Fleas and Ticks: A Smarter, Safer Approach to Prevention

When Summer Arrives, So Do the Pests

Warmer weather means longer walks, camping trips, hikes, and time outdoors with our pets. Unfortunately, it also marks peak season for fleas and ticks.

Mild temperatures and humidity create ideal breeding conditions for these parasites, and once they appear, they can be frustrating to deal with—both on your pet and in your home.

Many conventional flea and tick products rely on strong chemical pesticides. While these products can be effective, they’re not without risk. For pet owners looking for safer, lower-toxicity alternatives, prevention starts with understanding the enemy—and choosing smarter tools.

Understanding Fleas

(The Home Invaders)

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects designed for one thing: survival.

They:

• Live in fur, bedding, carpets, and furniture

• Feed on blood

• Lay eggs rapidly and in large numbers

One important detail many people miss:
The fleas you see on your pet represent only a small fraction of the total infestation.

Roughly:

• ~5% adult fleas (on your pet)

• ~95% eggs, larvae, and pupae (in the environment)

That’s why treating the pet and the environment matters.

Understanding Ticks (The Hitchhikers)

Ticks are parasitic arachnids that must feed on blood to survive. Unlike fleas, ticks don’t jump or fly—they wait.

They locate hosts by sensing:

• Body heat

• Carbon dioxide

• Vibration and movement

Once attached, ticks embed their mouthparts and feed slowly over time. Prompt, proper removal is essential to reduce the risk of irritation or disease transmission.

Tick-borne illnesses vary by region. In urban areas, risk may be lower, while rural or forested regions can pose higher exposure—especially during spring and summer.

Prevention First: Why It Matters Most

Treating an infestation is always harder than preventing one.

Many conventional preventatives are applied topically or given orally and contain insecticides designed to kill parasites through neurological disruption. These products must be dosed precisely and can cause adverse reactions in some pets.

Because of this, many pet owners choose to explore lower-toxicity, natural prevention strategies—especially for routine exposure and mild to moderate risk environments.

The most effective approach is layered prevention, not reliance on a single product.

Natural & Low-Toxicity

Prevention Options

Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade Only)

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder made from fossilized diatoms.

How it works:

• Damages the waxy outer layer of insects

• Causes dehydration through mechanical action

• No chemical toxicity involved

Food-grade DE can be used:

• On pet bedding

• In carpets and cracks

• In outdoor resting areas

For this purpose, we recommend Carnivore Care Diatomaceous Earth, a human food-grade product suitable for use around pets when applied correctly. It’s particularly effective as part of an environmental prevention strategy, which is critical when addressing fleas—since most of the flea population lives off the pet, not on them.

Diatomaceous earth is best used consistently during warmer months and paired with other preventative measures for optimal results.

Essential-Oil Based Repellents

(Topical & Environmental)

Plant-based repellents can be very effective when used consistently and correctly.

Essential-oil based sprays—such as Black Sheep Organics Off-Leash Spray—work by making your pet and their environment less attractive to fleas and ticks.

These products:

• Repel rather than poison

• Can be applied before walks, hikes, or outdoor play

• Are best used preventatively, not after infestation

They’re ideal for:

• Daily outdoor exposure

• Camping and hiking

• Dogs frequently in grassy or wooded areas

As with all essential-oil products, proper dilution and species-appropriate use is important—especially around cats.

Nutrition’s Role in Overall Resilience

Diet alone will not “repel” fleas or ticks—but nutrition plays a meaningful role in overall skin health, immune balance, and resilience.

Pets eating fresh, species-appropriate diets often show:

• Healthier skin and coat

• Stronger barrier function

• Improved immune regulation

Ultra-processed diets can contribute to chronic inflammation and skin issues, which may make pets more susceptible to irritation once bitten.

Nutrition isn’t a standalone flea solution—but it’s a foundational piece of long-term health.

What Natural Prevention

Can—and Can’t—Do

It’s important to be honest and realistic.

Natural prevention:

• Works best before infestations

• Requires consistency

• Is ideal for mild to moderate exposure

• Can significantly reduce parasite load

Natural prevention may not be sufficient:

• During heavy infestations

• In high-risk geographic areas

• When disease exposure is significant

In these cases, working with a veterinarian to assess risk is always appropriate.

This isn’t about ideology—it’s about informed choice.

Practical Tips That Make a Big Difference

• Check your pet after walks (especially ears, neck, armpits, groin)

• Wash bedding regularly during warm months

• Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently

• Use repellents before outdoor exposure

• Rotate prevention strategies seasonally

Small habits add up.

The Takeaway: Safer Doesn’t Mean Less Effective

Fleas and ticks are part of life—but heavy chemical exposure doesn’t have to be.

For many pets and families, a layered, lower-toxicity approach offers effective protection with greater peace of mind.

Start with prevention.
Support overall health.
Adjust based on risk—not fear.

And if you’re unsure where to begin, guidance matters.

Need Help Choosing the Right Approach?

Flea and tick prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you have questions about natural options, environmental control, or how to tailor prevention to your pet’s lifestyle, we’re always happy to help.