Warmer weather means more time outdoors, but it also brings unwanted pests like ticks and fleas. Learn how to keep your furry friends safe, healthy, and itch-free all summer long with these natural DIY flea and tick repellents!

How to Identify Fleas on Your Pet

• Signs: Scratching, biting fur, hair loss, and sometimes pale gums.
• What to Look For: small dark or reddish-brown, wingless insects and Flea Dirt (flea faeces) tiny black, pepper-like specks. 
• Common Hiding Spots: Head, neck, hindquarters, armpits, groin, and base of the tail

How to Spot and Remove Ticks from Your Pet

• Signs: Excessive scratching, pale gums, lack of appetite and lethargy. 
• What to look for:  brown or grey-ish coloured bump on the dog’s skin. 
• Common hiding spots: Ears, toes, and under the collar, tail, armpits and groin.
• Removal: Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your pet’s skin as possible. Clean with pet-friendly antiseptic. Consult your vet if mouthparts remain in skin.

Natural DIY Solutions

While commercial repellents are effective, they often contain chemicals that may irritate your pet’s skin or pose risks if ingested. Fortunately, natural DIY tick and flea repellents offer a safer, eco-friendly solution to keep pests at bay. 

Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a fine, powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of tiny water plants called diatoms. It’s completely natural and contains silica, a mineral that helps it work as a powerful pest control tool.

Sprinkle food-grade DE around your home and on your pet’s bedding to kill fleas naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar Wash

Combine 1 litre of water, 250 ml of apple cider vinegar, and 250 ml of baby shampoo. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can help prevent future infestations.

Flea-repelling Lemon Spray

Simmer 1 sliced lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped thyme in 2 cups of water for 60 minutes. Strain the mixture, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle.

Spray your pet’s coat 2-3 times a week, avoiding the eyes.

* While these DIY remedies are safe and chemical-free, consult your vet if your pet has existing skin conditions or allergies.