Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant in the allium family that can grow up to 2 feet tall and has white flowers with purple veins. Garlic has been used for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The active ingredient in garlic is allicin, which is formed when an enzyme breaks down alliin (another compound found in garlic). Allicin is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with eating garlic, such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Garlic has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for many ailments, including heart disease and high cholesterol. You may have heard that garlic can even help prevent cancer. But one of the lesser-known benefits of this delicious herb is its ability to repel pests, including fleas.
Fleas are blood-sucking insects that can transmit diseases such as plague, typhus, and leishmaniasis (a bacterial infection spread by sandflies). They’re also known to carry tapeworm larvae in their guts, which can be passed through their bite wounds into your skin or fur. These parasites can make pets miserable; they scratch and bite themselves constantly due to itching caused by flea bites or embedded flea eggs.
Garlic contains sulfur compounds that make it a potent insect repellent even more effective than DEET When rubbed directly.
How Does Garlic Work as a Repellent?
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is responsible for its powerful smell. This compound is also what makes garlic an effective repellent against mosquitoes and other insects.
When you crush garlic, the allicin is released into the air and can be smelled by mosquitoes up to 100 feet away. Mosquitoes are naturally attracted to carbon dioxide, so they follow the scent of garlic. When they get close enough to you, they smell allicin and fly away. Additionally, garlic contains some vitamins and minerals that make it an attractive food source for humans but not so much for insects.
This repellent effect lasts for up to 30 minutes after crushing or chewing garlic, which is plenty of time for you to enjoy your meal without being bothered by pests.
How Long Does It Take for Garlic to Repel Fleas?
Garlic is a natural flea repellent, and it can take as little as 1-2 hours for your dog’s skin to begin to smell of garlic. It will take time for this method of repelling fleas to work effectively; you should expect it to take around 3 weeks for the garlic smell to completely dissipate from your home once you have begun using it as a deterrent against fleas
However, the effects of garlic will continue to last after the initial application. It takes about 24 hours for garlic oil to fully absorb into your dog’s skin, which means that it will remain effective for at least two days after you apply it.
How Do You Use Garlic for Fleas?
Garlic is a great alternative to chemical treatments for fleas. It can be applied to the skin of your pet or used as an essential oil in their bedding, and it also helps repel mosquitoes and ticks. Here’s how to do it:
1. Place some organic garlic cloves in a bowl or jar, cover them with olive oil, and allow them to sit for three days. The longer they sit the stronger they get.
2. Pour off the oil into another jar and discard the garlic pods (they’re not edible). Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil and stir well. This will help keep the solution from spoiling while you use it.
3. Apply liberally to your pet’s skin as needed until fleas are gone—you can also add some drops directly into their bedding as an insect repellent.
Homemade Garlic Fleas Repellent
This homemade garlic flea repellent is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your pet flea-free.
Ingredients:
- Garlic cloves
- Water
Method:
1. Peel the garlic cloves, and cut them into quarters.
2. Place the garlic pieces in a jar or container with a lid, and add enough water to cover them completely.
3. Seal the container and allow it to sit overnight in a cool place (not in direct sunlight). The next day, strain out the liquid using cheesecloth or another porous material (do not squeeze or press on the garlic). Discard the garlic pieces, but keep the liquid for later use.
4. Spray this solution on your pet’s fur after shampooing them with their favorite pet shampoo—you can also use it as an undercoat spray before baths if you’d like.
List of Fleas Repellent and Where to Buy
When it comes to fleas, there are a lot of different ways you can deal with them. The following is a list of some of the most effective options.
FRONTLINE Plus for Cats and Kittens (1.5 pounds and over) Flea and Tick Treatment, 3 Doses
Price : $38.99
Features :
- Waterproof flea and tick treatment for cats and kittens: Frontline Plus for Cats provides waterproof, fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick treatment and control for your cat. This product is approved for use on cats and kittens 1.5 lbs and over.
- Break the flea life cycle with frontline: Frontline flea and tick treatment for cats kills adult fleas plus flea eggs and larvae to stop existing infestations and prevent establishment of new infestations.
- Kills fleas and ticks: Frontline flea and tick treatment for cats kills fleas, flea eggs, lice, and ticks. This flea and tick treatment kills ticks, including those that may transmit Lyme disease.
- Trusted flea and tick protection for cats: Frontline Plus for Cats has been trusted by veterinarians for nearly 20 years. Made with 2 tough killing ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene – one to kill adult fleas and ticks and the second to kill flea eggs and larvae – this fast-acting, long-lasting protection provides flea and tick control for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older.
- Lasting flea and tick protection: Frontline’s long-lasting formula is stored in the oil glands of the cat’s skin to give non-stop flea and tick protection for a full 30 days. Frontline flea and tick treatment for cats works non-stop for a full 30 days. A 3-dose supply lasts for 3 months.
Additional Info :
| Color | Green |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 0.5 Inches |
| Width | 4.5 Inches |
| Length | 6 Inches |
| Weight | 0.07054792384 Pounds |
Safer Brand 51703 OMRI Listed Diatomaceous Earth – Ant, Roach, Bedbug, Flea, Silverfish, Earwig, & Crawling Insect Killer
Price : $9.47 ($0.14 / Ounce)
Features :
- Say Goodbye to Bugs – Kills a variety crawling insects including roaches, ants, fleas, silverfish, earwigs, bedbugs, and more
- Attracts and Kills – Made from diatomaceous earth and selected baits, this powder causes insects to dehydrate and die within 48 hours after contact
- Mechanical Killer – Unlike many traditional chemical insecticides, insects cannot build an immunity to diatomaceous earth
- Use Where Insects Hide – DE can be used indoors or outdoors. Apply in cracks and crevices, along baseboards, or create a barrier around entry points
- Peace of Mind – This powder is OMRI Listed and compliant for use in organic gardening so you can use it without worry
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4.2 Inches |
| Width | 10.8 Inches |
| Length | 15.6 Inches |
| Weight | 4.2 Pounds |
SALLYE ANDER No-Bite-Me Natural Bug & Insect Repellent & Anti Itch Cream – Safe for Kids and Infants – Repels Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Fleas, and Ticks – 2 oz
Price : $14.95 ($7.48 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- ALL IN ONE REPELLENT AND ANTI-ITCH: “No-Bite-Me” DOES IT ALL Forgot to apply “No-Bite-Me” and got some bug bites? No problem: it’s an anti-itch cream too. Other creams make you choose between repelling bugs and treating uncomfortable bug bites, but “No-Bite-Me” prevents and repairs bug-bombed skin. Effective on black flies, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
- KEEPS BUGS AWAY NATURALLY: Our proprietary blend of 16 essential oils, including cedar, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass, create the strong minty and herbaceous scent that helps keep bugs at bay for up to 4 HOURS – while ensuring your sensitive skin is safe and healthy.
- SAFE FOR CHILDREN: “No-Bite-Me” is a completely safe, natural bug repellent. It’s easy to apply – just dot on exposed skin and blend in. No mess. No fuss. Deet free to protect even the smallest adventurers.
- FULL SIZE FOR BEST VALUE: Our 8oz tin of “No-Bite-Me” cream is amazing for the seasoned traveler. Throw a tin in your backpack, or keep it handy when camping. One tin provides plenty of relief for you and the whole family.
- SALLYE ANDER PROMISE: When you buy Sallye Ander products, you can rest assured knowing you are supporting a company committed to quality and the environment. All products are 100% handmade in the USA from organic locally sourced ingredients, and we’re completely cruelty-free
Additional Info :
| Color | Clear |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 Inches |
| Width | 3 Inches |
| Length | 3 Inches |
| Weight | 0.13 Pounds |
First Saturday Lime 20lb
Price : $32.99 ($0.10 / Ounce)
Features :
- As seen on Shark Tank, April 10th 2020 on ABC. Same day Priority Mail shipping on orders place before 2pm CST Mon-Sat. Monthly Eco-Friendly Insect Barrier – The healthy alternative to pesticides. Pour around the base of your home once a month for easy, safe, effective insect control.
- Preferred by customers who want a non-silica based solution. Removes and prevents algae from ponds and birdbaths.
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 17.75587 Inches |
| Width | 13.97635 Inches |
| Length | 5.27558 Inches |
| Weight | 20 Pounds |
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray | Yard Treatment Spray kills Mosquitoes, Fleas, and Ticks with Certified Natural Oils | Plant Safe with Ready-to-Use Hose Attachment | 32 Ounces
Price :
Features :
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE – Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray kills mosquitoes, fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks by contact without harsh chemicals.
- EASY TO USE – Includes ready-to-use hose attachment for quick and easy application on turf, lawns, kennels, patios, and other outside surfaces. Not known to be harmful to trees, shrubs, or flowers.
- CERTIFIED NATURAL OILS – Each steam-distilled essential oil is selected for its potent pest-fighting properties and is 100% Certified Natural and deet free.
- USE FOR UP TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET – Each 32oz concentrate bottle treats up to 5,000 square feet and can be refilled with Vet’s Best Yard and Kennel Spray 96oz Refill.
- MADE IN THE USA: Our products are proudly manufactured in the USA with quality domestic and internationally sourced ingredients.
Additional Info :
| Color | Whites & Tans |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 11.25 Inches |
| Width | 4.75 Inches |
| Length | 2 Inches |
| Weight | 2.4 Pounds |
In Conclusion
The answer to “does garlic repel fleas” is yes. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is an oil that has powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. When applied to the skin of your dog or cat, garlic can help prevent fleas from biting them and spreading disease.
However, there are some downsides to using garlic on your pet: it can cause irritation or even burns if not applied correctly; it’s not always effective at repelling fleas for long periods of time; and it may be unsafe for cats because of their delicate stomachs (cats don’t have as much stomach acid as dogs do). Additionally, if you add some drops of lemon juice to the mixture (this helps kill bacteria), it will also work well as an insect repellent for humans.