What's the best way to avoid a flea infestation? To not have them in the first place! Prevention is always the best option. A clean pet, with clean bedding and in a recently vacuumed house is much less likely to get fleas.

A good way to prevent fleas is a natural flea collar. Some essential oils have antibacterial properties, which can prevent or even kill fleas. Try popping a few drops of lavender, lemon or cedar essential oil on your dog’s collar. If you don't want to put it straight on your pet’s collar, a fabric or ribbon tie or a bandana can be a fashionable alternative. Test a little of your mix diluted on your pet’s skin before putting it on their collar. Reapply every week to keep fleas away!

Another option is a preventative spray. This is an all over spray for your pet, so more of a last resort for cats! As an added bonus it will keep their coat shiny and glossy. A lemon water spray can be made by boiling water and pouring it over chopped lemon, leave it to infuse and cool for a few hours before putting in a spray bottle. Another option is Alternatively, try a cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with a litre of fresh water. Add some lavender or cedar oil for an extra kick and nice smell. Spray your pet lightly and use a cloth to get around their neck and ears. Spray in favourite sleeping spots around the house for extra protection!

Signs your pet has fleas

• Scratching, itching, biting or chewing the skin
• Red pimples or bumps on its belly, groin area
• Skin sores
• Hair loss

If it's too late for prevention, a natural flea dip is the way to go! Go for four parts water to one part active, boiled and allowed to infuse and cool completely. Test your mix on your pet before putting them in the tub! A good choice is the citrus mix. The lemon has been shown to kill or deter the fleas. Another choice is water infused with rosemary, prepared in the same way as the lemon. Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, keeping away fleas and soothing your pet’s itchy and angry skin.

If your pet isn't keen on a bath, use the same formulation above but apply with a flea comb. Slowly and carefully work your way through all your pet’s hair. Don't miss a single spot! Fleas can hide and reproduce all over again before you know it. Animals not keen on sitting still for a comb can be sponged but it's not as effective at catching all the fleas in the comb.

Once you know there are fleas in your house it's time to treat to the carpet. On top of regular cleaning, sprinkle table salt all through your carpet, rugs and furniture. It works by attaching itself to the fleas and their larvae, killing them over time. You'll need to leave it for at least a week to be effective or a new wave of hatchlings will take over.

Natural treatments are great to treat fleas but take precautions to make sure they don't irritate your pet’s skin. If you're regular and persistent with the treatments they can be an effective way to treat fleas. If the natural route isn’t working for you, be prepared to have a chat with your veterinarian or local pet supplier for an alternative way to say farewell to your fur baby’s fleas!