The highly aromatic fennel plant is a natural flea repellent.
Native to Asia Minor and southern Europe, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a celerylike plant grown for its use as a stimulating scent, flavoring, herbal medication and insect repellent. All parts of the fragrant fennel are highly aromatic. Folklore medicine advises to "plant fennel near the kennel" to repel fleas without the use of toxic chemical pesticides. This traditional method is also endorsed by the National Safety Council, which recommends the herb as a safe alternative to toxic chemicals and suggests placing dried fennel in pet beds to repel fleas.
Description
Bronze fennel presents a strong, flea-repelling aroma.
Cultivated in the United States, fennel, also known as sweet fennel, fenkel or wild fennel, grows to a height of approximately 3 to 4 feet. Fennel plants present finely divided leaves that are linear or awl shaped. The leaves are soft and feathery. Gray-colored compound umbels present small, light yellow flowers. The fruit or seed are oblong, green or yellow-brown in color. The seeds exhibit five prominent dorsal ridges. The tiny seeds have a flavor similar to anise, slightly sweet with a bitter aftertaste. Fennel is rich in vitamin A and is used to flavor soups, sausages and sauces.
Flea-Fighting Features
Traditionally, organic gardeners have planted fennel near dog kennels and horse stables to repel fleas. Dried fennel, placed inside a dog house or used within the stuffing of dog beds, is effective in deterring flea infestations. A word of warning: Fleas aren't the only things repelled by fennel. Allelopathic fennel is not friendly to most garden plants. Fennel causes plants to bolt or inhibits their growth. It actually kills many other plants in close proximity. Dill is the only garden plant that is compatible with fennel.
Powder Form
An effective flea powder can be made from dried, crushed fennel. Grind fennel to a fine powder in an electric blender or coffee grinder. Store it in an air-tight container. Sprinkle the powder on the coat of your pet after bathing it with an organic pet shampoo containing fennel. You can also simmer fennel in water and use the cooled water as a rinse for dog and cat baths.
Fennel and Horses
Fennel added to bedding straw is beneficial in repelling fleas and flies that are bothersome to horses and livestock. Fennel, planted around corrals, horse barns and stables, repels fleas and prevents infestation. Sprinkle dried fennel on horse blankets.
Related posts
Dogs cannot reduce their body temperature as effectively as humans, and this can pose a dangerous situation for them.Dogs, unlike humans, do not have many sweat glands. This reduces their ability...
Scientists are searching for sustitutes to natural resources in the earth.The Earth is filled with natural elements and even ancient civilizations took notice of the benefits of using these elemen...
Ticks live in tall grasses in large numbers, and jump off onto any warm-blooded creature that wanders by. These small insects make their living by sinking their jaws into an animal's skin and suck...
Natural Habitat of DogsDogs are a domesticated animal generally incapable of living in the wild. Most dogs have been bred to be companion animals and no longer know hunt or assimilate to the wolf...
Provide shady kennel areas for white-haired dogs to prevent sunburn.Creating a safe, comfortable, dog-friendly environment in your back yard requires that you understand both landscaping and canin...
