I will not let them outside without a tick repellant, it would put everyone in my family at risk for Lyme Disease (humans and pets).
Kathryn  on July 23, 2007 at 08:27 AM 3
bug off garlic is the only thing that works naturally all the rest of products are a waste of time and a mess for your pet...
Joanne  on July 23, 2007 at 09:59 AM 4
About 7 years ago, our cats had fleas and our vet gave me one of the conventional treatments. The instructions were that I was to wear gloves and avoid all contact with it myself, and yet I was to rub it into the glandular system of my 9 pound cat. I couldn't bring myself to do it! Instead, I searched and found "Fleabusters", and had them treat our house based on their telling us their product was completely non-toxic. Our local natural pet store also sells their product (which you can apply yourself) and vouched for its safety. What I personally can vouch for is that the treatment worked fantastically. We had the same carpeting for several years after the treatment, and have not had one flea since, and we've once never treated our cats with any of those toxic conventional treatments.
Erika  on July 23, 2007 at 10:07 AM 5
Advising pet owners to feed their pets garlic as a safe flea preventative is very dangerous. Garlic and onion in dogs has been know to cause gastric enteritis and in dogs and cats (cats are more sensitive) can cause immune mediated anemia. I know we all share a goal to save the environment but putting your pets at risk is not the way to do it. Also many essential oils(especially tea tree) can cause neurological issues and seizures in cats.
Joy  on July 23, 2007 at 10:37 AM 6
There is a book on natural pet health care that I have found indespensable, Dr. Pitcairn's guide to natural pet care (or something like that. It has many fantastic and completely natural treatments. The one that has always worked for me for flea prevention (I don't think this will help if you have a full-fledged infestation) is this: Thinly slice 2-3 lemons and boil them in a large pot of water. Let cool and after bathing your dog as usual use as a rinse. It leaves the fur nice and soft and keeps the pests away. It also helps to regularly feed your pet brewers yeast and garlc supplements. They love em, fleas hate em.
Kathryn  on July 23, 2007 at 10:56 AM 7
Bug off garlic is also given to horses and years of use with no problems, no ticks, no fleas, and because of this no skin problems... Can read about it in Springtimeinc.com and yes, Dr. Pitcairn's book is excellent! Our vet is also aware of bug off garlic... I am just posting information and opinions, not looking to argue. I just know this is what my girls have been on and they are nearing 7 & 8 years old...
Natalie  on July 23, 2007 at 11:22 AM 8
I understand the desire to go natural, but I highly recommend Frontline Plus for control of fleas and ticks. http://frontline.us.merial.com/fleas/index.asp We use it on our dogs and they've lived long, healthy lives. I love your tips - but this one just doesn't do it for me. We tried natural products in the past and they didn't do a thing.
Jane & Samson  on July 23, 2007 at 12:33 PM 9
I swear by Diatomaceous Earth. It's 100% natural and can be used on your pet, your carpet, and even in your lawn. Also, I try to boost Sammy's immune system by making sure my buddy is getting extra Essential Fatty Acids, vitamin C, and colostrum for a short period of time.
Tami Wilkinson  on July 23, 2007 at 03:46 PM 10
Flees Hate Brewer's Yeast. You can buy the powered variety in a health food store. Just douse them generously before a walk. It won't kill them but they'll "flee" Upside, plenty of vitamins for your pet once they clean their fur And If they even scent like Brewer's Yeast, after getting it in their system for a number of days, flees will choose another host. Great for outdoor pets or pets you want to walk outside and not come home with flees. Your house? You're on your own. Prevention is best!
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