Natural Repellent against Ticks and Fleas for you and your pet!

I know this isn't a pleasant subject to talk about, but it is one that is very important to me.  My dad was diagnosed with Lyme disease in  the late 80's.  Unfortunately, back then, there was little information about the disease.  By the time dad was given the proper medication, he was already experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Sadly, dad never did recover from this dilapidating disease. The next few years, our family had to watch, as he quickly changed from a strong, vibrant man, to one who suffered excruciating pain daily. He also suffered with swollen joints, and eventually it was so hard for him to get around that he was forced to quit farming.  (something he loved more than anything!)

Dad passed away October, 1997, he was only 60 yrs old.

Several years later, my brother was diagnosed with Lyme disease.  He was lucky.  He caught the disease in time, and he was treated with antibiotics.  Even so, my brother still suffers from joint pain and weakness at times.

Lyme disease is obviously a serious disease, and yes, even now, it can be fatal.  It is extremely important to protect yourselves, and your pets from the ticks that cause this disease.

The difficult question is-HOW?  Of course there are repellents out there that promise great results, but at what cost to you and your pets health.  Have you read the ingredients in these products?  I have, and they aren't HEALTHY!

But there is another option.  A HEALTHY option!

We've all heard the many benefits and uses for vinegar.  But did you know it can be an ingredient in preventing ticks and fleas?

I didn't, but  thankfully, my daughter, Mel, did.

She sent me this email a few days ago:

WOODTICK 2014 PREVENTION

This could be the most important health information of the day! It’s predicted to be an epidemic again this year, and these things are as lethal as a venomous snake in the wrong scenario! Please not only read it, but share it! Make sure we get the word out about wood ticks b/c they carry serious diseases !

It's finally almost summer! Time for camping, hiking and getting outside to play. Don't let those pesky annoying wood ticks stop you. Here's how, with a simple homemade solution.

Repellent for your pets:

For pets, add 1 cup of water to a spray bottle, followed by 2 cups of distilled white vinegar. Ticks hate the smell and taste of vinegar, and the ticks will be easily be repelled by this ingredient alone. Then, add two spoonfuls of vegetable or almond oil, which both contain sulfur (another natural tick repellent).

To make a repellent that will also deter fleas, mix in a few spoonfuls of lemon juice, citrus oil, or peppermint oil, any of which will repel ticks and fleas while also creating a nicely scented repellent. Spray onto the pet's dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas including eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. When  your pets are outdoors for an extended period, spray this solution on them two to three times per day.

For you and your family:

In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water. To make a scented solution so you do not smell like bitter vinegar all day, add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Eucalyptus oil is a calm, soothing scent that also works as a tick repellent, while peppermint and citrus oils give off a strong crisp scent that also repel ticks.

After mixing the solution, spray onto clothing, skin, and hair before going outdoors. Reapply every four hours to keep ticks at bay, and examine your skin and hair when back inside to make sure no ticks are on the body. 

  
 Using chemical-free solutions are very important to me, so I will be trying this natural repellent on my family and our Bentley.  I encourage you to do so too!  If not, I implore you to research other options, and please, please protect your loved ones from this deadly disease.
Blessings,

C.D.