[MalteseAngels]

I have been looking for natural way to keep fleas and ticks off my dogs and I read that using essential oils (must used therapeutic grade) does a great job doing that. Here is what I read:

1) Lavender - A sweet-smelling, all-purpose insect repellent, lavender essential oil performed well in recent studies as both a tick deterrent and a method of preventing tick eggs from hatching. Additionally, Ohio State University recommends it for controlling fleas. A 2007 South African study found that formulas containing diluted lavender at rates of 10 to 20 percent lavender performed well as tick repellents when compared artificial DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) sprays.

2) Citronella - Oil of citronella naturally repels insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, fleas and ticks, therefore, preventing bites. Citronella oil is a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical insect repellents such as DEET , therefore, is usually the preferred choice. A combination of the citronella oil and cedarwood oil also helps to repel mosquitoes.

3) Cedar - A wonderfully fragrant oil that provides a pheromone interruption agent that impairs the insects mental capacity and repels them.

4) Peppermint - An oil high in menthol - it repels fleas, spiders and even mice.

5) Eucalyptus - While better known for its anti bacterial properties it is a great natural pest deterrent as well.

6) Lemongrass - Deters fleas and especially tick. According to Ohio State University. Lemongrass oil contains a pleasing citrus scent that is useful in controlling oily scalps and skin conditions, making it suitable for use on dogs with skin conditions in lotion, spray, soap and shampoo formulas.

Has anyone used any of these oils mixed with distilled water and sprayed it on their dogs instead of using the chemical ones like frontline plus? If so, was it really effective? I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!