Below are 5 plants that repel fleas and have been used by pet owners for many years. Each one is a bit different in the way it grows and not all need to be picked in order for their flea repelling effects to be had. Maybe you’ll find a plant that works well for you and your flea issues you might be dealing with.
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5. Mints of All Sorts
Spearmint, peppermint, and catmint have all been used to keep fleas away for decades. It’s not toxic to pets and grows in all types of soil. Some people think it grows a bit too easily, since it can quickly take over an entire garden in a single season. These plants can be dried and ground up for stuffing inside your pet’s bed, the stems can be left whole and tucked under the couch as well as mattresses, and fresh leaves can be rubbed on your pet’s fur to keep fleas away.
In addition to their pest-deterring properties, these fragrant herbs can be a delightful addition to your herb garden, providing fresh flavors for your culinary experiments. Planting them around the perimeter of your pet's play area can create a natural flea barrier. Mint is particularly hardy, and when it comes to maintenance, it's as low-fuss as it gets. Be mindful, though, if you let it spread, you might find it popping up in unexpected corners of your yard. Pruning and container planting are wise moves to keep mint's vigorous growth in check.
4. Pennyroyal
This is a fast-growing plant that can easily take over garden areas, just as mint does. Seeing as it is a plant that is rather abundant, using it as a flea repellent is common. If you have a lot of cats, be very cautious with this plant, since it is toxic to cats. Dogs can lie in the middle of a patch of pennyroyal and not be affected at all, which makes this a useful plant to repel fleas in a dog’s bed.
Pennyroyal, part of the mint family, releases a strong, pungent aroma that fleas despise, making it an excellent natural deterrent. For a greener and more fragrant flea control method, consider planting pennyroyal around the perimeter of your pet's outdoor play area. However, always prioritize pet safety: ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats and only introduce it to your garden after consulting a vet if you have one. When used correctly, pennyroyal can create a flea-free zone while adding lush greenery to your landscape.
Frequently asked questions
3. Eucalyptus
Not everyone can grow these lovely trees in their area, since they aren’t able to withstand freezing temps. If you do use sprigs from this plant or even oil, make sure to keep it out of reach of pets. It is very toxic to pets and shouldn’t even come into contact with their skin.
While eucalyptus is powerful for warding off fleas with its robust scent, it also creates a tranquil environment in the home with its calming aroma. Eucalyptus globulus, also known as blue gum, is especially effective. When crushed, the leaves release a potent essential oil that has a sharp, fresh smell. Fleas detest this scent, making it an excellent natural deterrent. Its use is twofold, as it not only repels fleas but can also refresh your living space. Just remember, always use eucalyptus responsibly to ensure the safety of your furry friends.
2. Rosemary
Tolerant of heat and slow-growing, this woody-stemmed plant has a scent that keeps fleas at bay. A rosemary plant can be grown in a container and set next to a pet’s bed to repel fleas. Being able to allow this plant to continue to grow as it does its job at keeping fleas away means you won’t have to continue to purchase new plants every time you want to get rid of fleas. There’s no need to tear up the plant to make sachets or in order to place sprigs underneath bedding or cushions; just let it grow!
1. Lavender
This is yet another slow-growing plant that has a woody stem, which makes it less likely to crumble easily. Cut stalks of lavender to place under couch cushions for repelling fleas. Lavender also isn’t toxic to cats or dogs, so you can place a handful of sprigs or make some sachets of the blossoms and put them under pet bedding too.
I hope you are able to get these plants to work well for you and your pets. I try not to use chemicals on my animals to keep the bugs away. Many organic flea medications for animals use some of the same plants mentioned above. What other plants have you heard of that are good for repelling fleas?
Top Photo Credit: S@ilor
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