Keep Pesky Fleas Away With A Sweet-Smelling Essential Oil Trick

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It's hard to put in a good word for fleas. Even the important role that they play in ecosystems is too gross to describe here. The best that can be said is that make great food for frogs, toads, spiders, and lizards, among other animals. Sadly, the pets we love in our homes are not among those other animals. There are ways to get rid of fleas without using bug bombs or resorting to nasty chemicals. Fortunately, thyme oil is a natural flea repellent used in a handful of commercial flea treatment products, and it's also an easy DIY thyme essential oil spray that you can make to keep fleas away.

Many commercial flea and tick products contain toxic synthetic compounds, including the "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. The common flea treatment chemical fipronil has proven toxic to honeybees, fish, invertebrates, and birds. Other chemicals have shown up in bird nests and rivers, and can even possibly affect the emotional and cognitive behavior of your pets. Essential oils like thyme can be harmful, too, but when diluted and handled properly, they are safe and effective. As natural ingredients, they break down easily and won't remain in the soil for decades, nor harmful to wildlife.

Thyme oil can be purchased at herbal centers or from major retailers, like Amazon. It comes in highly concentrated form, which undiluted can cause eye and skin irritation, so it's best to wear gloves and eye protection when making your preparation. Undiluted essential oils should not be ingested, as they can potentially cause digestive, neurological, and other health problems. Thyme in herb form is not toxic to dogs or cats, fortunately, but you should keep the essential oil away from them. If you don't like the smell of thyme, there are also other essential oils you can use to repel fleas and ticks. However, you should still consult your physician and veterinarian before using.

It only takes a few drops of thyme oil in a spray bottle filled with water to produce a flea spray. Shake the bottle well, then spray on areas where fleas are likely to hide, such as carpets, bedding, pillows, upholstery, and pet beds. You should not spray your pets with it, though you can add a few drops of thyme oil to your pet's shampoo as a natural flea deterrent. You can also add 10 to 20 drops into a diffuser and let it do its work. Save your thyme oil and the spray you've made: It's also an excellent way to keep mosquitoes away. If you find this treatment is not helping reduce your flea population, you should reach out to a pest control professional.