One moment you’re just stroking your dog on the couch and the next thing you know, you catch a little bug in your hand. It’s like you never saw it coming; ticks and fleas are super tiny and silent. They don’t only make your pets itch and scratch excessively but also spread some pretty harmful diseases, like tick fever. Even with the best pesticides, they can be hard to get rid of.

Apart from chemicals and products, there are organic and eco-friendly steps you can take for flea and tick prevention. Some of these flea and tick prevention tactics are discussed here:

1. Use oils
Essential oils act are effective against ticks and fleas. All you need to do is dilute them with water and a carrier oil like coconut oil. You can spray them around the house or even on your pet’s coat. A little neem oil or rose geranium oil will go a long way in keeping them tick-free. Coconut oil is also effective as it kills any fleas that are already on your pet, thanks to its lauric acid content. With their repellent qualities and often great smell, you can kill two birds with one stone with a little essential oil. Be careful to not overdo it though, as pets tend to get overwhelmed or even sick with too much of it.

2. Use garlic
Garlic helps in flea and tick prevention, and it’s safe to feed your dog with it as well. For one day, about half a clove per 20 pounds of body weight is a good measure to be safely included in your pet’s diet. Crush it up, put a little in their meals, and keep the pests at bay.

3. Use a comb
The thing about any good flea comb is that no fleas and flea eggs can escape its close-set teeth. Ensure that you pick a sturdy one, and take time out every other day and sit with your pet and a comb.

So, there’s a lot you can do to help the problem before it even becomes a major one. And if you have a yard for your pets, some fleas and ticks are sure to be lurking around. Consider some extra measures for outdoor flea and tick prevention as well:

4. Create a boundary
If you have bushes or natural growth next to your backyard, consider some fencing with extra space. With a three-foot boundary around your grass, ticks and fleas can’t get to your pets. Further, debris like wood piles and cardboard is a prime breeding ground for pests, so clear up and keep them out.

5. Use a lawnmower
Ensure that the grass isn’t overgrown. Little creatures can move and reproduce in it if you let it get too tall, so it is best to mow your lawn often.

6. Use plants
If this is a recurrent issue for your pets, consider growing some plants to help deal with it. Flowers like Chrysanthemums don’t just repel ticks and fleas, but they also make your yard look great! Other options include rosemary, chamomile, and lavender.