It has been a really mild winter for us in the Great Northwest. While that has meant a lot more opportunities to take Fido hiking this winter, it also means that we have not had the freezing temperature we usually get to kill off those pesky ticks and fleas. And have you heard the mosquito forecast for this year? They are saying we will not only be seeing more, but bigger, mosquitoes this summer thanks to our milder temperatures.
Fleas and ticks not only cause itching and discomfort for your pet, they can also transmit diseases. So what can you do to protect your pet against these pesky pests?
Ever think about planting your garden with plants that can help deter fleas, ticks and other pests, naturally?
Below are my six favorite plants to have in the yard to help repel fleas and ticks:
- Sage: considered a natural flea repellent, sage can also be used for cooking. There are many varieties to choose from.
- Mint: all varieties will help repel fleas, so you can have fun with lots of different mints. Tip: keep different varieties away from each other so they do not cross-pollinate. Mints are very invasive. You can plant them in pots and then plant the pots in the ground or put them on your patio to keep them confined to one area. Plant mint with your tomatoes and cabbages to help get rid of white flies and aphids. You can also use a few mint leaves to flavor your water or you can chew on them to freshen your breath.
- Lavender: this plant is also a member of the mint family. It is generally regarded as safe for pets, smells wonderful, and for do-it-yourselfers can be used to scent soaps, make sachets, and flavor your food and water. Check the variety as not all varieties work well for all applications.
- Rosemary: this evergreen herb bush grows well in our area. Besides being known for repelling fleas and ticks, this plant is also said to repel mosquitoes and flies. Another plus, you can use it to flavor your spaghetti sauce and other dishes!
- Catmint: (In a study at Iowa State University, researchers found that the essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, is 10 times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellents) But be careful, you will have all of the cats in the neighborhood visiting your catnip patch!
- Lemongrass: smells wonderful, and can be used to repel fleas and mosquitoes. Lemongrass is also used in some dishes to add a little lemon flavor.
Besides planting these in your yard or in pots on your patio, you can also sprinkle dried or fresh leaves in your pet’s bedding or under your furniture or put them in sachets and place the sachet packets in different areas in your home.
While these plants are generally regarded as safe for both cats and dogs, keep an eye on your pets for any reactions and know what plants they have been around so you can let your veterinarian know if you suspect a problem.
Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter: Plan a visit today, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check out all of our adoptable pets: www.everettanimalservices.org. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel: www.youtube.com/thecityofEverett.
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