When you take a pet into your home, it can sometimes be easy to forget that they have the potential to bring unwanted pests in, too. Fleas and ticks are especially common with cats and dogs, and even the best laid plans may end with your home becoming infested. We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to keep fleas and ticks away using natural remedies. Fleas on dogs can sometimes be a different type of flea than what bothers cats, which is why it is important to make sure you are using a remedy for the type of pet you have:

1. DIY dog flea baths
This dog bath only uses a few ingredients, and most people already have these lying around their house. This flea bath uses water, white vinegar, and Dawn dish soap to effectively kill the fleas living on your pet. First you combine equal parts of all three ingredients, and then you wash your dog with the mixture like you would with normal shampoo. Pay special attention to common areas that fleas like to hide, such as the lower back, neck, and belly. Take care not to get the mixture into your dog’s eyes or mouth, as this could cause irritation. Note the dead fleas in the water as you’re washing your dog. Rinse the DIY shampoo off of your dog and repeat the process until you do not see any more fleas.

2. DIY cat flea baths
To kill fleas on your cat, you can either use an apple cider vinegar bath, or simply use Dawn dish soap. When using apple cider vinegar, mix it with water at a 2:1 ratio. Carefully comb through the cat’s fur to ensure all areas are coated with the mixture. For Dawn dish soap, wash the cat as you normally would with shampoo. Pay special attention to areas that fleas normally hide out, and make sure you watch your cat’s head as the fleas will usually try to run to this area. Rinse your cat’s fur out thoroughly to ensure there is no irritation from the soap.

3. Apple cider vinegar
Fleas hate apple cider vinegar. One of the best flea prevention tips involves adding a little bit of apple cider vinegar to your pet’s water or food. A small amount can deter fleas and your pet won’t even notice.

4. Essential oils
The best essential oils for your pet to deter pests include:

• Cedarwood
• Lemongrass
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Be careful not to let your pet ingest these essential oils, but they are great for flea and tick prevention!

It can be hard to keep certain pests from infesting your pet or your home. Prevention is the first line of defense, but once fleas and ticks have gotten inside there is still something you can do. Contaminating your house with dangerous chemicals is usually something we try to avoid, which is why we look to natural remedies. It is amazing how many uses simple ingredients like soap and apple cider vinegar have, and they’re safe for your pet, too!