As summer bakes our northern latitudes, fleas, ticks and “skeeters” swarm yards and public parks primed for a blood feast upon us or our pets.
Deflector shields up! However, not all insecticides and repellants are safe for plants and animals. We may not always know what products are used in public green spaces. But we can choose what’s sprayed on our property and on our person — and which internal and external repellants are best for our pets.
Let’s start on the broadest front: lawns and yards. Several red-flag chemicals should be avoided at all costs. Carbamate-based insecticides, d-Limonene, Methoxichlor, and Pyrethrins or Pyrethroids can be poisonous to pets if ingested. Symptoms may be pervasive and intense and can be gastrointestinal (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), neurological (tremors, seizures, convulsions), cognitive (paranoia, agitation) and autonomic (increased heart rate, difficulty breathing) in nature. Immediate emergency attention is indicated. Lesser symptoms include drooling and gagging.
Eco-conscious products are naturally-based and many are DIY. Active ingredients may include cedar, eucalyptus, neem or citrus oils; salt and garlic sprays, and hot pepper wax. The siliceous quality of diatomaceous earth dries out and kills harmful insects while remaining kind to pets and humans. Some say the effects are magnified when combined with chili pepper or powder.
In choosing a shelf product, consult the Natural Resources Defense Council's GreenPaws Product Guide. Other practical steps may cut down or eliminate the need for an external remedy entirely.
Fleas and ticks thrive in moist, dense, shady areas. Give the lawn a buzz-cut. Trim overgrown hedges and bushes. Yank the weeds. This gives pests less surface area in which to hide and multiply. Nematodes are small, wormlike insects that like to eat fleas. While some species can damage plants, others are benign to flora. Such varieties can be found in home improvement stores. Follow package directions.
To scout for fleas, slip on a pair of long, white socks and tromp through the yard. The dark fleas will contrast against the white socks and highlight areas demanding the most attention.
The other battlefront: ours and our pet’s bodies. Several topical flea and tick remedies for dogs are laced with possible carcinogens and nervous-system toxins like fipronil, permethrin, pyrethrins, or imidacloprid. Wondercide, a plant-based alternative, has garnered positive reviews and purports to kill 98-100% of fleas and ticks (and to repel mosquitos). Cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint and rosemary scents are available. Oral medications for pets are another alternative. Factors to consider when selecting a treatment include the dog’s age, overall health, coat type, lifestyle and geographical location.
Clothing can be an effective shield for humans hiking with their dogs in the wild. Long-sleeve shirts and long pants tucked inside tube-style socks could very well sack that “cling-on” invasion. Should an unwelcome hitchhiker latch on to us or our pet, follow these simple steps to dislodge them.
Some communities have rallied to force lawmakers to ban toxic pesticides used in public parks. On Earth Day of this year, the New York City Council passed legislation restricting pesticide ingredients only to those permitted under federal organic standards. Other cities have followed suit.
We can make yards and parks safe and healthy places to play.