In my opinion, a homemade flea and tick spray should be used in addition to a prescription preventive. Not in place of.
You cannot be too careful when it comes to fleas and ticks.
The severity of the threat also depends on where you live.
Here in Illinois, we are warned about ticks all the time.
I don’t ever want to mess around with our prevention methods.
However, a DIY flea and tick spray is perfect for summer when you really can’t be too safe.
When it’s nice out, we try to go on more walks and adventures with the dogs. Many of our go-to places are in the woods.
Our dogs take an oral flea and tick preventative, but this spray smells awesome and seems to keep all sorts of bugs away.
Essential oils are very effective and they are safe when used properly.
They also give your pet’s coat a nice fresh scent, so that’s an added bonus.
I suggest that you always opt for 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils when creating DIY’s for yourself or your pets no matter what brand you favor.
I apply peppermint oil on myself before every walk. It seems to help keep bugs away quite a bit.
Come to think of it, there’s no reason I can’t use this spray myself!
DIY Homemade Flea and Tick Spray
What you need:
- 1 part water
- 1 part Witch Hazel
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Lemon essential oil
- 3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
You will also need:
- Dark colored spray bottle, 4 oz.
- Plastic pipettes
Directions:
- Use blue or amber colored glass bottles as essential oils can lose their potency when exposed to UV rays and they also eat away at plastic.
- Fill bottle halfway with water, fill the remainder of the way with witch hazel.
- Add essential oil and shake well to combine.
- Coat your dog’s fur generously with the spray, shake before each use to combine all the ingredients well.
- If you find you are using the spray frequently, you can double or triple this recipe, so you don’t have to make it as often.
Homemade Flea and Tick Spray
A spray to use in addition to your vet's recommended flea and tick prevention.
Materials
- 2 oz Water
- 2 oz Witch Hazel
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Lemon essential oil
- 3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
Tools
- Dark colored spray bottle, 4 oz.
- Plastic pipettes
Instructions
- Fill bottle halfway with water.
- Fill the rest with witch hazel. Leave a little room for the oils.
- Add essential oils using the pipettes.
- Shake well to combine.
To Use
- Shake before each use.
- Spray on your dog, coating the fur generously with the spray, before heading outdoors.
Notes
It's important to use blue or amber colored glass bottles. Essential oils can lose their potency when exposed to UV rays, and they also eat away at plastic.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More dog DIY’s:
- Frozen banana and peanut butter dog treat recipe
- Minty fresh homemade dog toothpaste
- DIY Dog First Aid Kits for adventurous pets
Do you make flea and tick spray for your pets?
Or, do you stick with prescription only?
Georgie
Sunday 5th of April 2020
Is this something you can spray on people as well?
Jennifer
Sunday 5th of April 2020
All of the ingredients are safe to spray on people, as well -- with caution, of course. I would check each of your essential oils to make sure they are good for topical use. Otherwise, do a patch test on your skin first. Or just spray your clothes.
Misty Alexander
Saturday 4th of April 2020
Should you spray the dogs wet or dry. Or does it matter?
Jennifer
Sunday 5th of April 2020
Hi Misty! I do it when they are dry. Damp would probably be okay, but not straight out of the water. You can massage it into the skin a bit, too. :)
Georgia
Sunday 28th of April 2019
Hey there! Do you know if you could use this spray to treat your home as well? Thanks!!
Jennifer
Sunday 28th of April 2019
Hi Georgia! It's a blend of essential oils, so it should be fine in your home. However, if you have a flea and tick problem indoors, I would call a professional. Thank you!
Laura
Saturday 6th of April 2019
How often should you spray your dogs?
Jennifer
Saturday 6th of April 2019
We do it before walks or really anything outdoors. There have been tick-sitings even in our backyard, so the spray doesn't hurt as added protection. The spray is in addition to their monthly preventative from the vet, though. I wouldn't use spray alone. Hope that helps. :)
Charu
Monday 9th of July 2018
Hi, I wanted to ask if this recipe is safe for Cats? Thanks.
Jennifer
Monday 9th of July 2018
Hi Charu! This was given to me for "pets". I just happen to have dogs, so I know more about them than cats. I would ask your vet just to be 100% sure. Thanks! :)