We all want a safe product  for our pets and bees. It needs to stop fleas and ticks.  Many owners rely on chemical agents that contain Selamectin  and or ivermectin . Owners should be aware that some pets may not tolerate chemical agents and pursue natural remedies instead.

Prescription Flea and Tick Control

Selamectin is a “spot on” product that is absorbed into the body. Selamectin is effective against heartworms, scabies mites, and a variety of intestinal parasites as well as fleas. It is structurally related to ivermectin . Selamectin, once absorbed into the body, works on fleas by secretion onto the skin by the sebaceous glands.  Selamectin has high safety ratings, with less than 1% of pets displaying side effects. In cases where side-effects do occur, they most often include passing irritation or hair loss at the application site.  Symptoms beyond these (such as drooling, rapid breathing, lack of coordination, vomiting, or diarrhea) could be due to shock as a result of selamectin killing heartworms or other vulnerable parasites present at high levels in the bloodstreams of dogs. This would be a reaction due to undetected or underestimated infections prior to using the medication, rather than an actual allergic reaction to the drug itself. Veterinarians should preform a blood test prior to prescribing Selamectin to rule out heart worms.  

The most economical source for Selamectin is through www.pets-megastore.com.au . This website is not affiliated with this provider nor do we receive revenue when you make a purchase with them.

Ivermectin is a semisynthetic macrocyclic lactone. Ivermectin is effective against most common intestinal worms (except tapeworms), most mites, and some lice. It is not effective against fleas, ticks, flies, or flukes.  Toxicity signs include depression, disorientation, non-responsiveness, blindness, drooling, tremors, and walking like he/she is “drunk.” More severe signs, especially in the susceptible breeds, include low heart rate, low breathing rate, coma and death.  If you use Ivermectin on your per it should be prescribed and under the direction of a veterinarian.

Most conventional flea and tick products—including collars, topical treatments, sprays, and dusts—are registered as pesticides and regulated by the EPA. (Those given orally, like pills, must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.)

Natural Flea and Tick Control

Going non-toxic is an option and fleas can be controlled without resorting to harmful chemicals.

• Groom your pets regularly. Common soap (Dawn dish detergent) and water will kill adult fleas. In addition, comb your animal’s fur with a fine-tooth flea comb, and dunk any critters into a container of sudsy water.
•  Wash or launder your pet’s bedding weekly in hot, soapy water, and vacuum and wipe down pet-frequented surfaces often, including behind and underneath furniture and between couch cushions.
• Yard and garden – Diatomaceous earth is a powder that can be used on your lawn and garden.  It is an extremely fine powder and as such can be damaging if it is inhaled or gets into your or your pet’s eyes. Some people use it on their carpets and allow it to sit for extended periods before removing with a vacuum.  Caution should be taken when using diatomaceous powder.  These products should be labeled “products marketed to control pests” and not the ones labeled for use in pool filtration systems.
• Natural products and herbal remedies are a viable option.  The most important use of these agents is to insure that you and your pet are not allergic to these remedies.  Examples are: peppermint, cinnamon, lemongrass, cedarwood, or rosemary oil.   In addition you may want to choose an natural product that will not have an adverse effect on your lawn, flowers, and or garden.

The following natural products I have used personally.  The products purchased through these links are affiliate marketing links. I especially like the home and pet spray. I have used this on furnishings including pillows covered with ornate tapestry.  In addition I use on area rugs and dog bedding. Neither myself or my pet (miniature schnauzer) mind the peppermint smell.

The yard and Kennel spray I also use.  You need to apply this once your yard has been watered and you should not water for a few days post applying. If it rains or sprinklers come on you will need to reapply.   I have also sprayed my redwood deck with this spray.

These images provide additional information about these products.

TEA TREE OIL (Melaleuca alternifolia)    When diluted and used safely, tea tree oil can kill and repel fleas. … The product is formulated so that the oil is evenly distributed, reducing the toxic risk to pets. Tea Tree Oil  is among the herbal treatments listed as “especially risky” in the Merck Veterinary Manual. This is because tea tree oil is difficult to dilute properly in home kitchens. Formulas for pets contain only 0.1 to 1 percent tea tree oil. Even if you measure everything precisely and shake the bottle before spraying it on your dog’s coat, it is easy to apply more than intended. If your cat or dog licks the oil off, which pets tend to do as they groom, your pet could get very sick.  If you choose to administer a home treatment like diluted tea tree oil, please consult your veterinarian to be safe.

It’s time for action with respect to flea and tick control.  The objective is safety first and finding an effective solution to this problem.