One of the biggest challenges with pet care is dealing with a flea and tick infestation. These pests end up feeding on your furry friends, causing them to fall ill. The best way to deal with such pest problems is to avoid toxic chemical products and use natural remedies at home. Here are the top five effective and time-tested natural remedies for fleas and ticks.

1. Citrus rubs
The best product for repelling fleas and ticks is freshly squeezed citrus juice. Simply rub the extract onto your pet’s coat, and that will help keep these pests at bay and prevent their infestation. You can also use citrus-based oil extracts around the house in the form of surface sprays or home cleaners to avoid the pests from settling in the nooks and crannies. However, use them with caution, as direct contact with the oils can severely harm your pet’s health.

2. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
You can easily make this solution at home. The inherent acidic pH levels in ACV work to keep away fleas and ticks. All you need to do is mix apple cider vinegar with water in the ratio of 6:4 and add in a pinch of salt. Then apply this over your pet’s coat and underbelly region. This will help deal with any existing pest problem as well as prevent a new infestation.

3. Essential oils
While essential oils are a go-to solution for dealing with fleas and ticks, they can harm your pet if not used with caution. Make sure you only stick to recommended ones, such as peppermint, rosemary, or tea tree oil. But remember that you cannot use these oils directly without diluting them. If possible, you should speak to your vet to ensure that the oil is safe for use on your specific pet.

4. Rosemary
To prepare this remedy, boil the stem and leaves of the rosemary shrub and drain the solution for use. You can rub the mixture directly onto your pet’s coat once you have diluted it. You can also use the powdered form of dried rosemary along with rue, wormwood, and fennel to sprinkle around the house and kill fleas and ticks.

5. Water bath
This is the safest way to remove fleas and ticks from your pet on any given day. You can give your furry friend a good water bath using a mild shampoo or diluted dish liquid and brush down their fur or coat. This will drown the fleas and ticks and remove them to the maximum extent, if not entirely.

In some cases, it may be necessary to use a combination of these techniques to ensure you completely rectify a flea and tick situation with your pet and prevent the onset of any new infestation.