Natural Products

Many "natural" options exist to help in ridding your pet and/or environment of such pests as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies, gnats, chiggers, and lice. While some would debate their effectiveness in comparison to more "heavy duty" medicated products, there are those who swear by such treatment methods. They're popular choices for people who have young, old, small, debilitated, and/or pregnant pets, as well as for those who cannot be around such products themselves.

Let's look at some of the most popular options. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ants - Yes... ants! Encourage their population numbers to grow as they feed on flea eggs and larvae.
• B Vitamins - Products (e.g., Brewer's yeast) that contain these vitamins serve as pest repellents and aid in preventing skin conditions from contact with such pests.
• Citronella - While it's contained in numerous products, use it with caution, as some animals are sensitive to this compound.
• Diatomaceous Earth - As previously discussed.
• Essential Oils - Oils such as cedar, eucalyptus, and rosemary act as repellents. Use caution though as some pets might react negatively from contact with certain botanical extracts.
• Garlic - This often cited pest repellent is available in many forms.
• Herbal Collars - As previously mentioned, they often contain such herbs as chamomile, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, and/or citronella. Use caution though as some herbs are toxic to such animals as cats and rabbits.
• Lemon - This is yet another product that's reported to be a pest and parasite repellent and that comes in various forms.
• Neem - An extract derived from a tree native to India, many "natural" products contain this naturally occurring pesticide and insect repellent. It has been added to such items as dips, shampoos, and sprays and is safe for all ages of dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, and many other small pets. While it directly kills fleas and their larvae, it also repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, mites, and lice.
• Nematodes - These microscopic worms actually feast on various life stages of such pests as fleas. Applied outdoors, their own population is limited by the continued presence or lack of fleas.

Ultrasonic Pulses - These repelling products come in the form of combs and "balls" that attach to your pet's collar.

On to part nine :: Environmental Control/Habitat Management ::
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