Natural Flea and Tick Remedy: Peppermint Oil

While the dog may be man's best friend, fleas sure aren't. Unfortunately, the commercial remedies that get rid of these pests are not, either; the chemicals in flea and tick repellent are not only bad for the environment, but they can make your dog ill. This doesn't mean your pet has to suffer an invasion of pesky insects, though. Peppermint oil is a natural, albeit toxic, flea and tick remedy. Plus, it will make your pet smell good.

Why does peppermint oil work?

It may create a refreshing aroma, but peppermint oil is deadly to insects like fleas and ticks. In fact, it is one of the most toxic octopamine blockers found in nature. Octopamine is a key neurotransmitter that is found in invertebrates-it is an insect's equivalent to adrenaline. It regulates the heart rate, movement, behavior, and metabolism of these critters. Peppermint oil blocks the production of octopamine, causing the insect's central nervous system to break down. This is bad news for the little pests.

How to use peppermint oil as a flea repellent

There are several ways you can use peppermint oil as a flea and tick repellent. Your first option is to give your dog a bath in diluted peppermint oil (or peppermint leaves) every two weeks-or you could try peppermint soap instead for the same effect. In between baths, spray this mixture on your dog: five drops peppermint oil, five drops tea tree oil, five drops citronella oil, five drops rosemary oil, five drops eucalyptus oil, and one cup of water. Finally, you could make a homemade flea collar for your dog: just rub a little peppermint oil on the back of your dog's regular collar and put it back on.

Relieve itching with peppermint oil

But peppermint oil doesn't just repel unwanted insects; it also helps relieve itching that is caused by insect bites (in both humans and pets). Menthol in the peppermint stimulates the nerves that sense coldness, which is why you feel that familiar cooling sensation. It also inhibits those nerves that react to painful stimuli, temporarily relieving that itchy sensation a dog might feel when he is bitten by fleas. Although the sensation may only last a little while, its effectiveness in temporarily soothing the itching is great.

Most people abhor the idea of dousing their dogs in commercial flea and tick repelling chemicals, but the possibility of these insects invading your home is a scary thought. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to getting rid of your dog's pesky friends; use peppermint oil to repel insects and to relieve the itch after your pet has been bitten. Not only does this solution keep your pets insect-free, but it will keep him smelling fresh.