About Flea Control Using EucalyptusBy Willow Sidhe, eHow ContributorAbout Flea Control Using EucalyptusFleas can cause tapeworms, heartworms or anemia in cats and dogs, especially if they aren't kept under control. They can develop immunity to chemical sprays and pills which leads many people to alternative treatments. Flea control using eucalyptus is one such alternative. It is safe for humans and animals, and an effective insect repellent.FunctionEucalyptus is used not only to control fleas but also to repel existing infestations. It is a powerful deterrent against fleas as it produces a strong, distinctive scent which they find intolerable. It can be used directly on animals or on furniture, bedding, carpets or pet collars. The essential oil is also found in many commercial natural flea repellents.TypesEucalyptus can be used for flea control in various forms. The essential oil is the concentrated essence of the plant and the strongest form available. It can be diluted with water and used as a spray to keep fleas away. A few drops placed on a pet's collar are also effective, as long as the pet cannot chew on the collar and ingest the oil. It can also be used to make a natural flea shampoo by mixing several drops with a natural soap base or baby shampoo. Another way to use eucalyptus for flea control is to place leaves under carpets or bedding where pets frequent or the flea infestation is worst. Using eucalyptus seed pods in this way is also effective.BenefitsThere are many benefits of using eucalyptus for flea control, such as eliminating the need for non-toxic chemicals on and around your pet. It is easy to use and apply without the need for constant reapplication. The scent of eucalyptus lasts for an incredibly long time and will repel fleas as long as they can detect the smell.MisconceptionsA common misconception regarding eucalyptus for flea control is that it isn't safe for use on or around pets. A small amount of eucalyptus essential oil placed near a pet or used to bathe a pet is not harmful. Using too much, however, can have negative side effects.WarningEucalyptus can be toxic to pets if ingested. Never allow pets to chew collars, toys or bedding that has been sprayed with a eucalyptus solution. In addition, the essential oil should never be applied directly to the fur or skin. This can cause severe irritation. If these rules are followed, flea control using eucalyptus can be a safe and rewarding experience.
Shanna --- On Sun, 10/17/10, Kate Dale <[email protected]> wrote: From: Kate Dale <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Chihuahuas] New to grp =) To: [email protected] Date: Sunday, October 17, 2010, 3:14 AM Is dawn good to use on a dog that has been spayed almost 2 weeks ago? Kate Dale --- On Sun, 10/17/10, dasha <[email protected]> wrote: From: dasha <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [Chihuahuas] New to grp =) To: [email protected] Date: Sunday, October 17, 2010, 12:45 AM Dawn works to kill the fleas on the dog but won't stop new ones and won't stop flea eggs. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark Strassler Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2010 7:31 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] New to grp =) Hello Mybug: For inside to get rid of flees, it sound like you sre on the right track. You might want to try using 20 mule team on the carpets and couches. I would recommend putting your pet someone where they will not have access to the rooms you are treating. Cover the carpet, floors, and couches and let set over night. Come in the next day and vacuum like crazy. 20 Mule team contains sodium tetraborate salt decahydrate which is salt of boric acid) or Na2B4O2• 10 • H2O. Once the fleas come in contact, it will dry then out and they will die. If you can get some roach proof, I believe it contains Boric acid which is orthoboric acid or H3BO3 or B2O3•3•H2O. Boric Acid works better than Borax but both works. You can also use 20 mule team as a carpet cleaner. For the outside yard, spry the lawn with sevin bug killer or MALATHION INSECT SPRAY. They city was most likely using a MALATHION INSECT SPRAY based product. I used sevin at a friend’s house in CA with great success. I sprayed the yard, trees, side of the house, walks, flower bed, .... Keep their cat in the house for three days and the flea issue was solved. With you being in Iowa, it is going to freeze soon, the freeze will kill the fleas outside. For a fast treatment on your pet, you can wash your pet with Joy or Dawn. I would think Joy would be better because it is more of a pure soap (less chemicals) than Dawn. I have not referenced the following website in a year but that use to have some good pointers. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/boricgen.pdf http://www.natbat.com/docs/boron.htm http://shalompest.homestead.com/BORATES.pdf http://shalompest.homestead.com/ToxicitiescommonInsecticides.html Just a note from the Dial Corp that makes 20 mule team: Q. Can Borax be used to kill ants or roaches? A. The Dial Corporation cannot recommend Borax to kill ants or roaches. The EPA has not authorized 20 Mule Team® as a pesticide. Q. Can I use 20 Mule Team® to clean up pet urine stains and odors? A. A number of spills on carpets or upholstery will cause stains or leave offensive odors. 20 Mule Team® Borax can help on a few of these problem stains. Before treating carpet or upholstery, test an unexposed area with a 20 Mule Team® Borax paste to make sure the dye is colorfast to spot treatment. Urine odors may be neutralized by dampening the spot and sprinkling 20 Mule Team® Borax over it. Rub the borax into the areas and let dry. Brush or vacuum to remove the dry borax. Q. Is 20 Mule Team® safe to use around my pets? A. 20 Mule Team® Borax is non-toxic, but if ingested in large quantities, it has the potential to cause negative effects. If ingested in large quantities, contact a veterinarian immediately. From: mybug78 <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sat, October 16, 2010 4:22:53 AM Subject: [Chihuahuas] New to grp =) We own a 1yr old chihuahua named Lovebug. I wanted to find a grp experienced with chihuahua's to ask about treating for fleas. Weve never had a flea problem and what we are doing isnt really helping! We have had Bug on Frontline Plus but its not working! And now we have fleas all over the house! I vaccum at least 3 times daily and empty the canister into a bag and place it in the garbage out in the garage (so if they get out they cant get back in the house) We have treated our yard and everytime he goes outside he gets more fleas UGH I really dont care to use the Frontline anymore as he is having reactions to it! He now is getting bald patches where the treatment is applied. We have tried flea baths, powders and spray and powder treatments in the house and still no luck in getting rid of the little boogers! They used to spray our town every Sunday for Fleas/Mosquitos but stopped this year due to exspences of the chemicals but from what I understand they will be doing it again starting next year because of so many complaints to the city and also to the only vet in town about how many homes are now flea infested! Any advice? We live in a small town in Iowa and only have 1 small vet clinic which only carries Frontline Plus. I refuse to keep spending $15 a month on flea treatment that is not doing anything! If it was helping kill the cycle of them we wouldnt have such a problem in the house with fleas!
