You’re petting your dog when all of a sudden you see one! A tiny flea jumps on your hand! Don’t panic, fleas are a natural part of pet ownership. Yet not treating you cat or dog when infested with fleas can lead to several health issues (i.e., infection, anemia, etc.). You’ll also want to prevent flea infestations in the future. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to banish fleas for good. You can go the traditional route, enlisting store-bought products like flea collars, flea sprays and powders.

However, many pet owners are seeking a more natural way to eradicate fleas on their pets and in their homes. The following natural flea prevention tips are free of any chemicals or potential side effects to your precious pet and your entire family:

1. Lemon

If there’s one thing fleas hate almost more than anything else, it’s citric acid, which means lemon juice is an effective way to treat and eradicate fleas. Plus, lemon juice is safe for use on cats and dogs. Simply prepare a clean spray bottle with steeped lemon juice and water. Be sure it’s cool before application. Spritz gently over your pet’s fur making sure to avoid the nose and eyes before he or she ventures outside. You can also use lemon juice in flea infested laundry, cat or dog bed and carpeting.

2. Plants for flea prevention

Many of the natural flea sprays and powders that you’ll buy at a health food store already contain many plant extracts that naturally repel fleas. For instance, you can plant the following around your yard where your dog or cat plays, as well as surrounding front and back doorways to decoratively and preventatively to deter fleas from making the trip inside your house on your cat or dog’s coat:

• Catnip
• Geranium
• Sage
• Basil
• Rosemary
• Lemongrass or lemonbalm
• Peppermint

3. Apple cider vinegar

While you may use apple cider vinegar (ACV) to treat skin conditions, like eczema, and to improve digestive health (due to the probiotics within), ACV is also a potent insect repellant, specifically for fleas. So prepare a clean spray bottle with equal parts lukewarm water and ACV to spritz over your pet’s coat before they play in the yard or at the dog park. You can also use this mixture paired with a flea comb to remove any fleas and eggs from your pet’s fur safely.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda may be good for baking, but it’s also a great carpet powder for flea removal. If you find a carpeted area of your home that’s infested, simply sprinkle baking soda on the carpeting. Use a stiff brush to first uproot, and then vacuum fleas away for good. Just be sure to go and empty the vacuum outside of your home immediately, so they don’t move back in.