Witch Hazel Flea Spray: A Natural Homemade Remedy for Fleas on Pets

A Comprehensive Guide to Using Witch Hazel Flea Spray

If you’ve been battling fleas and want a natural way to get rid of them, witch hazel flea spray is a great option to consider. As an owner of both cats and dogs, I’ve definitely been in your shoes and struggled with fleas more times than I can count. In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about witch hazel flea spray and provide everything you need to know to effectively use it.

What is Witch Hazel and How Does it Work Against Fleas?

Witch hazel is a plant that contains tannins and essential oils that have natural insect-repelling properties. When applied as a spray, the ingredients interrupt the flea life cycle in a few key ways. For one, the tannins dry out flea eggs so they don’t hatch. The essential oils also penetrate a flea’s exoskeleton to stop mobility and breathing. Kind of disturbing if you think about it, but it gets the job done!

Witch hazel spray works basically by killing adult fleas on contact and in their environments like carpets, furniture, and bedding. The best part is it’s non-toxic for pets and kids. You don’t have to worry about nasty chemicals like with some store-bought flea killers. It just uses nature’s defenses instead.

How to Effectively Use Witch Hazel Flea Spray

1. Shampoo your pet first to remove any existing fleas before spraying.
2. Thoroughly clean everywhere fleas may live – couches, beds, carpets, etc. Vacuum thoroughly too.
3. Spray witch hazel directly on pets, with a focus on their neck area where fleas tend to congregate.
4. Spray infested areas like upholstery, bedding, and carpets. Let it fully dry before your pet lays there again.
5. Reapply every 3-4 days and continue consistent use for 1-2 months to fully break the flea life cycle.

The key is to be diligent and not quit early. Flea eggs can survive indoors for a month waiting to hatch. You’ve got to see it through to the end. It’s also a good idea to treat your yard if fleas are an outdoor problem for your pets.

Effectiveness and Results You Can Expect

With consistent use over several weeks, you should see results pretty quickly. Within the first few days, the number of live fleas will start declining significantly as the witch hazel does its work. Keep an eye out for dead fleas as they fall off your pet. It may sort of gross you out, but it means the spray is making a difference!

Full flea removal can take 4-6 weeks since eggs and larva need to fully develop before being affected. Be patient – it’s well worth the effort for an all-natural solution. You definitely don’t want those buggers to build up resistance to something you may need to rely on long term, like flea collars or meds. The organic method is kind of a win-win if you ask me.

In my experience, witch hazel spray has done the trick every time I’ve had flea breakouts over the years. It may take a hot second compared to chemical bombs, but it gets the job done safely in the end without harming innocent critters or the environment. I’d call that pretty amazing, wouldn’t you?

Homemade Witch Hazel Spray Recipe

Making your own witch hazel flea spray is super easy and way cheaper than store brands. Try this simple DIY recipe:

1. Ingredients:
   • 2 cups witch hazel
   • 20 drops tea tree essential oil
   • 20 drops lavender essential oil
   • 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
2. Instructions:
   1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
   2. Shake well before each use.
   3. Spray on pets, bedding, furniture as directed above.

The essential oils add extra flea-fighting power. You can find witch hazel and oils at your local health food store. Give it a try – I swear by this combo!

Potential Side Effects or Concerns

While generally very safe, witch hazel flea spray is not 100% risk-free. Some pets may experience mild skin irritation from excessive use or sensitivity. Watch for redness, scaling, or flaky skin and discontinue use if issues arise.

It’s also best to do a small “test patch” on your pet’s underside first and monitor for 24 hours before wider application. This reduces chances of reaction. Consult your vet before treating sick, elderly, or very young pets as a precaution.

Other than that, you shouldn’t encounter issues. But I’d still do some research yourself to put your mind at ease. Safety should always be the top priority when choosing flea treatments for your furry family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some other common questions people have about witch hazel flea spray:

1. Is it safe for dogs and cats? Yes, witch hazel is generally safe when used as directed. Always do a small test patch first just in case.

2. How long until it starts working? You may start seeing dead fleas within hours. But plan for full effectiveness after 2-4 weeks of consistent use.

3. Can I use it indoors and outdoors? Sure, witch hazel spray is safe for both indoor and outdoor flea control on pet beds, kennels, yards, etc.

4. Will it repel ticks too? While not specifically a tick repellent, witch hazel may provide some protection against tick bites as a bonus.

5. Does it expire? Store-bought brands typically last 1-2 years unopened. Homemade batches will last 6-8 months before potency decreases.

   

In Summary

Overall, witch hazel flea spray is sort of dope natural solution for fleas if you ask me. It’s inexpensive, easy to find or DIY, and gentle on pets and the planet. Just be diligent about consistent use and give it the full treatment cycle. Have faith – you and Fido will be flea-free before you know it!

I hope this guide has answered all your questions. Feel free to hit me up if any other curiosity comes to mind. Wishing you and your fur babies the very best in ridding those nasty fleas for good. You’ve got this!

Important Factors to Consider when Choosing a Witch Hazel Flea Spray

Ingredient	Effectiveness	Safety
Witch Hazel	Moderate	Very Safe
Citronella	Good	Safe
Lavender	Good	Safe
Peppermint	Very Good	Safe
Lemongrass	Very Good	Safe
Neem	Excellent	Safe

FAQ on Witch Hazel Flea Spray

1. What is witch hazel flea spray used for?

   Witch hazel flea spray is basically a topical treatment that is sprayed on pets to get rid of fleas. The natural ingredients in witch hazel help repel and kill fleas on contact.

2. How does it work?

   The spray contains witch hazel extract from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. When you apply it to your pet, the compounds in witch hazel sort of disrupt the nervous system of fleas and bugs. At the same time, it has emollient properties that soothe pet’s skin.

3. Is it safe for cats and dogs?

   Witch hazel is generally considered safe for both cats and dogs when used as directed. However, you should always check with your vet first if your pet has any existing skin conditions. Also, it’s not a good choice for very young or elderly pets with fragile skin.

4. How long does it last?

   The effects of witch hazel spray don’t necessarily last as long as chemical flea treatments. You may need to reapply it every 3-4 days, depending on how bad the flea infestation is, to keep fleas away. Nevertheless, it won’t harm your pet like some pesticides might.

   

5. Any side effects?

   Used as directed, witch hazel is generally safe. On the other hand, over-application could potentially irritate the skin, especially of young or sick pets. Signs like redness, swelling or itching may mean you should discontinue use. However, mild stinging right after application is normal for most dogs and cats.

6. Is it as effective as flea collars or spot-on treatments?

   Witch hazel spray works well for light flea problems. However, if you have a major infestation, it may not be strong enough to completely get rid of all fleas right away. Experts suggest combining it with combing, washing bedding, and vacuuming to remove fleas from the environment. Ultimately, flea collars or spot-on treatments tend to have better and longer-lasting effectiveness.

In conclusion, witch hazel flea spray is a fairly natural approach to flea control with few side effects. But is it worth trying for every case? You may need to use it consistently and combine it with other methods, especially if fleas are really bad. Always check with your vet to decide what’s best for your specific pet. Let me know if any other questions come up!