While bathing your pets may seem obvious, many people overlook the importance of proper pet hygiene to keep fleas and ticks at bay. Fleas are less attracted to clean pets, which is another reason why frequent bathing of your dog and cat is so important. Use a natural neem or peppermint shampoo, and add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to the warm bath water, which will provide even more flea protection.

And don’t neglect to clean your pets’ bedding! Washing their bedding regularly in hot water with a mild detergent will eliminate flea eggs and larvae.

Using a fine flea comb not only helps to prevent flea infestation, but also removes existing pests. Dead pet hair lands on mats, which provide the perfect hiding spot for ticks and a lush breeding ground for fleas. For the best results, comb your furry friends’ stomach, tail and face, which is where pests typically hang out in the largest numbers. Combing also provides you with the ability to find and remove any recent ticks.

Here’s a terrific non-toxic flea repellent spray for your pet that’s much safer than commercial treatments, and surprisingly effective. Simply cut a lemon into quarters, cover it with boiling water, and allow it to steep overnight.

In the morning, spray the concoction on your pet. You can also sponge it directly onto their coat. Avoid their eyes while spraying, and remember to target behind their ears, around the tail and under the legs.

Another wonderful do-it-yourself natural flea repellent spray is made with apple cider vinegar. It’s easy to prepare and poses no risk to your pets’ health. Simply mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and frequently spritz it on your dog or cat pet. It’s recommended that you also spray the mixture on their bedding.

You can make this apple cider spray even more powerful by adding a few drops of essential oils that are distasteful to fleas, such as lemongrass, neem and catnip oil.

To deter fleas and ticks from the inside out, add apple cider vinegar to your pet’s food. Use 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per every 20 pounds of your pet.

Why is coconut oil such an effective flea repellent? It’s packed with lauric acid, which is coconut oil’s “secret ingredient” that deters both fleas and ticks. It’s also great for providing your cat or dog with healthy skin and coat!

If your pet already has fleas, you can dip your hands in coconut oil and massage them deep into your pet’s coat, working all the way down to the skin. Next, take a fine flea comb and comb it through the fur. The coconut oil will cause the fleas to stick to the comb, and the rest will be repelled by the coconut oil and jump off!

Both fleas and ticks have an aversion to the vitamin thiamine, which is abundant in brewer’s yeast. Thiamine is a member of the B vitamin group, and is a non-toxic way to repel fleas and ticks, and also boost your cat or dog’s immune system. How does it work? When your pet consumes brewer’s yeast, it ingests thiamine and later exudes it through its skin. Fleas are repelled by the taste and odor.

Use 1mg per 5 lbs. of body weight in your pet’s food.

You can also help keep fleas away from your dog or cat by rubbing brewer's yeast directly into their coat.

Diatomaceous earth is a calcium dust that’s ground from single-cell ocean organisms. To keep fleas away from your home, apply it to your yard, walkways, garden and other places where your pets hang out. Only use food-grade (natural) diatomaceous earth, not swimming pool grade. How does diatomaceous earth work? It destroys and dries out the fleas’ breathing organs, and kills flea larvae.

You can also sprinkle it on carpets and furniture throughout your home. But use care when applying. Avoid use if anybody in your family is asthmatic or has respiratory conditions. When it handling indoors, wear a mask and try to apply it close to the carpet surface to prevent airborne dust. One day after application, vacuum thoroughly to remove any residue.