Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies are a serious threat to the health of dogs and cats. These parasites annoy and weaken our animals with their bites and can transmit diseases or trigger allergic dermatitis.

Essential oils are plant extracts obtained by pressing from leaves, fruits or even from the whole plant. Thanks to their intense scent, you can use them to create an odor barrier that helps keep biting parasites away.

But what plants have these characteristics, and how are they used?

Neem
Neem is a tree native to India and Burma. Insects hate the aroma of neem, so much so that this plant is the only one to survive during locust invasions. The essential oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds and has aromatic activities.

Manuka
Manuka is a shrub that grows in New Zealand, a relative of our myrtle, characterized by beautiful white or pink flowers. Their scent is an irresistible attraction for bees and manuka honey is very valuable, since this plant is grown without using any pesticides that are harmful to health. In fact, manuka leaves contain essential oils, which protect them naturally from harmful bacteria and insects.

Cloves
Cloves are especially famous for their use in cooking. But did you know that keeping a bag of it in the closet helps keep moths and other insects away?

Also in this case the credit goes to the smell of these buds, from which an essential oil can be obtained.

Origan
Let’s stay in the kitchen to talk about oregano! In addition to being a delicious condiment, oregano contains an essential oil with beneficial properties.