Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

Animals are more sensitive to chemicals and smells than humans. Many of the household pest control products we use can literally kill our animals. You can create some simple home remedies for pest control that do not endanger your animals and still combat pest problems. I have experimented (mostly with essential oils and herbs) and found a few that work. The key with essential oils is remembering to redo them periodically. They are not designed to kill the pests – only deter them. They do not saturate the ground, blood, or equipment and remain there indefinitely like some chemicals; you cannot apply one time and forget about it. Please check with your vet regarding direct application methods. Some animals are not suitable for direct application methods.

Mosquitoes

Method 1 (cage) – Cut strips of cloth or heavy paper simulating fly paper (long, thin). Add 3-5 drops of lemongrass or citronella essential oil. Hang at entry points or 4-5 ft intervals if outdoors.

Method 2 (direct application) – Mix together 1 cup of fresh, minced catnip and 2 cups of vinegar. Let it sit for 10-14 days so it is infused then use strained mixture in a spray bottle for outdoor protection (good for humans too!).

Method 3 (direct application) – Mix together 3 drops each of lemongrass, citronella, and lavender oils with 16 oz. water. Use in a spray bottle.

Ants

Put 3-5 drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oils on a wet, thin cotton rope at 12 inch intervals. Run rope outside and around cage on the ground (preferably around the entire cage) out of reach of animal. Planting the actual plants around an outdoor cage will also help deter ants.

Fleas

Method 1 (cage) - After cleaning mix 5 drops eucalyptus oil with 8 oz. water. Use spray bottle to apply to cage. Allow to dry prior to placing items (and animal) back in cage.

Method 2 (direct application) – Add 4 drops of eucalyptus oil to Method 3 for Mosquitoes ingredients listed above.

Flies

Method 1 (bedding) - Put dried lavender and/or dried peppermint directly under the bedding material.

Method 2 (cage ) - Plant rue, lavender, and/or peppermint around outdoor cages.

Method 3 (cage) – cut strips of cloth or heavy paper similar to flypaper shape. Add 3-5 drops of lavender or peppermint oil and hang in 4-5 ft intervals around cage or entry point.

Fruit Flies

Set a glass of alcohol (ingestible) near the cage. The flies are attracted to the alcohol and will drown. This does not work entirely unless ALL wet food is removed, but it does help keep down the population. I am still looking for a better natural remedy.

Mice

Method 1 (cage) - Saturate heavy cardboard squares or shredded material with 10-15 drops of patchouli, peppermint, or spearmint essential oils. Place at entry points.

Method 2 (cage) – plant peppermint, patchouli, spearmint or rue outside of cages. (Caution: use gloves to handle rue and keep well away from your pet.)

Red Mites

Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar in 8 oz. of milk. Soak a piece of material in the mixture, squeeze, and hang (while still wet) all around and as close to cage as possible without touching or dripping into cage. Do this just prior to nightfall. Remove first thing in the morning. This should only be used as a temporary measure until the mites can be eradicated. It will deter any mites that are outside of the cage from entering although it will not help with any hiding in the cage.

Many folk remedies for natural pest control exist. It is worth experimenting to develop your own methods. Remember that once you find something that works you will need to continually refresh it to keep it working. Using natural methods is a healthy alternative to chemical pest control for your exotic pet.

Do you have a natural method of pest control you use for your pets? Share your methods in our forum.