Natural Flea and Tick Control for Lawn & Dogs
Pictured left are my granddaughters Mia Bella and Kaitlynn. They love coming to the farm and playing outside. Imagine how awful I would feel if they contracted Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?
In the past few years there has been an increase in the reported cases of lyme disease in human and pets in the state of Virginia. In the past we didn’t have such a concern with lyme disease but cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Rather then go into a lengthy explanation about vector-borne diseases I’d like for you to use the link below to do a bit of reading and research. Even if you live in town it doesn’t mean you won’t have a tick problem. My sister lives on Westover and her flea and tick problem is far worse then mine. I’d like to provide you with the information and this post will focus on protecting your pets and family. This summer will be worse then you can imagine. Please plan ahead.
Vector-borne Disease Control
The first line of defense is your lawn where you pets and family spend time. If you MUST use a chemical spray such as Cutters which last for 8 weeks and fits on a hose-end sprayer, please follow these guidelines carefully;
- Spray after you’ve cut your lawn.
- Spray early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in or in the evening.
- Allow 24 hours before pets or humans walk on treated grass. Spray the backyard one day and the front yard the next so you can safely let your pet out to potty.
- Carefully monitor your children and pets after.
Any chemical can have harmful side effects so it’s important to use only as needed and take the extra precautions. If you have a big lawn perhaps you could spray the outer areas, bushes and avoid the direct area where your pets and children are. After a few days there is less chance of the chemical entering the skin and blood stream. Still many pets eat grass and you need to be prepared to supervise.
Natural Flea and Tick Treatments for Lawns
Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade 10 Lb
Diatomaceous Earth - This fossilized skeletons of tiny aquatic organisms. When untreated, the razor sharp edges of this mined product scratch the exoskeletons of hard bodied insects, making them susceptible to fatal attack from natural organisms in the soil. Application rate: Dry: 1 lb. per 500 sq. ft. Solution: 2 tbs. per gal. of water. As a food supplement for pets: 1-2% of food volume.
Diatomaceous Earth will not work right away. You should also reapply every month. You can mix it as a paste and in a hose-end sprayer or by a powder applicator and puff dust around your yard. Sounds like a pain but it works and it will not harm pets, children, wildlife and the environment.
In addition I also use:
Farnam Central Life 3002536 Equisect Fly Repellent
) and refill. Once a week you spray lightly and deeply brush into the coat. Then once a day when you take your fur baby potty give them a quick light spray on the legs and belly. The gallon is 40 bucks but when you consider the price you pay for Frontline and the like it’s very affordable. In fact along with my other treatments I’ll put Equisect in a hose-end sprayer, set it at 3 teaspoons per gallon and spray it in my dog yards, on my fence, etc. It has an oil base and should stick just fine for a while. So I can kill fleas, ticks, other insects AND keep the flies away? I’m definitely signed up for that!
Last year we used a Garlic concentrate which worked great IF I applied it often but it was very expensive over an entire season.
If you have questions or comments let me know in the comments section below.
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