Natural deterrents for fleas and ticks must always be in hand for those with pets. Indoor, as well as outdoor pets, are prone to these parasites. These create a nuisance as they increase in numbers quite quickly and cause an infestation in the house as well. Thus, creating a risk for both pets and pet owners. To prevent flea and tick infestation, the following measures can be taken.

1. Lemon spray
Lemon is used as a versatile home remedy for tons of stuff, including insect bites and ticks and flea infestation. Lemons can be used to make citrus sprays. Boil a pint of water with a slice of lemon in it. Let the solution cool down and leave it aside for a few hours or overnight. Then pour it in a spray bottle and dampen the infested areas of the house with the lemon spray.

2. Salt
An easy natural remedy for ticks and fleas is salt. Salt works as a dehydrating substance that can get rid of fleas in the adult stage. Finely ground salt can be sprinkled over carpets and other areas where fleas are common. Leave it for a couple of days. Then run a vacuum thoroughly all over these areas. Make sure to throw away the contents of the vacuum outdoors and dispose of it off properly.

3. Vinegar
This is a common solution found in the pantry that can work as a deterrent for fleas and ticks. It can be diluted in water and sprayed around to kill ticks and fleas. Before spraying it on the pet’s coat, make sure to take the advice of a vet for potential side effects. Also, take sufficient precautions to dilute the vinegar well since it is an acidic solution.

4. Dish soap
With dish soap, a flea trap can be made at home. Just fill a flat dish or plate with some soap and warm water. Multiple parts of this solution can be made and poured into several dishes or bowls. Keep each of these in different rooms of the house. Repeat this over a couple of days with a fresh batch of the solution.

5. Essential oils
These are natural oils that have been known to be effective deterrents for fleas and ticks. Cedar, lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint are some of the essential oils that can be quite useful. The best way to use these is by diluting the oil; water or carrier oils such as almond or olive oil can be used for dilution. Use these as sprays or apply them directly to areas in the house that are ventilated properly. Rose geranium and coconut are some of the other natural oils that can be effective in preventing and treating ticks and fleas. Before applying or using these oils on a pet, make sure to consult a vet.