Essential oils that repel fleas and ticks include citronella, rosemary, and rose geranium. Buy only 100 percent pure essential oils, and using an eyedropper, put just one or two drops on the collar. Repeat each week. Some animals are very sensitive to the strong smell of essential oils, so start with just one drop and increase to two if they seem to tolerate the smell. Caution Pennyroyal shouldn't be used around pets, especially pregnant pets.
Cats are sensitive to citrus, so avoid citronella.
Make sure not to get the essential oil in the pet s eyes or directly on their skin. Disguise the cloves in food they can t refuse. The odor the pet emits after eating garlic repels fleas and ticks. Many of the essential oils recommended above also repel black flies. A 78 page book that presents information on controlling fleas using techniques that do not require insecticides, as well as descriptions of insecticidal products and their proper use to maximize effectiveness and minimize contact.