DIY Herbal Flea- & Tick-Control Powders - Part 2

Hello Everyone!  Early fall is upon us, the temps are beginning to cool a wee bit, but the blood-thirsty, irritating fleas and ticks are still a menace . . . for sure.  Today, I want to share with you another all-natural, herbal flea- and tick-control powder recipe from my book, "Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects" (Storey Publishing c2016).

It's made in the same manner as the "Bugs-Be-Gone Powder" recipe that appeared in my previous blog posted on August 18, 2016 - "DIY Herbal Flea- & Tick-Control Powders - Part 1".  If you want to refer back to it, you can go to my website www.stephanietourles.com and click on the "B" for Blogger and look it up that way or you can buy the book (only $10.95 from book retailers everywhere) and find it on page 141.  If you like the aroma of lemongrass, then you'll enjoy today's recipe. Makes your dog(s) or cat(s) smell mildly earthy with a hint of lemon.  Remember, if making this for cats of any age, omit the lemongrass essential oil.  The lemongrass powder will impart sufficient scent and flea/tick control benefits. 

Bite Ban Flea & Tick Powder

Lemongrass and neem, two of nature's best pest-repelling herbs, come together in this pleasant, earthy-lemony scented powder. This recipe doubles as a carpet treatment powder to prevent or rid your home of flea-infestations.  Simply sprinkle very, very lightly on carpets, allow to remain for 48-72 hours, then vacuum up. No worries about toxicity to pets and young children if trod upon.  It's completely safe.  (FYI - this recipe is found on page 141 of my book.)

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups food-grade diatomaceous earth (container MUST say "food-grade")
- 1/4 cup lemongrass powder (available from www.mountainroseherbs.com)
- 1/4 cup neem leaf powder (available from www.mountainroseherbs.com)
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

NOTE:  Omit essential oils in powders made for cats of all ages AND for dogs and under one year old.

Directions:  This recipe yields 2 cups of powder. You'll need a medium bowl and whisk, and plastic, cardboard, metal, or glass application and storage container.  A good application container is a recycled herb or spice jar with a perforated lid - or make one yourself using a pint-size or quart-size Mason jar - using a nail and hammer to poke a dozen or so holes in the top.

Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and gently whisk to blend.  Add the essential oil (if not making for cats or young pups), scattering the drops around the powder, and whisk again to combine.  Loosely spoon the mixture into the container(s), then shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.  Label and date the powder.  Allow the powder to synergize for 24 hours prior to use.  Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year.

Application:  To ensure maximum effectiveness, sprinkle the powder evenly and uniformly from nose to tail, and as close to your pet's skin as possible, massaging it in really well.  Fleas and ticks will rush to any part of your pet that is dust-free, so address the entire face, ears, genitals, anus, and between the toes. Pick off and destroy any fleas and ticks that start scurrying around.  When applying to the face, be extra careful not to get powder in the eyes, nose, and mouth, as it is irritating to mucous membranes.  Repeat once or twice per week, as needed, to control fleas and ticks.

Remember, that simply using a flea/tick powder on your pet is not an assurance that these pests will disappear.  It's a start. You still have to vacuum daily (initially), treat your floors with the appropriate powders, comb your pets daily, change their bedding weekly, etc., to get ahead of the reproductive cycles of the pests. It takes work, but, to me, it's better than infusing your home and your pets with toxic chemicals. See page 122-125 of my book for the full discussion on how to be proactive against fleas and ticks!

CAUTION:  When treating mature pets under 5 lbs. or young kittens and pups, carefully apply very small amounts of powder to one section of the body at a time, massaging it into the skin very gently to minimize dust. 

Useful Suggestion: To prevent making a dust cloud in your home, I suggest powdering both your indoor and outdoor pets outside, keeping them controlled with a comfortable harness and leash (this includes cats).  Most pets will shake off much of the powder immediately after being treated, but if you've massaged it close to the skin, a sufficient amount should remain to do the job. 

Disclaimer: This blog was written by Stephanie Tourles and adapted from her book, "Naturally Bug-Free" (Storey Publishing c 2016).  The information is true and complete to the best of her knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information.  It is for educational purposes only.