We’ve tried to keep our family dog away from toxic chemicals. I like to think that’s why he’s made it to the ripe old age of 15. We’re hoping he’ll even be around the celebrate his 16th birthday. At this point, there’s no reason to think he won’t.

(Update: He lived to be 17 and we now own two younger dogs.)

Never once have we applied a flea and tick product to his coat. I never felt comfortable doing this, for a number of reasons.

One is that I didn’t want to put potentially dangerous chemicals on our dog. I knew they’d poison is his system. Another reason is that I didn’t want to expose my family to these compounds either.

Few people are aware that commercial flea products can affect humans. But the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry has issue an alert, noting that humans are exposed to pet insecticides in a number of ways, including “pet sprays and shampoos.”

Avoiding flea chemicals is an easy way to safeguard your health, as well as the health of your pet. This site is all about natural health. So I definitely want my readers to know about essential oils, and their potential use in controlling ticks and fleas without using hazardous compounds.

Update: (This article was written a few years ago. Unfortunately, our dog passed away at the ripe old age of 17. We miss him but have added two adorable puppies to our family.)

Homemade Flea Spray for House With Essential Oils

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In order to avoid chemicals, we’ve decided to use essential oils only for flea and tick control. This is a personal decision. It may not be right for all dogs. Please check with your vet before using essential oils on or near your pet, and even in your home. (That’s because essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, and extremely strong.)

Never use essential oils with young puppies or with pregnant females. Most animal health experts say to never use essential oils on cats. (It’s believed cats lack an enzyme that allows them to break down essential oils.)

Also, the spray recipe on this page is designed as a house spray. So it’s not meant to be sprayed directly on your pet. You also need to be very careful not to spray this mixture around your dog’s eyes. Make sure the sprayed surface is totally dry before your dog is allowed near it.

Homemade Flea and Tick Spray With Essential Oils

Essential oil flea and tick sprays are meant to be used on carpets, clothing and on bedding. The essential oils they’re made with are very strong. Insects and other pests hate the smell of peppermint essential oil, which is very suitable for bedding and other places fleas eggs may incubate.

However, peppermint essential oil is not suitable for use directly on a dog. However, I’ve used other types of aromatics more directly.

During the height of summer flea and tick season, I’ve occasionally put a drop of geranium essential oil on my dog’s collar (not his body). Lemongrass essential oil is another aromatic that could potentially be used on a fabric-type collar. You’ll want to test any essential oil on a small part of the collar to make sure it doesn’t stain.

I should not that none of our dogs spend a lot of time outdoors, except for their daily walks around the neighborhood.

Homemade Flea and Tick Spray for House

Granted, our dog doesn’t spend a lot of time outdoors. But natural plant-based essential oils appear to be sufficient to protect him from fleas. Another neat trick is to put a few drops of a strong essential oil blend, such as as germ fighting blend, in your vacuum cleaner canister. This creates a hostile environment for flea eggs collected from your carpet. (If you have fleas, your carpets become a flea factory.)

Essential oil sprays offer another layer of flea protection. It’s really easy to make your own flea and tick spray, for household use. However, you can also purchase really good all natural commercial sprays, if you’re looking for convenience. In that case, I recommend Vet’s Best natural flea and tick spray.

Homemade Natural Flea and Tick Spray

You can use a variety of essential oils in your homemade flea and tick spray, depending upon what you have in the house. However, it’s a good idea to always include peppermint essential oil. Insects and mice hate the smell of peppermint essential oil, which is why you can also use it for natural rodent control.

You’ll want to store your DIY flea formula in a glass spray bottle. Plastic isn’t suitable. That’s because essential oils may eat away at the plastic. So glass is a much better choice.

Homemade Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs With Essential Oils

You can use the essential oils of your choice. However, some essential oil companies tell you not to use essential oils on pets. That’s why the brand I’m recommending for your DIY flea spray is Fabulous Frannie, which has published information on safe use of essential oils with animals.

Even though I usually use another brand of essential oils for personal care, I have purchased Fabulous Frannie essential oils in the past. I’ve always been happy with the quality. Below, you can see how easy it is to make your own flea spray.

Large glass spray bottle 8 ounce (It’s available here)

10 drops peppermint essential oil (It’s available here)

5 drops clove essential oil (It’s available here)

Just under 1/2 cup of water

Just under 1/2 cup of alcohol free witch hazel (It’s available here)

Mix the above ingredients together in the glass spray bottle, and use on bedding or on your carpets. (Test a small area of your carpet first to make sure it doesn’t hurt the color.) You can also spray this on your clothing before going outdoors or taking your dog for a walk.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils or herbal or homeopathic remedies unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional. Also, check with your vet before using essential oils near your pet.