Are you tired of using chemical-laden flea sprays on your pets?
Do you want a natural and effective solution to keep fleas at bay?
Look no further than neem oil.
This powerful oil, derived from the neem tree, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is now gaining popularity as a natural pest deterrent.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own neem oil spray for fleas, so you can keep your furry friends happy and healthy without exposing them to harmful chemicals.
So, let’s get started!
How To Make Neem Oil Spray For Fleas?
Making your own neem oil spray for fleas is easy and affordable. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 8 ounces of pure water
– 4 ounces of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
– 10 drops of neem oil
– 5 drops of lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus or geranium essential oil (optional)
To make the spray, simply mix the water, apple cider vinegar, and neem oil together in a spray bottle. If you want to add extra punch to the mixture, add a few drops of one of the essential oils mentioned above.
Shake the bottle well before use and mist your pet with the solution before they go outside. Be sure to avoid their eyes. The active ingredients in the spray will dissipate in about four hours, so you may need to reapply it throughout the day.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work Against Fleas?
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that comes from the kernels of neem tree fruit, native to India. It has been used for centuries to control pests and diseases. Neem oil contains azadirachtin, which is the most active component for repelling and killing pests. It can be extracted from neem oil and used in various forms, including sprays and shampoos.
Neem oil is an effective flea treatment due to its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. It can be used topically to repel and kill common biting insects, including mosquitoes, biting midges, and fleas. However, its effectiveness in repelling ticks is questionable and may depend on various factors such as concentration, frequency, and duration of use.
When using neem oil as a flea treatment, it’s essential to use it in conjunction with traditional preventives. Vets advise against using neem oil as a sole repellant. Pet parents who opt for neem oil as their only repellant should be diligent about regularly checking their pets for parasites and consider blood testing every three to six months.
Neem oil can also be used to nourish stressed flea-bitten skin. You can add some neem oil to a very gentle natural baby shampoo for bathing your pet. However, you don’t want to bathe them too often as it can strip the animal’s coat and skin of their natural oils.
Benefits Of Using Neem Oil As A Flea Repellent
Using neem oil as a flea repellent has several benefits. First and foremost, neem oil is a natural and non-toxic alternative to chemical-based flea repellents. This means that it is safe for your pet and the environment. Additionally, neem oil is effective against a variety of biting insects, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and mites. It contains compounds that repel these insects and prevent them from biting your pet.
Another benefit of using neem oil as a flea repellent is that it can improve the overall health of your pet’s skin and coat. Neem oil contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which can nourish and moisturize the skin. It also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help to prevent skin infections and irritations.
Using neem oil as a flea repellent is also cost-effective. Neem oil is relatively inexpensive compared to chemical-based flea repellents, and a little goes a long way. You can make your own neem oil spray at home using just a few ingredients, as outlined above.
Finally, using neem oil as a flea repellent can give you peace of mind knowing that you are using a safe and effective solution to protect your pet from fleas and other biting insects. It can also help to reduce the risk of your pet contracting diseases carried by these insects.
Tips For Using Neem Oil Spray On Your Pets
Before using neem oil spray on your pets, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Dilute properly: It’s important to dilute neem oil properly before using it on your pets. Most veterinarians recommend a final product that contains no more than 1% neem oil.
2. Test a small area first: Before applying the spray all over your pet’s body, test a small area to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction to the product.
3. Avoid the eyes and open wounds: Neem oil should never be applied to the eyes or open wounds of your pet.
4. Don’t let your pet ingest it: Ingesting neem oil can be harmful to your pet and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and even respiratory distress.
5. Use sparingly: While neem oil has many benefits, it should be used sparingly on your pets. The smell can be quite potent and may linger on furniture if your pet rests there while the solution soaks in.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use neem oil spray on your pets to help combat fleas and other biting pests. Always consult with your veterinarian before using any new product on your pets to ensure it’s safe for them.
Other Natural Ways To Keep Fleas Away From Your Pets And Home
While neem oil is an effective natural remedy for fleas, there are other natural ways to keep fleas away from your pets and home. Here are some additional methods:
1. Essential Oil Spray: Essential oils such as cedarwood, lavender, and lemon are effective in repelling fleas. You can make a flea spray for your home by mixing 10 drops each of cedarwood, lavender, and lemon essential oils with water and a dash of pure alcohol. Spray it around your home, on soft furnishings, carpets, pet bedding, in corners, and on doormats to keep fleas at bay.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help balance your pet’s pH levels and create an environment that is unfavorable for fleas. Dilute six cups of apple cider vinegar with four cups of water, add a dash of sea salt, then spray it directly onto your pet’s coat. This will repel fleas and improve your pet’s skin and coat health.
3. Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized diatoms that can kill fleas by dehydrating them. It’s safe to use around pets and humans, but make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth.
4. Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can help remove flea eggs and larvae from carpets and upholstery. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag immediately after vacuuming.
5. Wash Bedding: Washing your pet’s bedding in hot water can kill fleas and their eggs. You should also consider washing any blankets or towels that your pet comes into contact with.
By using a combination of these natural methods, you can keep fleas away from your pets and home without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Conclusion: Neem Oil Spray For Fleas Is A Safe And Effective Solution
After researching and gathering information about neem oil and its effectiveness as a natural flea treatment, it is clear that neem oil spray is a safe and effective solution for controlling fleas on pets. Neem oil is a natural pesticide that has been used for centuries to control pests and diseases. It contains azadirachtin, which is the most active component for repelling and killing pests, including fleas.
Neem oil should be used topically and ingestion should be avoided. It is available commercially as topical tinctures, sprays, and shampoos. However, it is important to buy neem oil from a trusted source as not all products are equal and purity of the ingredients may be questionable.
Making your own neem oil spray for fleas is easy and affordable. By mixing water, apple cider vinegar, and neem oil together in a spray bottle, you can create an effective flea treatment for your pets. Adding essential oils such as lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus or geranium can provide extra punch to the mixture.
