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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use these flea-repelling plants if I have cats or dogs?
- Totally! The plants we talk about are safe for both cats and dogs, so your furry friends can enjoy the garden too without any worries.
- Which plants are best for repelling fleas?
- You'll love the variety! Mint, lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are some of the top picks that are great at keeping those pesky fleas away.
- Does mint really work to deter fleas?
- Absolutely! Mint is such an all-rounder. Not only does it smell amazing, but it's also super effective at chasing away fleas.
- Can these plants also repel ticks?
- Yes! Many of these plants, like rosemary and lavender, repel ticks as well as fleas. It's a win-win for our homes and gardens.
- How do I use these plants to keep fleas away?
- So straightforward! Plant them in your garden, or keep potted versions around your home. You can also use their essential oils in diffusers or sprays. Easy peasy!