Most of us folks with pets know that right now is high flea season. Even with the (often disputed) use of chemical flea repellants like Frontline, Advantage, BioSpot, etc., there is always the chance that a flea can hitchhike into your home via your pet. I researched into homemade, do-it-yourself solutions for repelling fleas and found a lot of useful knowledge! Certain essential oils can be mixed together to make a spray that repels and makes fleas head for the ground. Among them are citronella, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender. These oils are often made by the very plants they come from to repel pests and protect the plant. If it works for them, it can work for your dog or cat. A simple solution that can be made in only a couple of minutes consists of:

1. 10-20 drops of oils  Choose from: citronella, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender
(It's probably best to use at least 3 of them, or you can use all for a super anti-flea cocktail! You may want to choose based on your own smell preferences)

2. A pint sized mister bottle- dark colored to protect the oils from breaking down in sunlight

3. Water- pure, filtered, spring, distilled - something better than tap water

4. A dog or cat! : )

Mix the water and oils into the spray bottle and apply to the pets coat, taking care to avoid eyes and the insides of the ears. The belly and low back are especially good places to spray. Situations that are good for this spray are: before an outing or exposure to other dogs, around the pets resting place(s), the doorway, and the doormat. Use the spray on a daily or as needed basis as there is not a very lasting effect of the oils.

Not only will the fleas stay away, but you will have a non-toxic, all natural, pleasant smelling pet and a spray that can be used to freshen up the home!