Six plants that repel the pests that bug your pets

  • By Betsey Mullen Everett Animal Shelter volunteer
  • Wednesday, March 4, 2015 1:41pm
  • LifeFur and Feathers

It has been a really mild winter for us in the Great Northwest. While that has meant a lot more opportunities to take Fido hiking this winter, it also means that we have not had the freezing temperature we usually get to kill off those pesky ticks and fleas. And have you heard the mosquito forecast for this year? They are saying we will not only be seeing more, but bigger, mosquitoes this summer thanks to our milder temperatures.

Fleas and ticks not only cause itching and discomfort for your pet, they can also transmit diseases. So what can you do to protect your pet against these pesky pests?

Ever think about planting your garden with plants that can help deter fleas, ticks and other pests, naturally?

Below are my six favorite plants to have in the yard to help repel fleas and ticks:

  • Sage: considered a natural flea repellent, sage can also be used for cooking. There are many varieties to choose from.
  • Mint: all varieties will help repel fleas, so you can have fun with lots of different mints. Tip: keep different varieties away from each other so they do not cross-pollinate. Mints are very invasive. You can plant them in pots and then plant the pots in the ground or put them on your patio to keep them confined to one area. Plant mint with your tomatoes and cabbages to help get rid of white flies and aphids. You can also use a few mint leaves to flavor your water or you can chew on them to freshen your breath.
  • Lavender: this plant is also a member of the mint family. It is generally regarded as safe for pets, smells wonderful, and for do-it-yourselfers can be used to scent soaps, make sachets, and flavor your food and water. Check the variety as not all varieties work well for all applications.
  • Rosemary: this evergreen herb bush grows well in our area. Besides being known for repelling fleas and ticks, this plant is also said to repel mosquitoes and flies. Another plus, you can use it to flavor your spaghetti sauce and other dishes!
  • Catmint: (In a study at Iowa State University, researchers found that the essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, is 10 times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellents) But be careful, you will have all of the cats in the neighborhood visiting your catnip patch!
  • Lemongrass: smells wonderful, and can be used to repel fleas and mosquitoes. Lemongrass is also used in some dishes to add a little lemon flavor.

Besides planting these in your yard or in pots on your patio, you can also sprinkle dried or fresh leaves in your pet’s bedding or under your furniture or put them in sachets and place the sachet packets in different areas in your home.

While these plants are generally regarded as safe for both cats and dogs, keep an eye on your pets for any reactions and know what plants they have been around so you can let your veterinarian know if you suspect a problem.

Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter: Plan a visit today, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and check out all of our adoptable pets: www.everettanimalservices.org. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel: www.youtube.com/thecityofEverett.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Sarah Jean Muncey-Gordon puts on some BITCHSTIX lip oil at Bandbox Beauty Supply on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bandbox Beauty was made for Whidbey Island locals, by an island local

Founder Sarah Muncey-Gordon said Langley is in a renaissance, and she’s proud to be a part of it.

A stroll on Rome's ancient Appian Way is a kind of time travel. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves on the Appian Way, Rome’s ancient superhighway

Twenty-nine highways fanned out from Rome, but this one was the first and remains the most legendary.

Byrds co-founder Roger McGuinn, seen here in 2013, will perform April 20 in Edmonds. (Associated Press)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

R0ck ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn, frontman of The Byrds, plans a gig in Edmonds in April.

Mother giving in to the manipulation her daughter fake crying for candy
Can children be bribed into good behavior?

Only in the short term. What we want to do is promote good habits over the course of the child’s life.

Speech Bubble Puzzle and Discussion
When conflict flares, keep calm and stand your ground

Most adults don’t like dissension. They avoid it, try to get around it, under it, or over it.

The colorful Nyhavn neighborhood is the place to moor on a sunny day in Copenhagen. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves: Embrace hygge and save cash in Copenhagen

Where else would Hans Christian Andersen, a mermaid statue and lovingly decorated open-face sandwiches be the icons of a major capital?

Last Call is a festured artist at the 2024 DeMiero Jazz Festival: in Edmonds. (Photo provided by DeMiero Jazz Festival)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz ensemble Last Call is one of the featured artists at the DeMiero Jazz Festival on March 7-9 in Edmonds.

Kim Helleren
Local children’s author to read at Edmonds Bookshop

Kim Helleren will read from one of her books for kids at the next monthly Story Time at Edmonds Bookshop on March 29.

Chris Elliott
Lyft surprises traveler with a $150 cleaning charge

Jared Hakimi finds a $150 charge on his credit card after a Lyft ride. Is that allowed? And will the charge stick?

Inside Elle Marie Hair Studio in Smokey Point. (Provided by Acacia Delzer)
The best hair salon in Snohomish County

You voted, we tallied. Here are the results.

The 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV has room for up to six or seven passengers, depending on seat configuration. (Photo provided by Kia)
Kia’s all-new EV9 electric SUV occupies rarified air

Roomy three-row electric SUVs priced below 60 grand are scarce.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD (Photo provided by Toyota)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD

The compact SUV electric vehicle offers customers the ultimate flexibility for getting around town in zero emission EV mode or road-tripping in hybrid mode with a range of 440 miles and 42 mile per gallon fuel economy.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.