YOUR YARD AND GARDEN
One effective, non-toxic method of repelling fleas is planting certain herbs in your yard. If your yard is frequented by wildlife or domestic cats, try planting some of these herbs to repel fleas and other pests. These herbs can also be used in conjunction with other natural flea control methods, such as flea-eating nematodes and diatomaceous earth.
Lavender
As well as being a lovely smelling, aromatic herb with many uses, lavender will repel fleas. It also attracts many beneficial insects. Lavender will help protect nearby plants from insects such as whitefly.
Pennyroyal
The penny royal plant will repel fleas, and the leaves can be crushed and rubbed into your skin as a natural insect repellant. Pennyroyal is highly toxic to cats. Do not plant pennyroyal where cats might ingest it, and never rub the crushed leaves into the cat’s skin.
Catnip
As well as being well-loved by many cats, catnip will also deter fleas, beetles, aphids, ants, etc.
Mint
Planting mint can also be an effective deterrent to fleas, not to mention a key ingredient in many foods and drinks. Mint can be very invasive; it will grow under any condition, spreads quickly and is hard to remove. Be careful about where it’s planted and keep it maintained.
Wormwood
Wormwood is an excellent deterrent to most insects. Use it as a tea to repel fleas, moths, and snails. Be aware, wormwood produces a botanical toxin, so keep it away from any food crops.
FLEA DESTROYER™ is a live product that kills fleas in the yard and garden where they breed, but is harmless to people, pets and the environment. It’s made up of millions of microscopic organisms that actually penetrate the body of juvenile fleas living in the soil. After killing the juveniles these organisms will reproduce and continue searching for more pests.
For effective flea control, a three-part program is important: fleas must be attacked on animals and their bedding, in the carpet and upholstery if inside and outside on the ground. It’s easy to use: all you do is mix it with water and spray the affected area.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, mechanical insecticide, absorbent for liquids, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a stabilizing component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.
Diatomite is used as an insecticide, due to its physico-sorptive properties. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency. This also works against gastropods and is commonly employed in gardening to defeat slugs. However, since slugs inhabit humid environments, efficacy is very low. It is sometimes mixed with an attractant or other additives to increase its effectiveness. Medical-grade diatomite is sometimes used to de-worm both animals and humans, with questionable efficacy. It is most commonly used in lieu of boric acid, and can be used to help control and eventually eliminate cockroach and flea infestations. This material has wide application for insect control in grain storage. It has also been used to control bedbug infestations, but this method may take weeks to work.
It has been employed as a primary ingredient in a type of cat litter. The type of silica used in cat litter comes from freshwater sources and does not pose a significant health risk to pets or humans.
Diatomaceous earth can be purchased at Lowe’s, Walmart, Amazon, Tractor Supply and Chewy.com
YOUR OPOSSUMS
| ADVANTAGE IIAdvantage II is a monthly flea preventative for dogs and cats that offers comprehensive flea protection by killing adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. Advantage II also treats, prevents, and controls lice on dogs. IT IS SAFE FOR USE ON OPOSSUMS. CONTACT OSUS FOR A CHART ON USAGE FOR OPOSSUMS ONE POUND AND UNDER. FOLLOW THE SAME INSTRUCTIONS FOR A CAT, BY POUNDS, FOR OPOSSUMS OVER ONE POUND. The opossum will have a chemical smell for a few days after application ONLY USE KITTEN AND CAT DOSES ON OPOSSUMS- NOT DOG | |
| Benefits:•Kills fleas within 12 hours of application•Kills all flea life stages including flea eggs and larvae to prevent infestation•Treats, prevents, and controls lice infestations (dogs only)•Safe and easy to apply•Waterproof – remains effective even if animal gets wetHow it works: The first active ingredient is imidacloprid, which acts on the nervous system of the flea to cause paralysis and subsequent death. Within 12 hours of application, 98-100 percent of fleas are dead. The second active ingredient, pyriproxyfen, is an insect growth regulator. Once a female flea lays her eggs, pyriproxyfen works to prevent the eggs from hatching, ending the flea life cycle. Cautions: Individual sensitivities, while rare, may occur after using any pesticide product for pets. If signs persist, or become more severe, consult a veterinarian immediately. Do not get this product in an animal’s eyes or mouth. | |
| Active Ingredient(s): Imidacloprid (9.1%), Pyriproxyfen (0.46%) Other ingredients (90.44%) What is this product used for: Advantage II Kitten, Advantage II Small Cat and Advantage II Large Cat are once a month topical flea prevention and treatment for cats and kittens over 8 weeks or older Availability:Advantage II for cats and Advantage II for dogs are non-prescription (OTC) products. How this product should be used: Advantage II Kitten is available in 0.23 ml applicators for kittens under 5 lbs (turquoise). Advantage II Small Cat is available in 0.4 ml applicators for cats 5-9 lbs (orange). Advantage II Large Cat is available in 0.8 ml applicators for cats 9 lbs and over (purple). On cats (and opossums), apply to skin on neck at the base of the skull. |
http://www.1800petmeds.com/Advantage+II+-prod10433.html
YOUR HOME
FLEA BUSTER
It is a unique alternative to liquid pesticides and foggers. The flea powder kills fleas physically rather than chemically, thus fleas cannot build up an immunity to the product. Fleabusters has served millions of homes across the United States for over 20 years, and proudly stand by their “kills fleas for one-year” money back guarantee.
Flea Control Services: In-home flea service treatment. Check their website for natural flea service treatment, dust mite treatment, natural outdoor flea control and flea treatment service locations.
Flea Control Products for the do-it-yourself person. Flea treatment products are available for purchase online including; flea powder, chemical free flea shampoo, mites treatment, fleabuster nematodes for your yard.
https://www.bing.com/shop?q=fleabusters+powder&FORM=SSAPC1&overlayId=57548029199
Try any or all of these flea control suggestions. Don’t forget that any effective flea control program requires treating your opossums, their environment and treating your home (if opossums are housed indoors). Treatment must be maintained consistently in order to be effective.