If you’re looking for natural flea and tick repellent for your pets I’ve got good news for you. essential oils are very effective insect repellents. In fact some essential oils are proving to be as effective as DEET.
Many pet parents are, with good reason, concerned about using chemicals treatments on their pets for tick and flea prevention. Adverse reactions to both topically applied and oral doses of insecticidal chemicals can have devastating consequences.
Essential oils are a healthy alternative to putting chemicals in or on your pets. Essential oils easily protect dogs while walking through neighborhood parks and even through the woods. But, depending on where and when you go, you may need to reapply after being outside for more than an hour. The problem is that essential oils evaporate quickly, generally within 1-3 hours of being applied.
There are times when they may not be appropriate, such as during weekend camping or hunting trips, cats that are outdoors for days, those living in rural, heavily wooded areas, or any areas where tick or flea infestations are high. When it comes to protecting your fur baby, do your research and make the best decision for your family.
Best essential oils for repelling fleas and ticks
Despite the fact that mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are all distinct species, the same essential oils are used, though you may need to experiment with what works best for your dog in your area. With so many citronella products available, you might think it’s the best. After all, the EPA approved it. While citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is effective, current research is showing there are other choices that are equally, if not more, effective.
Here are several essential oils that are known to have insect repelling properties…
Cedarwood has long been used as an insect repellant. Do you recall cedar chests? They used Cedarwood to protect clothing from insects. But, not all cedarwoods are created equal. The most effective cedarwood species are Cedarwood Virginian (Juniperus virginiana) or Texas Cedarwood (Juniperus mexicana).
Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) is a powerful insect repellant and insecticide. Yes, I said eucalyptus, but this one is chemically different and safer for our animals than the more common Eucalyptus globulus. Eucalyptus citridora is the only eucalyptus that is proven to repel bugs. Substituting a different eucalyptus will not work and may cause unpleasant reactions for your pet.
If you want to learn more about the various eucalyptus essential oils, check out Which Eucalyptus Should You Use?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, and var. flexousos) is as effective as citronella, if not more so. (Did you notice the latin names? They belong to the same genus family). Personally, I prefer the more citrusy scent of lemongrass.
Geranium, or Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens or Pelargonium roseum), is a beautiful, flowery essential oil that excels as an insect repellant.
Catnip (Nepita cataria) is a newcomer to the insect repellant scene. Research is showing it’s potentially 10 times more effective than DEET.
Patchouli, peppermint, spearmint, and lavender are also good bug repellents, but they work best when combined with other essential oils. In fact, a recent study discovered that combining peppermint and patchouli repelled mosquitoes for 210 minutes and that Spearmint could be as effective as DEET.
If you’re concerned about using peppermint with your pets, check out Is Peppermint Essential Oil Toxic to Pets?
You may see non-essential oils like Apple Cider Vinegar or a drop of dish soap added in recipes blends. These may help and won’t hurt.
How to repel ticks with essential oils
Essential oils repel bugs best when combined with a carrier oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO). FCO works well in a spray bottle, and is easy to rub onto your dog’s coat (or your skin) for heavier coverage, and easy to reapply.
Not sure where to begin? Here is a recipe for a blend I use on myself and my dogs. (For cats, see below.)
No More Bugs Blend (Makes 1 oz./30 ml)
2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)
2 drops Geranium (Pelargonium roseum)
1 drop Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus
1 drop Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
1 drop Catnip (Nepita cataria)
1 drop Virginia Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
How To Use: Fill 1 oz. bottle with FCO then add essential oils . This dog-friendly blend is a 1% concentration. Apply to your dog’s neck, belly, back, and legs. Simply double (or triple) the amounts to make a larger batch. On the trail, I use a handy 1 oz. PET plastic spray bottle that fits nicely in my pocket or fanny pack.
This blend is also appropriate for children and adults. Keep in mind that every dog, person, and environment is unique. This formula repels ticks and mosquitos for about an hour in Minnesota woodlands, but its effectiveness may vary depending on where you live.
If this recipe doesn’t work for you or your dogs, experiment. Using the same essential oils, add 1 drop at a time, up to doubling or tripling the recipe, or substitute one of the essential oils on the list for another. For sensitive dogs and dogs under 10 pounds, I recommend doubling the carrier but keeping the same amount of essential oils, then add more essential oils if you need it stronger.
Cat-friendly options
Most indoor cats aren’t at risk for ticks or fleas unless Rover brings them in with him. Cats being self-groomers often ingest whatever is on their fur, so applying essential oils topically is not advised. However, hydrosols are safe to use topically.
For outdoor cats, and dogs, a safe way to deal with fleas and ticks is diatomaceous earth. Commonly referred to as DE powder, diatomaceous earth dehydrates the exoskeleton of the fleas and ticks, making it an effective pesticide.
When applying DE powder topically to animals, make sure to use food grade DE powder. A spice jar with holes at the top, works well to gently sprinkle the powder on to the skin. Avoid inhaling the powder or getting the powder in the eyes. Reapply if the animal gets wet.
Diatomaceous earth can also be combined with neem powder and/or yarrow powder. A basic formula is 2 parts DE powder mixed with 1 part neem or yarrow powder. Apply as above- gently sprinkle on and rub onto the skin.
I hope this helps you and your fur baby enjoy the outdoors, bug free. If you have any questions about how to use these essential oils or DE powder with your furry family, email me.
Watch Which Cedarwood Should You Choose in these video links Part 1, Part 2
Does it the coconut oil make the dogs coat greasy?
Hi Kay, Fractionated Coconut Oil is not greasy. It’s a light oil that works well in a spray bottle. It’s highly processed and does not have the benefits of virgin coconut oil you have in your kitchen
Hi! Thank you, Amy! Would you use Apple Cider Vinegar as a carrier instead of Fractionated Coconut oil? What are the benefits of fractionated Coconut oil? Also, would you at tea tree oil to this blend to help guard against fleas? I live in an area where fleas are potent. Thanks!!
Hi Ellen, Yes, you could use ACV as the carrier. Before applying, you’d need to shake the bottle to disperse the oils or they’ll sit at the top. Fractionated Coconut is an inexpensive, lightweight oil that works well for spray bottles. It does not have the benefits of the virgin coconut oil you’d find in your kitchen. All of the oils listed have insecticide properties so they can be effective against fleas. If you’d like to add to Tea Tree that’s fine, just use 1% or less (less than 6 drops per ounce of blend.)
where would one find FCO in a retail setting or grocery store? like, say…Walmart?
Hi. You would find FCO in a health food store or coop type retail setting. I don’t recommend purchasing from large retail stores like Walmart.
What if you don’t have catnip or any hydrosals ? Thank you
You can substitute any of the other essential oils, or add a few more drops of geranium and lemongrass.
I learned something already. Here I thought you’d be instructing to use a bandana This will be much more effective. The ticks out here are just KRAZY! I thiy Florida was bad
YAY! Glad this was helpful!
What can safely work for a cat if you want to take your cat outside on a harness?
Hi Sue, as mentioned in the blog, DE powder is one option. Assuming this is short term use while you are outside, you could try a mist spray with 1-2 essential oils, in water. For example, add 3-4 drops of an essential oil to a 1 oz./30ml bottle of water. The oils and water won’t mix so you will need to shake the bottle before applying. I’d recommend starting with 3 drops cedarwood, though catnip or geranium would be safe too. If this is not effective, add 1 drop at a time until you get the desired results. The oils will evaporate more quickly in a water base and your cat will have plenty of fresh air since you’re outside. Use within 2-4 weeks or store in the refrigerator. Hope this helps. Reach out with more questions.
Hi,
Are these safe for Guinea Pigs? What would you recommend for them? They live inside, but I would like to take them outside sometimes in good weather and put them in their playpen. However, I’m concerned that they will get fleas, ticks, and possibly mosquito bites. Thank you!
For fleas and ticks, I would recommend DE powder for your guinea pigs. Misting catnip hydrosol would be another safe option to repel insects, including mosquitoes. In general, due to their digestive process, avoid strong anti-bacterial essential oils and follow safety guidelines for cats.
My dog has sensitivity to coconut oil. What can I use as a carrier?
Fractionated coconut oil (FCO), as mentioned in the recipe, is highly refined with the lauric acid removed. Chemically, FCO is not the same as virgin coconut oil so your dog may be okay with it. If not, jojoba is my preferred carrier, as it is odorless and has a long shelf life. Sunflower or aloe vera gel are alternatives, though both can turn rancid within 6 months.