Safer Flea And Tick Control

Surveys show upward of 50 percent of American families use some kind of flea and tick control product on pets, subjecting millions of children to toxic chemicals daily.

The active substance in most of these products is likely one of seven common organophosphate insecticides (OPs), which work by interfering with the transmission of nerve signals in the brains and nervous systems of not just insects—most that die on the spot—but to a lesser degree in pets and humans as well. While it would certainly take an awful lot of exposure to OPs to affect adult humans, no one is sure how the chemicals might affect children or those with pre-existing nerve disorders. Initial research also shows that thousands of pets may be sickened or die each year as a result of chronic low-dose exposure to OPs through their flea and tick collars.

Natural Resources Defense Council tested nearly 125 products and found less than 24 that don’t contain harmful chemical compounds. Stripe-On formulations from Adams, Breakthru, Demize, and Scratchex got high marks for low toxicity, while tabs (pills) from Comfortis, Program, and Sentinel also made the safety grade. Hartz offers Spot-On, Advanced Care, and Ultra Guard for cats and kittens. These products rely on insect growth regulators, which arrest the growth and development of young fleas, rather than pesticides to kill fleas. Even these safer formulations contain chemicals, so use with caution.

Essential oils from cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, or thyme, when used sparingly, have been shown to keep fleas and ticks away from pets and their favorite haunts.

Frequent washing and combing of pets and vacuuming carpets and furniture can bring mild flea infestations under control and help avoid outbreaks altogether.

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