Dogs love the outdoors! This is why they are more vulnerable to fleas and ticks that might attach to them and make them uncomfortable. Luckily, there are preventive steps you can take, like placing plants that repel fleas and ticks at home.
Plants That Repel Ticks and Fleas
You can plant these herbs and flowers in your garden or even inside your unit (when living in a condo or an apartment). They are safe for your lovely fur children and non-toxic for you as their owner.
1. Catnip
The first plant you should know is a catnip. You may be familiar with this one because it’s popular with those who have cats. Catnips are included in the mint family because of the strong minty smell they release.
Fleas and ticks hate the smell of this plant, so placing them inside your home makes them go away. Don’t worry about its strong smell because your dogs will not mind. However, if you have a cat, put this away from them because they will play with it.
2. Mint
Speaking of the mint family, one of the most obvious plants that repel fleas and ticks is mint. You need to grow as many as possible in your backyard because fleas will surely detach when dogs lie down and roll on them, making your furry children flea-free.
3. Lemon Balm
This plant repels fleas and mosquitoes; you will benefit from planting it in your backyard. Insects don’t like the smell of citrus, so you need to take advantage of that. Your house will smell fresh when you scatter lemon balms everywhere.
4. Sage
If you like the sage color in your clothing, you will also like the sage plant to help your dogs maintain a healthy fur coat. But you must take care of it well because sages don’t like their roots wet. So ensure that there is a proper drainage system.
5. Basil
Whether for cooking or repelling fleas and ticks, basil is one of the most versatile plants in your backyard. Aside from being delicious when incorporated into your dishes, it also has a smell that pet parasites don’t like.
6. Oregano
Next on the list is oregano which has a strong yet addicting smell for some and a pungent smell for others. Overall, it’s still a great plant to have at home because it can free your dogs from pesky fleas and ticks.
7. Rosemary
If you have a portion in your backyard where you want your dogs to brush their body on, it should be the rosemary section. This plant has a flowery and minty smell that is perfect for cooking and helpful for your dog’s hygiene and smell.
8. Lavender
Another fan favorite is lavender which makes a garden fragrant and attracts butterflies and bees as well. When you plant lavenders in your backyard, remember to prune them to ensure they will continuously grow and last long.
9. Lemongrass
With its citrus aroma, you can expect lemongrass to do the work for you because it’s one of the plants that fleas and ticks don’t like. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes and moths because they also hate the smell of lemongrass.
10. Marigold
Aside from the beauty it adds to your garden, the marigold is an all-around flower you can rely on. It’s a helpful plant for dogs in repelling ticks and for your other plants in pushing back pests that want to eat and destroy them.
11. Eucalyptus
When you love tea, eucalyptus is a must-try because it is both good for your health and amazing for your pets at home. Your furry friends at home won’t feel uneasy when they go near eucalyptus, so you don’t need to worry about having it.
12. Chrysanthemum
Speaking of versatility, chrysanthemums can be planted outside your garden or in pots inside your house. They are loved by all generations because of their pretty colors, which your dogs will also love because they repel fleas and mosquitoes.
13. Rue
This is a fantastic companion plant for your trees that bear fruits like berries, and its smell is abhorred by moths, mosquitoes, and fleas. Don’t worry about planting it beside your flowers because rues have yellow flowers when nourished by the sun.
14. Chamomile
Another plant that makes a delicious and soothing tea is chamomile which is perfect for rainy seasons. It is one of the perennial plants that repel ticks that are safe for you and your pets at home.
15. Yarrow
Lastly, yarrow is a flowering herb you might want to consider planting in your backyard. Its flowers vary based on what kind of plant you have, but the most popular yarrow species is the white-flowering one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prevent Fleas and Ticks on My Dogs Naturally?
Instead of buying chemical-based products to remove fleas from your dogs, you must incorporate water, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and liquid dish soap into your dog’s bathtub. Let them soak in the latter for a few minutes before rinsing.
What Scent Repels Fleas on Dogs?
Fleas and ticks hate the smell of citrus and mint, meaning you need to plant herbs and flowers with these scents. Let your dogs brush their fur coat on the herbs you have at home, like mint and lemongrass, to fully repel ticks in their bodies.
Can I Spray Vinegar on My Dog?
No, if you’re thinking of spraying pure vinegar on your dog. But you can make a concoction at home using water and vinegar to dilute the latter. You can also use this for your other pets at home to fully eradicate fleas and ticks.
However, if your dog has a history of rashes or allergies, consult a veterinarian to ensure you can use natural mixtures. This is to ensure that your dogs won’t react to what you’ll spray on them.
What Repels Fleas and Ticks?
It is hard to avoid for your dogs to have fleas in their bodies, especially when you both love walking outside and roaming around parks. However, you can help them repel these pests by letting them lie down on the mentioned herbal plants.
Having plants that repel fleas and ticks is also helpful in cooking. Mint and plants with citrus smell can make your garden look and smell amazing, attracting more pollinators for a more luscious and beautiful garden.
You Can Also Read These:
- Practice Companion Planting For A Healthier And Thriving Garden
- Backyard Vegetable Garden For Beginners
- How To Avoid Heat Stroke In Dogs Plus Summer Pet Safety Tips
