Natural Flea & Tick Repellants

In the Northeast, fleas and ticks can be quite a problem for many months of the year. These pests can quickly and easily transmit disease to both pet and owner. In recent years, companies such as Earth Animal and Yaya Organics have developed natural flea and tick protection, allowing you to feel better when protecting your cat or dog.

Founded by Dr. Bob Goldstein, Earth Animal Nature’s Protection Flea and Tick Prevention offers a wide range of flea and tick preventative that do not contain synthetic chemicals. This lineup uses the power of medicinal herbs, essential oils, and vitamins and minerals to powerfully protect against fleas and ticks. The Nature’s Protection collection has both collars and oils, both of which can be used in conjunction with other flea and tick preventatives. Given these are free from chemicals, these products are ideal for sensitive dogs, such as border collies.

The flea and tick collars contain Virginia Cedarwood oil and peppermint oil, giving the collar a pleasant, herbal aroma. While this scent is not offensive to your pet, it is repulsive to fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and a variety of other biting insects. The spot-on treatment contains the same oils; however, it is applied once a month along the back of the animal. This treatment is water resistant. Both of these remedies contain no phthalates, DEET, synthetic chemicals, insecticides, or pesticides, and they are safe for people, cats, dogs, and the environment.

Natural products require more reapplication than chemical-based products. Given more frequent applications are required and given the Nature’s Protection lineup can be used with other repellants, the staff at the Essex County Co-Op recommend pairing Yaya Organics’ Tick Ban with your favorite Earth Animal collar or oil. This is another all natural, plant-based, and DEET free option to repel fleas and ticks.

Tick Ban is made with a blend of essential oils, including cedar, peppermint, thyme, geranium, and lemongrass. Combined, this gives a refreshing, ‘woodsy’ scent. Since this product is free from chemicals, this is safe for use 

Around the whole family, including on humans and their clothing! This product comes in a convenient spray bottle, and application is easy. To apply, shake the solution and spray onto your dog from the back of the neck to the toes. For facial application, spray Tick Ban onto a paper towel and gently apply to their face and ears.

One of the Co-Op employees, Suki, sprays her Boxer, Santino (left), with Tick Ban every time he goes outside. She enjoys this product due to its pleasant aroma, and Santino feels the same way. Suki reports that Santino says “Tick Ban keeps the bugs at bay, while not repelling my human with a chemical scent!”