oilslearner

Resolved Question

how to control fleas on pets

Can you use Citrus Essential Oils for flea control on pets? Is there something that would work better?

Best Answer -

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  oilsteacher

  Fleas are very difficult to deal with.  To guard against a flea infestation, you may use Lemon, Lemongrass, Citronella, Peppermint, Cedarwood and Orange, individually or in combination.  Adding a few drops of any of these oils, especially lemon, orange or cedarwood,  to a natural (NO synthetic ingredients, dyes, perfumes, etc) shampoo will kill fleas on the animal.  You can then use these oils as a deterrent (mix several drops of oil in 16 ounces of water and spray animals as needed).  When using these oils with CATS.....BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL TO DILUTE THE OILS BY USING AT LEAST TWICE AS MUCH WATER AS FOR DOGS.    Cats are very sensitive to oils, and great caution should be used.  If the cat shows signs of sensitivity to the oils, use a carrier oil, such as olive oil, almond oil or fractionated coconut oil and rub it over all the areas where  you sprayed the oil/water mixture.  DO NOT USE WATER to dilute, it will only make the situation worse.  The carrier oils will dilute the essential oil enough to eliminate the sensitivity.  With all animals, be extremely careful not to get the oils in the eyes.

  If your animal already has fleas, you may be certain that your house also has fleas.  It is critical to kill the fleas, in all their stages, in your home, or your animals will continue to be reinfested.  You may also use lemon, orange or cedarwood on floors, carpets, etc. in your home.  It is important to vacuum floors and carpets repeatedly, spraying the oils and shampooing floors and carpets between vacuuming.  The chemical treatments for fleas in the home do not work well and are extremely toxic to all animals and people living in the home. 

  FLEA INFESTATIONS ARE TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS, IF POSSIBLE.  Once you have an infestation, be prepared to work diligently and repeatedly to rid your home and your animals of them.

  This is such a difficult, yet important, issue that it is important to make sure you are comfortable with the process.  If you still have questions about this, please post a follow-up question to this site so we can be sure you have all the information you need.

  Oils Teacher

  
  

  • 2010-06-09 17:32
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