Just wondering is any of you could explain how you use this other than adding it to shampoo? I am looking to use it as a spray to spray on the dogs before going out each time because I found two ticks on Henry one this week and one last. I know they are going to be awful this year and I'm just trying to do whatever I can to keep them off the dog. We use K9 Advantix and my husband also bought tick and flea treatment stuff for the yard and treated it this past weekend (and will have to repeat in a few weeks). Does the Neem oil really work to repel fleas and ticks? Also what does it smell like? Is it strong and pungent or kind of pleasant?
Neem oil how to use
- Thread starter jesshall
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marymrumfelt
Forums Enthusiast
I've been using essential oils to repel fleas/ticks for over a year with success. I never use any chemicals, only oils, and haven't even seen a flea on them yet. Ticks are a bit hard, but even the toxic tick poison doesn't always work. For ticks, I'd actually suggest Euclaptyus oil as it's been proven ticks hate it and I put it directly on a tick not too long ago and it died.
We make up a spray of water(filtered), or we use vinegar, ten drops of eucalyptus oil, and almond oil and apply that to dogs, humans, and yard daily.
Oh, we also drop a drop of straight oil on their collars each week and the smell usually lasts a week. I've also soaked their collars in the solution but I found it better to put a single drop of the oil on the collar, let it dry, then put it back on the dog. don't use essential oils on cats and don't let the cat around the dog until it's dried if you have one.
It works fabulous for us but then again holistics don't always work unless you live an entirely holistic lifestyle. Meaning using essential oils and toxins can make it not work because the toxins tax the body and fleas(not as much sure about ticks) will be more drawn to them because of this. It's worth a shot, though. It clearly works as we haven't had a flea (and less ticks)in 16 months! I've seen less ticks , but do occasionally find them If I forget to spray. We use Diatamacious Earth in the yard also and I, believe, it kills ticks.
GOOD LUCK!!
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How often do you treat your yard with the Diatamacious Earth? If the flea and tick meds are so toxic why do vets push them?
marymrumfelt
Forums Enthusiast
It's a white powder and I treat it once the powder is gone. It's windy where I live so it takes more often for me, also do it after it rains. Ann suggested something great to me and it was poking some holes in a coffee can and using that to apply it to the yard -- worked fabulous!!!
The coffee can suggestion is genius!!! It's safe to use around the dogs right? Do you mind me asking how much you pay for it and how big the bags are? Also where do you get it?
marymrumfelt
Forums Enthusiast
I order mine from here:
http://www.allstarhealth.com/
If you want diatamacious earth, call a local nursery or gardening store. The chains, like Home Depot, don't usually carry it.
marymrumfelt
Forums Enthusiast
Oh, yeah, it's safe, make sure it's FOOD GRADE. Yes, I feed it to the dogs even because it cuts down on the flies. It's also a fabulous de-wormer should you ever need to do that. DE is in all bisquik/flour/etc to help with weevils. It's really good for you to eat, actually, but most importantly, it kills all kinds of bugs.
I got a 50lb bag a year ago and still have so much. I can't remember the price, but it's not expensive. I'm thinking at this rate the bag will last three years!
You can read up on it here:
http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html
If you want to call around to find it, it's pronounced die-uh-ta-may-chus earth.
Ann
Moderator
You can also find DE in all sizes, prices and from several places on Amazon. It's not expensive, as Mary said, but it's the shipping that will kill you. I got a 50 lb bag last year too and the shipping was ridiculous.
I'm stumped though. I've been putting it down in our dog yard and it may be killing the ticks and fleas but there are ant hills all over the place. I can't figure out why it isn't killing them too!
I'm stumped though. I've been putting it down in our dog yard and it may be killing the ticks and fleas but there are ant hills all over the place. I can't figure out why it isn't killing them too!
marymrumfelt
Forums Enthusiast
Wow @ shipping! I was able to find it locally, thankfully!
I have read similar things about it not working for ants! Odd because I've seen dead spiders in the piles of DE that were similar in size. Resilient little ones!